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SAMUEL’S GRIEF FOR SAUL

Text: 1 Samuel 16
5 May 2009

(I) SAMUEL’S GRIEF FOR SAUL

1. When informed by the Lord of Saul’s disobedience (1 Samuel 15:11d)

2. After meeting up with Saul and God’s word to him was proven correct (1 Samuel 15:35b)

3. Samuel’s continued grief over Saul addressed by God (1 Samuel 16:1)

“Now the LORD said to Samuel, ‘How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel?” 1 Samuel 16:1a

(II) A REPLACEMENT FOUND

“Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.” 1 Samuel 16:1b

1. Provision of another King

2. Identification of the next king of Israel

3. Samuel was to anoint the next king

a) Oil of anointing to be administered

b) Similar act to be performed (Cf. 1 Samuel 10:1- Anointing of Saul)

(III) FEAR OF SAMUEL

“And Samuel said, ‘How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.” 1 Samuel 16:2a

1. A valid fear

2. Reflection of the tyranny of king Saul who ruled by fear

(III) GOD’S ENCOURAGEMENT TO SAMUEL

1. Samuel’s fears allayed

a) Valid for Samuel to make sacrifices anywhere in the land of Israel

b) His right of freedom to fulfil his religious duties cannot be controlled by Saul’s laws

c) Saul would not be able to appreciate the spiritual significance of Samuel’s activities

2. Samuel’s visit to Bethlehem

a) Fear of the elders at the visit of Samuel (1 Samuel 16:4)

b) They were afraid of his role as Judge and Prophet

c) There may also be an underlying fear of king Saul

(IV) THE ANOINTING OF DAVID

1. Special Invitation

Jesse’s family especially invited to a special worship service (1 Samuel 16:5)

2. Parade of the sons of Jesse (1 Samuel 16:6, 8, 9, 10)

a) All the seven sons presented were rejected (1 Samuel 16:10)

b) David was not even considered initially (1 Samuel 16:11)

3. The choosing and anointing of David

a) Basis of Choice (1 Samuel 16:7)

i) Not external features

ii) God looks at the heart

b) Confirmation of Choice (1 Samuel 16:12-13)

i) David identified as the chosen one

ii) He was duly anointed in the presence of Jesse and his sons

iii) The Spirit of God came upon David from that day onwards