Calendar

DAVID ANOINTED AS THE SPIRIT LEFT SAUL
LORD’S DAY, NOVEMBER 17
1 Samuel 16

Leviticus 26:3-9

 

“For I will have respect unto you,
and make you fruitful,

and multiply you…”

 

DAVID ANOINTED AS THE SPIRIT LEFT SAUL
 
The removal of Saul from the throne of Israel was a process that brought about a transition without hindering the peace of the nation. God rejected Saul and gradually removed him from office. In his place, He appointed David, the son of Jesse, as king-in-waiting. The Lord sent Samuel to privately anoint David. The Spirit of the Lord left Saul, but he continued as king for some time. David was invited to Saul’s household as a harpist to cheer the king. This also gave David an experience of royalty. The Lord presided over the transition, and David was headed for Israel’s throne.
 
There were specific failures that made it necessary for Saul to vacate the office of king. Ultimately, it was the sovereign hand of God. When Saul was anointed king of Israel, it was God’s choice. At that time, Israel had been in the Land of Canaan for nearly four hundred years without a king. God was their King and He guided the nation through different leaders. Saul was also an unlikely king when he was chosen.
 
The Lord had given Moses the qualifications of a king in Israel, but it took that long for them to finally have a king. The message to Samuel to anoint David came by the will of the eternal God. Samuel was commanded to go to Bethlehem to anoint one of the sons of Jesse as king. Samuel was hesitant because he was afraid of Saul, but the Lord gave him direction that would not raise any suspicion. He went with a heifer and called Jesse and the family to the sacrifice that he intended to offer. When the people of the city saw Samuel, they feared. But the prophet assured them that all was well. He then organised to make a sacrifice with Jesse and his sons.
 
In the Old Testament order, all worship had to include a sacrifice. Samuel had the authority from the Lord as a priest, and he was a leader. The current sacrifice was also meant to conceal the main reason for Samuel’s coming. The Lord had guided him as he went to fulfil this mission.
 
THOUGHT: God is always sovereign.

PRAYER: Father, may we submit to Thy will in the choice of leaders.

Search