David Anointed King

I Samuel 16:1-5, 11-18

GOLDEN TEXT: “Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”—I Samuel 16:7

WHEN sent to anoint David, Samuel exhibited a power not elsewhere noticeable in his character. He did not hesitate to perform the Lord’s bidding, but intimated that he clearly understood that it meant the risk of his own life—that Saul would kill him as a traitor if he should anoint a successor to the kingdom. The Lord made it clear to him that it was not the divine intention to make the matter known at once; that he was to go to Bethlehem and offer a sacrifice there and, at the same time, improve the opportunity of finding and anointing the one who, in due time, would be made known and exalted to the throne.

The command to the people of Bethlehem to sanctify themselves if they would be participators in the blessings of the sacrifice, signified that they were to wash their persons and put on clean clothes and draw nigh to the Lord with their hearts. Thus we may consider them an illustration of the justification and sanctification which the church of the Gospel age enjoys.

Jesse introduced his sons to the prophet in the order of their birth, the eldest first; and as he was of fine appearance Samuel naturally assumed that he was the Lord’s choice. But as he looked to the Lord for direction in the matter he received the response (in what manner we know not) which constitutes the Golden Text of this lesson. Judging from the human standpoint of appearance, age, ability, etc., Eliab was the most suitable person in Jesse’s family to be the king over the nation; but not so in the Lord’s sight. The Lord was looking at the heart and had already selected David as a man after His own heart, although at this time being under age, etc., his father had not thought worthwhile to send for him to be present at the feast.

Our Golden Text appeals to all in connection with the high calling of this Gospel age, and year by year experience has shown us its applicability. We, too, as the Lord’s messengers, are seeking for those to be anointed with the oil of gladness, the Holy Spirit, that they may be kings and priests unto God in the Kingdom about to be established, which will supersede present kingdoms. (Rev. 5:9,10; 20:4) We too, like Samuel, might feel afraid to proceed with this work of anointing the successors of present institutions, did we not realize that the work of sealing the elect of the Lord is a secret work which the world cannot understand. (Rev. 7:2,3; I John 3;1,2) Indeed, none comprehends this matter of sealing, the anointing of the Holy Spirit, except those who receive it, and they are all of the David class.

The name David signifies “beloved,” and as it is applied specially to our Lord and Master of whom it was said by Jehovah, “This is My beloved Son,” so also it applies to all the members of His body, each one of whom must be beloved else he cannot be acceptable as a member. Our Lord and head says of such, “The Father Himself loveth you,” and that we should love one another as He loved us.—John 16:27; 15:12

In seeking for the Lord’s anointed who shall, by and by, reign for the blessing of the world, as antitypes of David, we notice that as David was counted by his brethren too insignificant to be considered in this connection, so also are those whom the Lord is choosing and anointing for the heavenly Kingdom. Our Lord Jesus was disesteemed of His brethren and when he was announced as the Lord’s anointed, His people hid, as it were, their faces from Him—disdained Him and considered him hopeless in respect to anything great or glorious—“as a root out of dry ground.” (Isa. 53:1-3) The same has been true respecting the members of His body, the true, elect church; they also have been despised and rejected of men. Of himself and his associates the apostle declares that such are accounted the “filth” and “offscouring” of the world—fools for “Christ’s sake.”—I Cor. 4:13,10

In this connection we recall our Lord’s words, “I thank Thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou hast hidden these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father; for so it seemed good in Thy sight.” (Matt. 11:25,26) Instructed respecting the Lord’s methods we are not to despise the least, the most ignoble or illiterate of those who give evidence of a purity and honesty of heart toward God. Rather, while making known the message of God’s grace to all. as we have opportunity, we are to rejoice specially with those upon whom the Lord’s favor is manifested, regardless of their earthly position, surroundings, etc.

The blessings and power of the Lord accompanied David’s anointing in some manner—just how we may not understand—but doubtless enabling him to progress in knowledge, etc., and fitting and preparing him for the duties of the office to which he had been anointed. May we not consider as an antitype to this, the anointing which comes upon the church from the time of her acceptance by the Lord? Ours is not a physical anointing, nor are the blessings conferred of a temporal character: it is as new creatures we share in this anointing and as new creatures we grow in grace, and knowledge, and love.

QUESTIONS:

Why is the truth set forth in the Golden Text of this lesson important for Christians to remember?

What does the name David mean, and who is the antitypical David?

What is the difference between David’s anointing and the anointing received by Christians?

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