Then Samuel tooke the horne of oile, and annointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came vpon Dauid, from that day forward: So Samuel rose vp and went to Ramah. 1 Samuel 16:13 (KJV)
In this passage we see the prophet Samuel anointing David as the future king of Israel. Prior to this event Saul was the reigning king, but because of his disobedience God rejected him and instructed Samuel to choose a new king from the sons of Jesse. The selection of David illustrates God’s divine choice and His criteria for selecting leaders.
Samuel’s Anointing: Samuel took the horn of oil, a symbol of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, and poured it on David in the midst of his brothers. Anointing with oil was the customary Old‑Testament practice for setting apart individuals for a sacred role. By this act Samuel set David apart and signified God’s selection and empowerment of him as the successor to Saul.
The Spirit of the LORD: After the anointing the Scripture records that the Spirit of the LORD came upon David. This phrase denotes divine enablement, guidance, and favor. From that day forward David enjoyed a special relationship with God and was equipped to fulfil his calling as the future king.
Samuel’s Departure: The verse records that Samuel rose up and went to Ramah, his hometown, after completing the anointing. While the immediate movements are not detailed beyond this, the narrative later shows Samuel returning to Ramah, confirming that his task of anointing David was finished.
Key Takeaways: The anointing of David highlights God’s sovereignty in choosing leaders; the choice is based on divine discernment, not human appearance or merit. The coming of the Spirit upon David demonstrates how God empowers and guides those He appoints, enabling them to accomplish His purposes. Finally, the contrast between Saul’s disobedience and David’s selection underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the fulfillment of His plan. As we study this passage we are reminded to seek God’s guidance and the Holy Spirit’s empowerment in our own lives as we serve Him.
