Mar 26 – 4 Lent
1 Samuel 16:1-13
David Anointed as King

Background: The books of Samuel describe the origins of kingship in Israel and detail the reigns of the first two kings, Saul and David. The book of First Samuel begins with the anointing of Saul as King by Samuel, Saul’s fall from God’s grace, and the selection of David as Saul’s successor.

Theme: In this passage, we see God’s interaction with Samuel following Saul’s fall from grace. In this interaction, we see glimpses of divine mercy, human fear, and divine righteousness. God does not discount the human side of nature yet implies that God has a plan that often runs counter to human issues and concerns.

Questions to Ponder:
* Please read 1 Samuel 16:1-13. Please skim 1 Samuel 9 and 10 for context and comparison between Saul and David.
* Briefly describe the setting of this passage. What has happened leading up to this passage? Where does this passage take place?
* Why would Samuel be grieving for Saul? How does God promise to lead Samuel to prevent a recurrence of Saul’s fall from grace?
* Why might Samuel fear going to anoint a new king? Why would the people of Bethlehem be fearful of Samuel’s arrival?
* What is odd about the anointing of David in this story, especially considering David’s selection as king to replace Saul?
* Why would it be important that David did not match the perceived standard for a king?
* What is the function of anointing in the ancient Near East? What is the significance of Samuel’s anointing of David?
* What is ironic about Samuel referring to himself as a seer and not a prophet? Is there a difference? If so, what might the difference be?
* What do you think God’s rationale for selecting Saul as first king over Israel was? What makes David’s selection different than Saul’s?
* While it can be argued that God doesn’t see with human eyes or judge by human standards, why do you think the writer refers to David as a “ruddy and good-looking man” in this passage?
* What is the implication associated with God’s impeachment, or at least God’s comment, about Samuel’s judgment and trusting Samuel’s vision of who the king should be?
* In the grand scheme of David’s story, what is intriguing about the selection of David as king, especially considering his ultimate fall from grace and wanton sinfulness in his relationship with Bathsheba, Solomon, and his other sons?
* What are some of the implications for us in this story?
* How are we called to see people and things through God’s eyes today just like Samuel was in this story?
* How do we know when we are seeing through God’s eyes?