Over the past few months, we’ve journeyed verse by verse through the book of Galatians, unpacking Paul’s message to the early church. But before Galatians, we were with the Israelites as they journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land. From Old Testament to New Testament and now back again—because, after all, we only have two Testaments!
Now, we turn our focus to one of the most compelling figures in the Old Testament—David. King David’s life was anything but ordinary. Even thousands of years later, his name holds weight—not just for Christians but for Jews and others as well. The Star of David is emblazoned on Israel’s flag. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the people shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David.”
David was a man of contrasts. A mighty warrior who defeated Goliath and led armies, yet a sensitive poet who wept and cried out to God in the Psalms. He was a man of deep faith, trusting God in impossible situations, yet he also failed morally and spiritually. Despite this, David is the only person in the Bible described as “a man after God’s own heart”—and this was said before he had done anything notable.
In this series, we won’t be tracing David’s life chronologically, but thematically. Through various episodes in his life, we’ll reflect on the ways David’s imperfect journey points us to the perfect Savior—Jesus Christ.
The Anointing of David (1 Samuel 16:1-13)
Let’s set the scene. After the time of Moses and Joshua, Israel was led by judges and prophets. Samuel was both prophet and judge, but his sons were corrupt. The people demanded a king like the nations around them. Though God saw this as a rejection of His own kingship, He granted their request and appointed Saul.
Saul was physically impressive—handsome and tall—but failed repeatedly to obey God. As a result, God rejected him as king, and in 1 Samuel 16, He sends Samuel to anoint a new king from the sons of Jesse in Bethlehem.
Samuel arrives in Bethlehem under the guise of offering a sacrifice. Jesse and his sons are invited. One by one, Jesse’s sons pass before Samuel. The first looks kingly, and Samuel thinks, “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed.” But God says no. He reminds Samuel, “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Seven sons pass by, and none are chosen. Confused, Samuel asks, “Are these all the sons you have?” Jesse replies, “There is still the youngest, but he is tending the sheep.”
This reveals a few things:
- David wasn’t even invited. The anointing ceremony was a significant event, yet David was left out in the field.
- His father didn’t think much of him. Jesse’s tone almost excuses David’s absence, as if his sheep-tending was too important to interrupt.
- He was the youngest. In that culture, the eldest son held the position of prominence. David was the last, and by all accounts, the least.
Yet God had chosen him.
Samuel insists that no one will sit down to eat until David arrives. The boy who was forgotten becomes the guest of honor. When David finally enters, God confirms, “This is the one.” Samuel anoints him, and the Spirit of the Lord comes powerfully upon David.
God Works Through the Unlikely
This is God’s way. Again and again, He chooses the unlikely, the overlooked, the least. Jesus, the Son of David, was born in a manger, raised in Nazareth, and worked as a carpenter. Not what the world expected of the Messiah.
Today, you may feel overlooked. Maybe you think you’re not talented enough, not important enough, not spiritual enough. But remember, God sees what others miss. Just as David was chosen while still tending sheep, God can call you in the middle of your ordinary life.
1 John 2:20 says, “But you have been anointed by the Holy One.” You are chosen and anointed—not because of your background, qualifications, or appearance—but because of God’s grace.
So don’t count yourself out. And don’t count others out either. If God can raise a shepherd boy to become king, He can use you to accomplish great things for His kingdom.
You are chosen and anointed. Keep trusting Him. He will work it out.