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Lenten Season · Fourth Sunday of Lent · Year A

1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a

The Anointing of David

March 15, 2026

The Anointing of David by Samuel (Uncion de David por Samuel), Antonio Gonzalez Velazquez
The Anointing of David by Samuel (Uncion de David por Samuel), Antonio Gonzalez Velazquez, 18th century (c. 1750–1770)Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, Madrid
A Spanish Rococo painting of the anointing, light and airy, with the boy kneeling and the family grouped round in Baroque drapery.The Lord looks on the heart. Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers.Antonio Gonzalez VelazquezA Spanish Rococo painter who trained in Rome and became director of the royal academy in Madrid.Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, MadridSpain's royal academy of fine arts, where Goya was a director, holding several of his most private paintings.Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, Madrid
Roman Lectionary
GospelJohn 9:1-41Jn 9:1-41 orJohn 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38Jn 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38Alt. GospelIf Second Scrutiny of the Elect: John 9:1-41If Second Scrutiny of the Elect: Jn 9:1-41 orJohn 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38Jn 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38
Second ReadingEph. 5:8-14Eph 5:8-14Alt. 2nd ReadingIf Second Scrutiny of the Elect: Ephesians 5:8-14If Second Scrutiny of the Elect: Eph 5:8-14
First Reading1 Sam. 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13aAlt. 1st ReadingIf Second Scrutiny of the Elect: 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13aIf Second Scrutiny of the Elect: 1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a
Responsorial PsalmPs. 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 (1)Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 (1)Alt. PsalmIf Second Scrutiny of the Elect: Psalm 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6, (1)If Second Scrutiny of the Elect: Ps 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6, (1)

Overview & Insights

"Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

Samuel travels to Bethlehem under God's direction to anoint Israel's next king from among the sons of Jesse. God passes over the older brothers one by one and chooses David, the youngest, who is out in the field tending the sheep.

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Take it further: 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:1-13Commentary on 1 Sm 16:1-13 Working Preacher

David Garber's commentary works through how the Lord's criterion for kingship overturns the human habit of judging by stature and appearance.

1 Samuel 16:1-13 Commentary1 Sm 16:1-13 Commentary CEP

The Center for Excellence in Preaching commentary sets Samuel's grief over Saul against the hope of this new anointing.

1 Samuel 16 Commentary: God Chooses David, Verse by Verse1 Sm 16 Commentary: God Chooses David, Verse by Verse Enduring Word

David Guzik's verse by verse notes explain why Eliab and the other older brothers are passed over before Samuel sends for David.

1 Samuel 16 Commentary1 Sm 16 Commentary Precept Austin

Precept Austin's word study commentary digs into the Hebrew behind the Lord looking on the heart rather than the outward appearance.

1 Samuel 16:7 Commentaries1 Sm 16:7 Commentaries BibleHub

BibleHub stacks several classic commentaries on verse 7, each taking its own pass at the appearance versus heart contrast.

First Samuel Lesson 6: Saul and David Agape Bible Study

Agape Bible Study's lesson on Saul and David places the anointing inside the larger covenant pattern of Israelite kingship.

Background & Word Study

I Samuel 16 (Hebrew/English) Sefaria

Sefaria sets the Hebrew text beside an English translation for checking the exact words behind appearance and heart.

The Church Fathers

1 Samuel 16 - Catena Aurea / Church Fathers1 Sm 16 - Catena Aurea / Church Fathers Catena

Catena gathers patristic reading of the chapter, useful for how the fathers saw David's anointing as a type of Christ's.

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