## Saul & David - Life of Saul - 5

The rest of the book deals with the relationship of Saul and David. The contrast is seen as the people's choice versus God's choice. Saul had failed miserably as the king of Israel. Now we see a new king on the horizon. However the transition between their kingdoms will not be a smooth one.

We find Samuel still in mourning over Saul. His heart was truly broken. Perhaps we have felt some of the discouragement, pain, and heartache that Samuel was feeling at this time. You minister to someone, pray for them, encourage them, and yet they fail to walk for God. It hurts us deeply.

I. The Anointing of David 16:1-23

A. The call from God. v1-3

1. It came while Samuel was still grieving over Saul and his disobedience to God.

2. God was ready for him to get on with things…He had a plan for a new king.

3. Samuel was hesitant because of Saul's possible retribution.

4. Remember, this was all new ground for Samuel…all he had as an example was his observation of the kings of nations around him.

5. God reassures him that He will take care of things, and that Samuel should do what He had told him to do.

6. Take a sacrifice and call Jesse, God would take care of the rest.

B. The choosing of the king. v4-13

1. Note Samuel obeys the word of the Lord.

2. He calls Jesse and his sons to the sacrifice and began to consider them as the possible next ruler for Israel.

3. Each one in succession passes by Samuel, and each time he thought surely this one would be God's choice.

4. Remember, God's ways are not like the ways of man.

5. God chose the least of Jesse's sons to be the new king of Israel.

6. Samuel anoints David as king and the Spirit of God came upon him.

7. Note: 1 Samuel 10:10

8. We have been here before haven't we? What is different?

C. Saul and David come together. v14-23

1. Here is an important contrast: v14

a. The Spirit of God came upon David…

b. But He departs from Saul, and God sends an evil spirit to trouble Saul.

c. Note: this isn't about salvation of the soul; this is about God working in the lives of men to bring about His purposes.

2. God brings these two men together. v15-18

a. Saul's servants saw the need and suggested that they find someone who could play music and soothe his mind when troubled.

b. Saul agrees to this plan, and one suggests that David would be a good candidate for the job.

c. Note his description:

1) cunning or skillful in playing

2) mighty and valiant

3) a man of war

4) prudent or wise

5) comely or good-looking

6) and the Lord is with him

3. Saul requests a permanent assignment. v19-23

a. Jesse sends David to the king with the customary honors and gifts.

b. Saul loves David and requests that he be allowed to stay in the palace.

c. David becomes his armor-bearer.

d. But his real job was to play music that would refresh and relieve Saul of the troubling spirit.

e. Note: whatever the troubling spirit was, it came and went from time to time; it was not constant.

Closing Thoughts:

- God now has David in a place of recognition.
- He is now living in the palace
- He is learning from observing Saul in his administration of his responsibilities.
- None of this happened by accident, God is orchestrating every line of this drama.

Review of some questions from last week.

1. "Man of war" literally this means 'fighting man' and is most likely a reference to David's battles with the lion and the bear while shepherding his father's sheep.

2. Are the chapters out of sequence? It was suggested that it might be because the end of chapter 17 (v55-58) seems to indicate that Saul didn't know David.

3. But let's look closer at that verse.

a. Saul does not ask who David is, but who David's father is.

b. He does, after all, promise that David's father's household will be exempt from paying taxes (see 17:25).

c. Jesse was an old man during the days of Saul, it is unlikely that they had any personal contact. (17:12)

d. Why would we assume that Saul remembers who David's father is?

e. Previous contact had been through messengers and servants.