“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 Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.”
Context:First Samuel is a book in the Old Testament that narrates the transition of Israel from the period of judges to the establishment of the monarchy. In Chapter 15, Samuel received a message from God instructing him to convey a divine rebuke to King Saul for his disobedience. Saul had failed to carry out God’s command to utterly destroy the Amalekites and their possessions. As a result, God rejected Saul as king over Israel, and Samuel was deeply grieved.
The mourning of Samuel:Samuel, who had anointed Saul as the first king of Israel, was understandably upset by God’s rejection of Saul. However, in this verse, God asks Samuel, “How long wilt thou mourn for Saul?” It implies that Samuel had been mourning for Saul for an extended period, and God wanted Samuel to move forward from his grief and focus on the new direction He had planned.
This verse teaches us that mourning and grieving are natural human responses to loss and disappointment. However, there comes a point when we need to trust in God’s sovereignty and move forward according to His will. God cares about our emotions, but He also wants us to trust Him and find comfort in His plans.
God’s choice of a new king:God instructed Samuel to fill his horn with oil, symbolising the anointing of a new king. Samuel was to go to Bethlehem, specifically to Jesse’s house, where God had provided a king among Jesse’s sons. God had already chosen a new king to replace Saul, and it was Samuel’s task to anoint him.
This verse teaches us that God is in control of human affairs and has a plan even when things seem uncertain or disappointing. God’s rejection of Saul did not mean that His plan for Israel had failed; rather, it was a part of His greater purpose. God’s choice of a new king demonstrated His faithfulness to His people and His commitment to fulfilling His promises.
The significance of Bethlehem and Jesse’s lineage:Bethlehem was a small town in Judah and held significant historical and prophetic importance. It was the birthplace of King David, who became one of Israel’s greatest kings. God’s choice of Bethlehem as the place to anoint the new king highlights His providential work in fulfilling His promises and His knowledge of future events.
Jesse, the father of David, belonged to the tribe of Judah, and the family line of David played a crucial role in the lineage of Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the “Son of David” in the New Testament. God’s selection of Jesse’s family emphasises His sovereign choice and the fulfilment of His long-term plan to bring salvation to the world through Jesus.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 16:1 teaches us several important lessons. It reminds us that while mourning is natural, we should trust in God’s sovereignty and be willing to move forward according to His will. It also highlights God’s faithfulness in choosing a new king for Israel and His providential work in fulfilling His promises. Finally, it points to the significance of Bethlehem and the lineage of Jesse, foreshadowing the birth of Jesus Christ, the ultimate King and Saviour.
