The Eight Sons of Jesse
|
Samuel invited Jesse and his sons to the sacrifice at Bethlehem.
“When the sacrifice was ended, and before partaking of the offering feast, Samuel began his prophetic inspection of the noble-appearing sons of Jesse. Eliab was the eldest, and more nearly resembled Saul for stature and beauty than the others. His comely features and finely developed form attracted the attention of the prophet.” But Eliab did not fear the Lord and would be a proud, exacting ruler. God was looking for a teachable spirit that could be guided into righteous obedience. “It is the inner worth, the excellency of the heart; that determines our acceptance with the Lord of hosts.” In rapid succession, Eliab, Abinadab, Shammah, and four other sons passed before the prophet, yet he received no sign any of these was chosen of the Lord. Samuel was perplexed. “And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither” (1 Samuel 16:11).
David arrived and stood before the prophet, wondering why he had been called.
“And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he” (v. 12).
David “had filled the humble office of shepherd with such faithfulness and courage that God selected him to be captain of his people. . . . “The angel of God signified to Samuel that David was the one for him to anoint, for he was God’s chosen. From that time the Lord gave David a prudent and understanding heart.” The anointing ceremony was carried out in secrecy. Only David’s family knew. And David, unshaken by his high position, simply returned to his lonely task of guarding the sheep. “For many be called, but few chosen” (Matthew 20:16).
An intimate knowledge of God and a teachable spirit prepare one for service.
