1 Samuel 16

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with God instructing Samuel to go to Jesse's house to anoint the next king of Israel, as He has rejected Saul (1 Samuel 16:1). Samuel is hesitant due to Saul's potential response but obeys God's command. Upon arriving, Samuel is impressed by Jesse's eldest son, Eliab, but God tells him not to consider outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:6-7). After passing over seven of Jesse's sons, David, the youngest, is brought before Samuel, and God instructs Samuel to anoint him as the next king (1 Samuel 16:13). The chapter concludes with David playing the lyre for Saul, who is troubled by an evil spirit, and David's rise to prominence in Saul's court (1 Samuel 16:14-23).

Context for the Chapter

This chapter follows the rejection of King Saul due to his disobedience (1 Samuel 15) and precedes David's confrontations with Goliath and his rise to prominence in Israel (1 Samuel 17). It is part of the larger narrative of Israel's transition from the period of judges to the monarchy, with God Himself being the ultimate King and Sovereign. The chapter also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty in choosing and using unlikely individuals for His purposes, a theme that culminates in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Heart Application

The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to cultivate a humble and obedient heart. Just as God looked for these qualities in David, He desires them in His people today. This involves surrendering one's life and plans to God, trusting in His goodness and wisdom, and being willing to serve in whatever capacity He ordains.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about how God chose David, a young man, to be the next king of Israel. God didn't choose him because of how he looked but because of his heart. It teaches us that God is in control and looks for people with humble and obedient hearts to serve Him. As seen in 1 Samuel 16:7, God's focus on the heart is a key principle for believers today.

Voices from the Church

“The Lord looks at the heart, and it is a great comfort to us that He does so, for if He were to look at our actions and our words merely, who among us could stand?”

— Charles Spurgeon

“For it is not the outward appearance that makes the man, but the inward disposition. And so we must learn to look not at the outward man, but at the heart.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to God's Command (1 Samuel 16:1-5) — God instructs Samuel to go to Jesse's house to anoint a new king, as He has rejected Saul. Samuel is hesitant but obeys.
2. The Rejection of Jesse's Sons (1 Samuel 16:6-10) — Samuel considers Jesse's sons, but God rejects them, emphasizing that He looks on the heart, not outward appearance.
3. The Anointing of David (1 Samuel 16:11-13) — David, the youngest son, is anointed by Samuel as the next king of Israel, demonstrating God's sovereign choice.
4. David's Service to Saul (1 Samuel 16:14-23) — David plays the lyre for Saul, who is troubled by an evil spirit, and becomes a prominent figure in Saul's court.
5. Conclusion (1 Samuel 16:14-23) — The chapter concludes with David's rise and Saul's decline, setting the stage for the conflicts between them in the following chapters.

Core Doctrines

God's Sovereignty

This chapter teaches that God is in control of all things, including the selection of leaders. His choices are not based on human criteria but on His own sovereign will (1 Samuel 16:1, 7).

The Importance of the Heart

The heart is central in God's evaluation of individuals. He looks for a humble and obedient heart, as seen in David (1 Samuel 16:7).

Obedience to God's Commands

Samuel's obedience, despite his fears, is a model for believers. It demonstrates the importance of trusting and following God's commands, even when they seem difficult or illogical (1 Samuel 16:1-5).

The Anointing of the Holy Spirit

David's anointing (1 Samuel 16:13) prefigures the anointing of Jesus Christ and the giving of the Holy Spirit to believers, emphasizing the Spirit's role in empowering and equipping God's servants.

Lessons from 1 Samuel 16

1. Trust in God's Sovereignty — This chapter teaches us to trust in God's sovereign choice and timing, even when circumstances seem uncertain or unfavorable.
2. Cultivate a Humble Heart — The emphasis on the heart encourages believers to cultivate humility and obedience, recognizing these as essential qualities for serving God effectively.
3. The Importance of Obedience — Samuel's obedience, despite his fears, models the importance of following God's commands, even when they are challenging or seem to go against human wisdom.
4. God's Grace in Choosing the Unlikely — The selection of David, a young shepherd, to be king illustrates God's grace in choosing and using unlikely individuals for His purposes.
5. The Role of the Holy Spirit — The anointing of David with oil, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, highlights the Spirit's role in empowering and equipping believers for service.

Themes from 1 Samuel 16

1. God's Sovereign Choice — This theme is central, as God chooses David, not based on human criteria, but on His own sovereign will.
2. The Importance of the Heart — The chapter repeatedly emphasizes the heart, highlighting its significance in God's evaluation of individuals and their service to Him.
3. Obedience to God's Commands — Samuel's obedience to God's command, despite his fears, models the importance of trusting and following God's will.
4. Humility and Service — David's humility and willingness to serve are key characteristics that made him an acceptable choice in God's eyes, teaching believers the value of these traits.
5. The Anointing of the Holy Spirit — The anointing of David prefigures the giving of the Holy Spirit to believers, emphasizing the Spirit's role in empowering God's servants.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does this chapter teach about God's sovereignty in choosing leaders?
2. How does the emphasis on the heart in this chapter relate to your own walk with God?
3. What role does obedience play in the story of Samuel and David?
4. How does David's anointing foreshadow the ministry of Jesus Christ?
5. What practical lessons can you apply from this chapter to your life, especially in terms of humility and service?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on 1 Samuel 16

	Sermon	Description
	"a.w. Tozer on Judgment" by Leonard Ravenhill	This sermon delves into the importance of examining our motives behind our actions, emphasizing that we will be judged not just for what we have done but for the reasons and motive
	(1986 Prairie Series) 8 - Biggest Thing God Ever Said by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the preacher discusses how God chooses individuals based on their hearts, rather than their outward appearance or qualifications. The preacher uses the example of D
	The Power of His Resurrection by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the presence of God in every aspect of our lives. He uses the story of David and Goliath to illustrate the p
	Feeding and Leading by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a person of integrity and using one's unique gifts and message in preaching. He encourages preachers to not be imitat
	A Touch From God - Part 1 by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God wholeheartedly, especially in times of turmoil and fear. It highlights the need for individuals to hunger for more of God's pre
	Keys to Mental Health by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the congregation and invites those who are attending for the first time to come forward for individual ministry. He asks them what they want
	The Greatest Sin in the Church by Stephen Olford	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the greatest sin in the Church and aims to uncover what it is. The sermon begins by referencing 1 Samuel 15:22, where Samuel questions the i
	Making of a Man of God by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing a desire to draw closer to God and be broken before Him. He emphasizes that even in the midst of trials and confusion, God is at w
	A Heart After God Is Better Than Skils by K P Yohannan by K.P. Yohannan	This sermon shares a powerful testimony from Tripura, India, where the love of Christ transformed warring tribes into brothers and sisters, uniting them in faith. It highlights the
	Overcoming the Voices of Fear by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of David and his experience in a cave with his followers. The speaker emphasizes the power of praise and worship in magnifying the

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Samuel 16

This chapter is a beautiful illustration of God's sovereignty and grace. Despite human expectations, God chooses David, a young and unlikely candidate, to be the next king of Israel. The emphasis on the heart, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7, reminds us that God looks beyond outward appearances and evaluates individuals based on their inner nature and intentions. The anointing of David with oil, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, prefigures the giving of the Holy Spirit to believers, emphasizing the Spirit's role in empowering and equipping God's servants for their ministry and service. Through this chapter, we are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty, cultivate a humble and obedient heart, and recognize the importance of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?