Lenten Season · Fourth Sunday of Lent · Year C

If Second Scrutiny of the Elect: 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a

Samuel Anoints David

March 26, 2028

The Anointing of David by Samuel, Félix-Joseph Barrias — **The Anointing of David by Samuel**, Félix-Joseph Barrias, 19th centuryPrivate collection

Roman Lectionary

GospelLuke 15:1-3, 11-32Lk 15:1-3, 11-32 Alt. 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 Reading2 Cor. 5:17-212 Cor 5:17-21 Alt. 2nd ReadingIf Second Scrutiny of the Elect: Ephesians 5:8-14If Second Scrutiny of the Elect: Eph 5:8-14

First ReadingJosh. 5:9a, 10-12Jos 5:9a, 10-12 Alt. 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. 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 (9a)Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 (9a)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

“The Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

In the previous chapters Saul lost his dynasty (13:13–14) and then his position as king (15:26–28). Chapter 16 is a turning point in the story: the process of Saul’s actual removal from kingship begins. God withdraws his Spirit and sends another spirit to torment Saul and undermine his kingship. Prior to this, the Lord announced that he would raise up “a man after his own heart” (13:14) to be the new king, one who is a “neighbor of Saul” and “better than” Saul (15:28). In chapter 16 that individual is now introduced by name. Samuel anoints him (v. 13), and then one of Saul’s servants describes him as “a brave man and a warrior,” with whom the Lord is present in a special way (v. 18). The narrator’s pro-David apology reaches its peak when the Lord’s Spirit comes upon David (v. 13) and leaves Saul (v. 14). David’s superiority to Saul is evident. Saul becomes dependent upon David for even his sanity.

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Take it further: If Second Scrutiny of the Elect: 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a

Commentary

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

Lectionary commentary on God choosing David despite Samuel's expectations.

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

Verse-by-verse evangelical commentary on the anointing of David.

I Samuel 16:1-13 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching

Reformed preaching commentary on the Lord looking at the heart rather than appearance.

1 Samuel 16 Commentary1 Sm 16 Commentary Precept Austin

Detailed study notes on David's anointing as a reversal of human expectation.

Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:1-13Commentary on 1 Sm 16:1-13 workingpreacher.org

The one Lutheran voice on Samuel anointing David.

1 Kings 16 (Haydock Commentary, Douay numbering)1 Kgs 16 (Haydock Commentary, Douay numbering) haydockcommentary.com

Catholic Haydock notes on the same anointing account, catalogued under the Douay-Rheims '1 Kings' title for 1 Samuel.

Background & Word Study

I Samuel 16 Sefaria

Hebrew text with classical Jewish commentary on Samuel anointing David.

1 Samuel 15:34-16:13, Samuel Anoints David King1 Sm 15:34-16:13, Samuel Anoints David King Enter the Bible

Background essay on the anointing narrative and its setting.

1 Samuel 16:7 Interlinear1 Sm 16:7 Interlinear biblehub.com

Hebrew text of 'the LORD looks on the heart.'

The Church Fathers

City of God, Book XVII (Augustine) New Advent

Augustine reads David's anointing as a prophetic type fulfilled in Christ.

Sermons & Reflections

1 Samuel 16:1-13 Commentary1 Sm 16:1-13 Commentary cepreaching.org

Reformed preaching commentary on David's anointing.

Worship & Prayers

Lent 4 (A) sermons episcopalchurch.org

Anglican preaching resources for the Sunday that pairs this reading with the man born blind.

Study Hub

1 Samuel 161 Sm 16 biblehub.com

Aggregator chapter page linking multiple commentaries.

Questions preachers ask

How is David chosen?

Sent to anoint a king among Jesse's sons, Samuel learns that God sees not the outward appearance but the heart, and anoints the youngest, David, on whom the Spirit rushes.

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