Vers. 4-13. (BETHLEHEM.)-David chosen and anointed. "Arise, anoint him: for this is he" (ver. 12). In the exercise of his prophetic office Samuel appaars to have been accustomed to visit one place or another, rebuking crime and sin. Hence his presence at Bethlehem ( clad in a mantle, his white hair flowing over his -shoulders, holding a horn of consecrated oil in his hand, and attended, perhaps, by a -servant), driving before him a heifer for sacrifice, filled the elders with consterna- tion. Having quieted their fears, he showed special honour to Jesse and his sons by inviting them to be his principal guests at a sacrificial feast. By the express direction of God he allowed his seven sons, who were introduced .to him, to pass by without any mark of distinction; and, having delayed the feast until his youngest son came, poured upon his head the sacred oil, and II anointed him from amongst his brethren." "As far as outward appearances go he simply chooses him as his closest <:ompanion and friend in the sacrifice 11 (Ewald). The act may have been regarded as II somehow connected with admission to the schools of the prophets, or more pro- bably with some work for God in tbe future, which at the proper time would be pointed out." Its main significance was known only to the prophet, and was not ll'evealed by him at the time to any one else. Consider tlie Divine choice of David (representing that of others) to eminent spiritual service and honour, as- I. Dll'FERING FROM THE NATURAL JUDGMENT OF MEN (vers. 6, 7). They are accustomed-1. To judge according to the 11 01ttward appearance," which alone is dearly perceived, which is often deemed of greater worth than properly belongs to it, and which is erroneously supposed to be united with corresponding inward reality. On thie-account Saul suited the popular desire. 2. To prefer tlie eldest before the yonngest ,· an arrangement which is an imperfect one, ancl often set aside by the choice of God, who thus exhibits his superior knowledge and maintains his sovereign right. 3. Even the oldest and W'isest of men fall into error when left to themselves. Not only did Jesse and the brethren of David look upon him as unfit for anything but the lowliest occupation ( eh. ~vii. 28), anrl unworthy to be called to the sacred feast, but Samuel himself thought at first that in Eliab the Lord's anointed was before him. The stone which the builders refuse becomes (by the operation of God, and to the surprise of men) 11 the head stone of the corner." II. DETRRMINED DY A RIGHT STATE OF HEART, which-I. In the sight of God is of greater value than anything else, and essential to the worth of everything else. 2. Implies such qualities as sincerity, humility, trust, fidelity, courage, purity, an,! unselfish, generous, entire devotion, which were eminently displayed by David. 3. Renders capable of noble se1:vice, prompts to it, and prepares for the highest honour. "Is thy heart right?" (2 Kings x. 15). Whatever great things may lie in the future, right-heartedness is the first condition of attaining them. 11 My son, give me thine heart." III. DISTINGUISHING ITS OBJECT IN A SPECIAL MANNER (vers. 11, 12). l. By his separation from others, and by directing their attention to his worth, which had been previou~ly unrecognised. 11 vVe will not sit down till he come hither." Circnm- riance5 often constrain attention to those who have been despised. 11 The stone which is fit for the building will not be left in the road." 2. By indications of his x2 TUE FIRST BOOK OJ." SAl\ilJl!.L. [1·11. XII. 1-23.
lwi11g pnn-i,ientially destined tofdm·e eminence. David did not himself understand lhC' cl,ief pmp~sc o~ his anointing, but he must have inferred from it that he was not nlways to contrnne 11:1 "the she~p-folds" (Ps. lxviii. 70), and have been impelled to look forward to a lngher serVJce on behalf of Israel. Possibly it was afterwards expl~ined to him by Samuel in .m?re £an:iiliar intercourse. 3. By communications of Di111;ne grace and strength to ,!us m!ler hfe. 11 And the Spirit of Jehovah came upon DaYHl from that d_ay for~ard. . It 1s recorded of Sai;nson that" the Spirit of Jehovah beg,'.n to mo"~- lum at t111;1es m the camp of Dan; ' it was the same in the case of Dan<l (eh •. xn1. 34), and 111. a much_ h_ig~er manner (see eh. x. 1, 10; xi. 6). 11 The natu_ral basis fo~ tlu~ symbolism of 011 1~ ~~ po_wer to ~ispense light and life, joy and healing; by which 1t sets forth the Spmt s dispensation of light and life and the- gifts and powers therein contained" (Bahr). ' . IV. DELAYED IN THE FULFI~MENT OF ITS ULTIMATE Arn. Many years must some- !1mes elapse before ~ne who 1s chosen by God for a special work is fully called to it~ performance. \\ hy such delay? For-I. Tlie removal of obstacles that lie in his path. Saul must be suffere~ to go to the natural termination of his melancholy career. 2. The. occurrence of circurnstances that make it necessary and cause it to- be ~enerally d:s,red. The people must learn by experience the folly of their former c~01.ce,_ and the1r need of_ another and different kind of ruler. 3. His own instruction, d1sc~ph~e, an? prepara~10n .. Tl_1e p_roper course for him who is impelled to higher serv1':e 1~ pat1e~tly to bide Ins_ time m th~ ~umble and faithful discharge of the duty that lies 1mmed1~tely befor~ hun. 11 Davids peculiar excellence is that of .fidelity to the trust committed to him; a firm, uncompromising, single-hearted devotion to- the cause of God, and a burning zeal for his hono1ir. This characteristic virtue is especially ~llustr~ted in the earl}'. years of his life. Having borne his trial of obedi- ence well, m which Saul had failed, then at length he was intrusted with a sort of discretionary power to use in his Master's service" (J. H. ~ewman).-D.