David Anointed by Samuel

After God rejected Saul, he sent Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint a new king from among the sons of Jesse. Samuel examined each of Jesse’s sons, but God rejected them one by one, saying “The LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

Only after Samuel asked if there were any more sons did Jesse send for the youngest, David, who was tending the sheep. The LORD said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” Samuel anointed David with oil in the presence of his brothers, and “the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward” (1 Samuel 16:13). David would not claim the throne for many years, but this secret anointing marked God’s choice.