Samuel Anoints David

16 The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mournu for Saul, since I have rejectedv him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oilw and be on your way; I am sending you to Jessex of Bethlehem. I have choseny one of his sons to be king.”

2 But Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.”

The Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ 3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will showz you what to do. You are to anointa for me the one I indicate.”

4 Samuel did what the Lord said. When he arrived at Bethlehem,b the elders of the town trembledc when they met him. They asked, “Do you come in peace?d”

5 Samuel replied, “Yes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecratee yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliabf and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.”

7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance,g but the Lord looks at the heart.”h

8 Then Jesse called Abinadabi and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.” 9 Jesse then had Shammahj pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the Lord chosen this one.” 10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these allk the sons you have?”

“There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.”l

Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.”

12 So hem sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsomen features.

Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”

13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointedo him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lordp came powerfully upon David.q Samuel then went to Ramah.