Question 1

What does it mean that the Lord looks on the heart in this passage?

Accepted Answer

When God tells Samuel not to look at Eliab’s height or appearance, He explains that people tend to judge by what they can see on the outside, but God looks on the heart. This means God cares most about a person’s inner life, their love for Him, their honesty, and their willingness to obey. David was the youngest and a simple shepherd, not the one people would expect, yet God saw a heart that trusted Him. This teaches us not to be fooled by appearance, status, or skill, but to value inner character.

Question 2

Why did God reject Saul and choose David instead?

Accepted Answer

Saul had already been told that God rejected him as king because he did not obey God’s commands. In this chapter, God tells Samuel to stop mourning for Saul and go anoint a new king from Jesse’s sons. God says, “I have provided me a king,” showing this new king would fit God’s will, not just the people’s wishes. David is chosen not because he is perfect, but because God sees his heart and intends to use him. Saul’s story warns about disobedience, while David’s anointing shows God’s right to choose and replace leaders.

Question 3

Why was Samuel afraid to anoint David if Saul might kill him?

Accepted Answer

Samuel knew that anointing another king while Saul was still ruling could be seen as rebellion. He honestly tells God, “If Saul hear it, he will kill me.” This shows that even a faithful prophet felt real fear in dangerous times. God does not rebuke Samuel for being afraid, but gives him a wise way to go: he is to take a heifer and say he has come to sacrifice. This was true, and it allowed Samuel to obey without stirring open conflict. It shows that obedience may involve risk, and that God can guide His people with both courage and prudence.

Question 4

What is the significance of David being the youngest and a shepherd?

Accepted Answer

David is not even called at first when Jesse’s sons stand before Samuel. He is out keeping the sheep, the kind of lowly work the family could easily overlook. Samuel has to ask, “Are here all thy children?” before David is brought in. God’s choice of the youngest shepherd teaches that He often works through those others ignore or consider unimportant. It also fits with the lesson that God looks on the heart, not rank or birth order. David’s humble shepherd life would shape his care for God’s people later, but here we mainly see that God lifts up the lowly according to His own purpose.

Question 5

What happens when Samuel anoints David with oil?

Accepted Answer

When Samuel pours oil on David’s head in front of his brothers, it marks David out as God’s chosen king, even though he will not take the throne right away. The passage says that from that day on, the Spirit of the Lord came upon David. This means God’s power and help rested on him for the tasks ahead. At the same time, the Spirit of the Lord departs from Saul. The outward act of anointing is a sign of an inner calling and equipping. It shows that true strength for leadership comes from God’s Spirit, not from human size, experience, or position.

Question 6

What does it mean that an evil spirit from the Lord troubled Saul?

Accepted Answer

The wording here can be hard to understand. It says the Spirit of the Lord left Saul and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him. This does not mean God became evil, but that, in judgment, He allowed a troubling spirit to afflict Saul once His favor and protection were withdrawn. Saul’s inner life becomes restless and dark. His servants can see that something is wrong and connect it with God. They look for a musician to bring relief. This shows the seriousness of losing God’s favor and how turning from Him can lead to inner torment and confusion.

Question 7

Why did David’s harp playing help Saul when he was troubled?

Accepted Answer

Saul’s servants suggest finding someone skilled on the harp so that when the evil spirit troubles Saul, the music will calm him. David is chosen because he can play well and is known as brave, wise, and someone the Lord is with. When David plays, Saul is refreshed, feels better, and the evil spirit departs for a time. Music does not fix Saul’s deeper spiritual problem, but it brings temporary relief and shows how God can use simple gifts, like music, to bring peace in dark moments. It also quietly brings David into Saul’s court in God’s timing.

Question 8

How does this passage show the difference between Saul and David?

Accepted Answer

In this chapter the contrast is clear. Saul has the kingdom outwardly, but the Spirit of the Lord leaves him and he is troubled. David is still a young shepherd, unknown and unlikely, but he is anointed and the Spirit of the Lord comes upon him. Saul grows fearful and unstable, needing help from others. David quietly serves, first among the sheep and then in Saul’s court as a harpist and armourbearer. One is being set aside, the other is being prepared. The difference lies in God’s favor and in the kind of heart God chooses to work with.

Question 9

How can the message that God looks on the heart apply to my life today?

Accepted Answer

This passage challenges the way we judge ourselves and others. We often focus on appearance, talent, age, or success. God’s words to Samuel remind us that He sees the heart. In practice, this means we should care more about honesty, faith, and obedience than about image. It also comforts those who feel unnoticed or too ordinary. God saw David in the fields when his own family did not think to call him. In the same way, God sees you where you are. The call is to seek a heart that pleases Him, trusting that He knows how to place and use you.

1 Samuel 16:1

And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.

Samuel Anoints David

Samuel Goes to Bethlehem

David Anointed

David Serves Saul

Samuel Anoints David

Samuel Goes to Bethlehem

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1 Samuel 16:1

And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.

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Samuel Anoints David

Samuel Goes to Bethlehem

David Anointed

David Serves Saul

Samuel Anoints David

Samuel Goes to Bethlehem

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