College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
1 Samuel 16 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 16
Samuel goes to Bethlehem. Bethlehem was south of Samuel's home in Ramah, and located in the heart of the land of the tribe of Judah. His arrival in the city aroused the curiosity of the people and might easily incite the wrath of the king, but he informed the people that he was on a mission of peace and summoned them to a sacrifice.
Samuel anoints David. Jesse, a man of Judah and a resident of Bethlehem, was called to the feast. Samuel sought a replacement of Saul from among his sons, but it was only when David was called from the fields that the Lord made known to Samuel that David was to become the Lord's anointed. Samuel then poured oil from his anointing horn, thus signifying that David was God's chosen vessel.
Saul seeks a musician. In fits of acute melancholia, afflicted as he was with an evil spirit, Saul sought the soothing effects of music. His courtiers knew of David's ability in this realm and suggested that he be summoned to the king's court.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
Man looketh on the outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7 a). Eliab, Jesse's oldest son, made a striking appearance. This was one of Saul's chief qualifications for the office of king. Saul stood head and shoulders above all the other men in Israel (1 Samuel 9:2). When Samuel saw Eliab, he thought surely this was the man for the job. Samuel did not know Eliab's nature (see 1 Samuel 17:28). He did not know that he was not suited to the task.
2.
The Lord looketh on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7 b). God knows a man's motives. He can know his thoughts. These count much more than the size of his physical frame. Often God chooses things that the world would despise to be vessels of His power and grace (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). For that reason, man must be careful lest he be found fighting against God when it is evident that the choice has been made.
CHAPTER 16 IN REVIEW
1.
To what town did God send Samuel to find a king?
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2.
Who was David's father?
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3.
Of what tribe was he?
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4.
Which purpose of his mission did Samuel announce?
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5.
What was David's home town?
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6.
Who was David's oldest brother?
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7.
Which other two of David's brothers were named?
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8.
How many brothers did David have altogether?
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9.
Where did Samuel go after anointing David?
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10.
On what musical instrument did David play?
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