1 Samuel 16:13-14
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What's easy to miss is that David wasn't anointed in private but "in the midst of his brothers," suggesting God's choosing isn't always about outward show or approval from those closest to us. The Spirit rushing upon him "from that day forward" also marks a radical, immediate shift in David's life, not a gradual process.
Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah. Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the LORD tormented him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After being rejected by God for his disobedience, King Saul is now off the scene, and Samuel is on a mission to find the next king. God instructs Samuel to go to Bethlehem and anoint one of Jesse’s sons, but as he meets Jesse and his sons, he’s initially confused because none of them seem to be the chosen one. This anointing happens right after Samuel has met all of David's older brothers and realized God’s choice wasn't among them, setting the stage for David’s unexpected elevation.
When God chooses a king, He doesn't always pick the obvious candidate. David's anointing wasn't a public coronation but a private moment with profound significance.
A Hidden Choice
When Samuel arrived to anoint the next king from Jesse's sons, the impressive older brothers were presented first. They seemed like perfect candidates for leadership. But God's eyes are not like human eyes. He looks beyond outward appearance to the heart. David, the youngest, was out tending sheep, seemingly overlooked. Yet, it was this humble shepherd boy God chose. This shows us God's ways are often surprising, selecting those we might least expect for His purposes.
The anointing wasn't just a ceremony; it was the catalyst for a powerful, life-changing encounter with God's presence. What happened when the Spirit came upon David?
Divine Empowerment
The verse states, 'And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward.' This wasn't a gentle whisper but a powerful, transformative influx of God's presence and power. From this moment, David was divinely equipped for the role God had called him to. This empowerment wasn't earned; it was a gift given freely upon his consecration. It signifies a new relationship with God, marked by His active presence and guidance in David's life, preparing him for the immense challenges ahead.
Understand the original words
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ruach · Hebrew Noun
The third person of the Trinity, the divine presence of God who empowers, guides, and dwells within His people to accomplish His redemptive purposes.
ruach ra'ah · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A term describing a malevolent spiritual influence. In the biblical narrative, such entities are under the sovereign permission of God, serving to manifest judgment or facilitate divine purposes.
ba'ath · Hebrew Verb
To trouble, agitate, or strike with terror. In this context, it describes the mental and spiritual anguish inflicted upon Saul.
c. 1070 BC
Saul Anointed King
The prophet Samuel, burdened by the people's demand for a king, reluctantly anoints Saul of Benjamin as the first king of Israel. This marks a significant shift from the era of the Judges to monarchy.
c. 1050 BC
Saul Disobeys God's Commands
Saul repeatedly disobeys direct commands from God through Samuel, particularly concerning the spoils of war against the Amalekites. This disobedience leads to God rejecting him as king.
c. 1050 BC
God Rejects Saul as King
Because of Saul's persistent disobedience, God declares that his lineage will not continue on the throne. Samuel grieves greatly for Saul, but God is firm in His decision.
c. 1050 BC
Samuel Seeks a New King
God instructs Samuel to go to Bethlehem and anoint a new king from the house of Jesse. Samuel fears Saul's reaction but is told to offer a sacrifice, masking his true mission.
c. 1050 BC— this verse
David Anointed King
Samuel examines Jesse's sons, but God rejects all of them until Jesse calls for the youngest, David, a shepherd boy. Samuel anoints David in the presence of his brothers, signifying God's choice.
c. 1050 BC onwards
Spirit of the Lord Empowers David
From the moment of his anointing, the Spirit of the Lord powerfully comes upon David. This marks the beginning of his journey, though he continues to serve as a shepherd and musician.
This passage echoes the anointing of David, highlighting God's choice of him as a shepherd to lead His people, Israel, just as David was chosen from the sheepfolds.
Psalm 23:1David's later words here beautifully reflect the shepherd's heart and his deep trust in the Lord, which the Spirit empowered after his anointing.
Acts 2:36This New Testament text speaks directly to the significance of David's anointing, declaring that God made Jesus both Lord and Christ, building on the foundation laid with David.
1 Corinthians 1:27This verse shows a pattern where God chooses the humble and overlooked (like David) to shame the wise and strong, mirroring the surprising choice of David over his older brothers.
What's easy to miss is that David wasn't anointed in private but "in the midst of his brothers," suggesting God's choosing isn't always about outward show or approval from those closest to us. The Spirit rushing upon him "from that day forward" also marks a radical, immediate shift in David's life, not a gradual process.
After being rejected by God for his disobedience, King Saul is now off the scene, and Samuel is on a mission to find the next king. God instructs Samuel to go to Bethlehem and anoint one of Jesse’s sons, but as he meets Jesse and his sons, he’s initially confused because none of them seem to be the chosen one. This anointing happens right after Samuel has met all of David's older brothers and realized God’s choice wasn't among them, setting the stage for David’s unexpected elevation.
After being rejected by God for his disobedience, King Saul is now off the scene, and Samuel is on a mission to find the next king. God instructs Samuel to go to Bethlehem and anoint one of Jesse’s sons, but as he meets Jesse and his sons, he’s initially confused because none of them seem to be the chosen one. This anointing happens right after Samuel has met all of David's older brothers and realized God’s choice wasn't among them, setting the stage for David’s unexpected elevation.
"Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah. Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a…" — What's easy to miss is that David wasn't anointed in private but "in the midst of his brothers," suggesting God's choosing isn't always about outward show or approval from those closest to us. The Sp…
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Last reviewed October 2026
