April 17th | 1 Samuel 16

David Cox • April 17, 2025

Family Worship

SETTING THE SCENE

In the previous chapter, Saul was rejected as king of Israel by God (1 Sam 15:23). Saul’s sin led to God choosing another king, David. The contrast of God’s king, David, and the rejected king, Saul, is twofold. First, Saul was head taller than many men. Large and strong in appearance (1 Sam 9:2). David, however, was the smallest of his brothers and not impressive in outward appearance. Second, Saul had his heart set on himself. He repeatedly followed his heart rather than God (1 Sam 13:12). David, however, sought after God’s heart and humbled himself before God (1 Sam 13:14). The true qualification for king is not outward appearance or leadership abilities. Rather, it is humility to follow after God.

READ & ASK

1 Samuel 16:1 - Is God worried about the future of Israel since Saul has failed as king? (No. God is not lacking in anything. God will provide whatever His people need, even a king).

1 Samuel 16:6-10 - Who did Samuel think God would choose as king? Why? What was God looking for in His king? (He thought it would be Eliab because of his strong appearance and he was the oldest of the sons. Rather, God was looking at the heart, not the outward appearance.)

1 Samuel 16:11-13 - How does the Bible describe David? What happened after Samuel anointed Him? (David was the youngest/smallest, ruddy, and handsome. After he was anointed, the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David.)