“And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the Lord: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and called them to the sacrifice.”
Context:The verse is part of the narrative in 1 Samuel where Samuel, the prophet, is instructed by God to anoint a new king over Israel. Saul, the first king, had displeased God, and it was time to choose a new leader. In this verse, Samuel goes to Bethlehem, the hometown of Jesse, with the intention of sacrificing to the Lord and anointing the chosen one.
The Purpose of Sacrifice:Samuel tells Jesse and his sons to "sanctify" themselves and come with him to the sacrifice. Sacrifices were an important part of Israelite worship, serving as acts of devotion, obedience, and atonement. They were meant to demonstrate reverence for God and seek His favour. The act of sanctifying themselves was a call to consecrate and purify themselves before coming into the presence of the Lord.
The Significance of Jesse and His Sons:Jesse was the father of David, who would later become one of the greatest kings in Israel’s history. However, at this point, David was just a young shepherd boy and not present among Jesse’s sons who were initially presented to Samuel. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that God has chosen David, the youngest son, to be anointed as the future king. This reveals that God’s ways are not always aligned with human expectations, as David was not the eldest or the most prominent in his family.
Lessons and Application:
- Obedience and Reverence:Samuel’s call for Jesse and his sons to sanctify themselves highlights the importance of approaching God with reverence and obedience. In our own lives, we should strive to consecrate ourselves and maintain a holy and humble attitude when coming into God’s presence.
- God’s Unconventional Ways:The selection of David as king emphasises that God’s perspective and criteria for choosing leaders are often different from human standards. God looks at the heart rather than external appearances. This should remind us not to judge or underestimate others based on outward appearances, but to recognise the potential in people based on their character and relationship with God.
- God’s Sovereignty and Plan:The events in this passage remind us of God’s sovereignty and His ability to work through unexpected circumstances and individuals. Despite David’s humble beginnings, God had a divine plan for him. It is a comforting reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of their background, to fulfill His purposes.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 16:5 teaches us about reverence, obedience, and God’s sovereignty. It encourages us to approach God with sanctified hearts, reminds us of the importance of looking beyond outward appearances, and assures us that God can work through unexpected individuals to accomplish His plans.
