Pre-Lent · Quinquagesima Sunday
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Samuel Anoints David
February 15, 2026
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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Commentary
Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:1-13 - Working Preacher from Luther Seminary Working Preacher
Shows God choosing the overlooked youngest son while the Lord looks on the heart.
I Samuel 16:1-13 - Center for Excellence in Preaching Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching notes on God as the acting subject who rejects, sends, and anoints.
1 Samuel 16 Commentary: God Chooses David, Verse by Verse Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse by verse study of Samuel's anointing of David and the Spirit rushing upon him.
1 Samuel 16 Commentary | Precept Austin Precept Austin
Detailed study notes on the shepherd boy chosen over his older brothers.
1 Samuel 16:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators on the horn of oil and the heart the Lord sees.
Background & Word Study
I Samuel 16 (Sefaria, Hebrew and English) Sefaria
Hebrew text with Jewish commentary for the anointing of David.
1 Samuel 16:1 Interlinear BibleHub
Hebrew word study of anoint, heart, and the ruddy youth.
Book of 1 Samuel Overview BibleProject
Animated overview placing David's rise within the story of Israel's kings.
The Church Fathers
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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