| Christian Life and Doctrine | February 1976 |
The Anointing of David
(I Samuel 16:1-13)
SAMUEL, the last of Israel’s judges, had been instructed by the Lord to fill his horn with oil and go to Bethlehem where he should anoint one of Jesse’s sons as Israel’s second king.
Perhaps Samuel had mixed emotions on that occasion as he recalled the divine arrangement by which he had formerly been privileged to serve as their judge. He had been a loyal and faithful judge, and although he had spent his life in self-sacrifice for his people, they became restless and demanded a king. He tried to persuade them, unsuccessfully, that they were better off without a king. However, the Lord said to him, “They have not rejected thee, but me.” Then, reassured, Samuel told his people that their request would be met, and that a king would be anointed under the Lord’s direction.
No doubt Samuel also recalled the circumstances surrounding his anointing of Israel’s first king. When it had come time for the selection of the king he approached the people of Israel and again explained that their desire was unwise, although the Lord would allow them to make the decision as a means of teaching them valuable lessons.
Saul’s large stature as a man made him a likely candidate for a king, and he had already been assured that he was the Lord’s choice in the matter. He was a man of strong character and humble disposition, as indicated in the modesty of hiding himself during the occasion of his selection as king. However, Saul failed to make a full consecration of himself to God, and allowed instead the spirit of selfishness and self-will to hinder his service. He became jealous of others, and was overcome with an evil spirit. (I Sam. 18:10) Had he appreciated his relationship with God and been obedient to his instructions he would have been free from a consciousness of evil.
As a result he was cut off from special guidance, and Samuel no longer went to him to instruct him concerning God’s commandments. He was, instead, informed that the kingdom would be taken from him and his heirs and given to another who was more worthy. “Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.”—I Sam. 15:23
Samuel, understandably concerned about the interests and affairs of his people, arrived in Bethlehem to anoint a new king for Israel from the family of Jesse. As was the custom in those times, Jesse’s eldest son was presented first for the anointing. He was not the Lord’s choice, however, and each of his other sons was presented until seven had passed him by. None of them received the sanction of the Lord. Then, upon inquiry concerning any other sons, David, who was the youngest, was called from the field where he had been tending the sheep. When he was presented to Samuel the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him: for this is he.” Although each of his older brothers had been passed by, David was especially chosen and anointed as Israel’s second king.
David, whose name means “well beloved” was “ruddy and of a beautiful countenance; and goodly to look at” (He had fair eyes—marginal translation). Although he was a mere shepherd boy, the Lord saw in him a countenance of reverence and loving obedience—along with a sense of courage and faith—that would enable him to be a successful leader of the children of Israel.
His brothers did not understand the nature of his selection, and he accepted the anointing with faith that he must wait until the Lord’s “due time” to remove the reins of authority from King Saul, and give them to him.
The scriptural account states that the Spirit of the Lord was with David from the time of his anointing. Rotherham’s translation indicates that the Spirit of the Lord came “mightily” upon him; whereas Leeser’s translation suggests that it came “suddenly.”
In any event David received the Lord’s spirit and protection as a shield from harm and the intrusions of evil that had befallen Saul. His natural tendencies of mind and character lent themselves to the higher principles of truth and righteousness that gave him a proportionately greater advantage over Israel’s first king. And, the experiences which the Lord permitted and arranged to come into his life provided valuable lessons that helped to fit and prepare him for the high office to which he had been chosen.
To those of the present age who have been called to sacrifice and joint-heirship with their Redeemer, there is a deeper meaning and significance in the anointing of King David. The footstep followers of Jesus see that David is representative of the church, Head and body, and that the lessons and events that took place in David’s life are illustrations of our Lord and his bride.
Jesus, like David, was born in Bethlehem in fulfillment of God’s promise that in “due time” he would send forth his Son to be the world’s Redeemer and anointed King. He, too, had a humble position among those of his time, and the worldly-wise, as well as the angels of heaven, were passed by in his selection as “the” anointed One. Jesus’ brethren of the Jewish nation did not understand the full significance of his anointing, and they did not accept him as their Deliverer. Furthermore, Jesus did not begin his reign immediately after being anointed with the Holy Spirit, but waited on his Heavenly Father and his providences to test and prepare him for the great and high office to which he had been chosen.
The same general principles of this lesson apply to the elect church of Christ during the present age, for they too are little known among men and are not highly esteemed in the world. “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.” (I Cor. 1:26) The church, like their Lord, enter the school of Christ to receive lessons and discipline in preparation for the future thousand-year kingdom of Christ in which they will participate in the restitution work then in progress. Neither do they begin their reign at once, but must wait for the “due time.” Likewise, the anointing of the prospective members of the body of Christ is not understood by those of the world with whom they come in contact.
The anointing of David, which was for the purpose of providing him with wisdom and faith, is a beautiful picture of the anointing of Jesus with the Holy Spirit, and similarly the Spirit which was poured upon the church at Pentecost. The lesson assures us that we too should be filled with the Spirit of the Lord, filled with a knowledge of God’s will and a desire to obey his will in our lives. As this spirit is received into good and honest hearts it becomes manifest in the thoughts, words, and actions of the children of God, and helps to fit and prepare them for a position in that wonderful kingdom that is so near at hand.