1. God addressed Samuel: “So, how long are you going to mope over Saul? You know I’ve rejected him as king over Israel. Fill your flask with anointing oil and get going. I’m sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I’ve spotted the very king I want among his sons.”
2-3. “I can’t do that,” said Samuel. “Saul will hear about it and kill me.”God said, “Take a heifer with you and announce, ‘I’ve come to lead you in worship of God, with this heifer as a sacrifice.’ Make sure Jesse gets invited. I’ll let you know what to do next. I’ll point out the one you are to anoint.”
10. Jesse presented his seven sons to Samuel. Samuel was blunt with Jesse, “God hasn’t chosen any of these.”
11. Then he asked Jesse, “Is this it? Are there no more sons?”“Well, yes, there’s the runt. But he’s out tending the sheep.”Samuel ordered Jesse, “Go get him. We’re not moving from this spot until he’s here.”
12. Jesse sent for him. He was brought in, the very picture of health—bright-eyed, good-looking.God said, “Up on your feet! Anoint him! This is the one.”
13. Samuel took his flask of oil and anointed him, with his brothers standing around watching. The Spirit of God entered David like a rush of wind, God vitally empowering him for the rest of his life.Samuel left and went home to Ramah.
14. At that very moment the Spirit of God left Saul and in its place a black mood sent by God settled on him. He was terrified.
15-16. Saul’s advisors said, “This awful tormenting depression from God is making your life miserable. O Master, let us help. Let us look for someone who can play the harp. When the black mood from God moves in, he’ll play his music and you’ll feel better.”
17. Saul told his servants, “Go ahead. Find me someone who can play well and bring him to me.”
18. One of the young men spoke up, “I know someone. I’ve seen him myself: the son of Jesse of Bethlehem, an excellent musician. He’s also courageous, of age, well-spoken, and good-looking. And God is with him.”
19. So Saul sent messengers to Jesse requesting, “Send your son David to me, the one who tends the sheep.”