16:1 horn with oil For anointing the new king. See 2:10 and note.

Jesse The son of Obed and grandson of Boaz and Ruth (see Ruth 4:17; 1 Chr 2:12–15).

16:2 If Saul hears Samuel fears that Saul, being jealous for his kingdom, will kill him and the newly anointed king.

You must take a heifer from the herd God understands Samuel’s fear, so He gives Samuel a means to deceive those who might do evil against the prophet. Still, the sacrifice does take place (see 1 Sam 16:5).

16:4 came trembling Their fear may result from the unexpected visit from God’s prophet. Deuteronomy 21:1–9 demands that in instances of unsolved murder, the elders and judges of the town were to have a Levite sacrifice a heifer to atone for the sin. Since Samuel, a judge and a Levite, arrived in Bethlehem with a heifer, the elders may be assuming the worst. Or they may assume that he visits them at Saul’s bidding.

16:6 anointed one is before Yahweh Like Saul, Eliab was impressive in appearance and stature (see 1 Sam 9:2 and note).

16:7 the heart God emphasizes that superficial and non-spiritual considerations are not to be critical criteria for the choice of God’s leaders.

16:8 This one also Yahweh has not chosen The narrative does not record exactly how God communicated with Samuel. The prophet may have used the Urim and Thummim. Alternatively, God may have communicated internally or in a voice that only the prophet could hear.

16:10 seven of his sons Jesse is also recorded as having eight sons (including David) in 17:12.

16:11 youngest The Hebrew word used here, qatan, can mean “young” or “small.” Since Saul and Eliab are singled out for their height, the narrative is likely establishing a deliberate contrast between their stature and David’s.

he is shepherding the flock The narrative calls David a shepherd in his introduction. Leaders are often described as shepherds in the Bible (see 1 Sam 9:3 and note). The shepherd motif also occurs in ancient Near Eastern literature.

we cannot sit down They won’t eat the sacrifice until David has arrived (as in 1:4).

16:13 the Spirit of Yahweh Compare the Spirit coming upon Saul to empower him to act as king in 10:6, 9–10; 11:6. Also, contrast with v. 14, where the Spirit departs from Saul.

David Jesse’s youngest son.

16:14 the Spirit of Yahweh departed A deliberate contrast to David in the preceding verse.

an evil spirit from Yahweh Saul has made himself God’s enemy and is treated as such from now on (see 18:10; 19:9). The exact nature of this spirit is unknown. The Hebrew word used here, ruach, may describe some form of mental anguish or a general sense of calamity. Nevertheless, a literal spiritual being sent from Yahweh is also possible (compare Exod 12:23).

16:16 lyre Refers to an instrument with six to eight strings, used in celebrations, worship, and prophecy (1 Sam 10:5).

you will feel better Ancients believed that music warded off evil spirits.

16:17 his servants As in ch. 9, Saul’s servants have more wisdom than he does (see 9:6 and note, 9:8 and note).

16:18 a brave man The Hebrew phrase used here, gibbor chayil, denotes a mighty warrior (e.g., Judg 11:1) or a person of significant social stature (Ruth 2:1; 1 Sam 9:1). Here, this characteristic functions in a list that cumulatively establishes David’s character and abilities.

16:19 with the sheep The narrative again hints at future kingship (see v. 11 and note).

16:21 He loved him greatly A feeling that would soon depart. The king attempts to kill David approximately 16 times (see 18:11, 17, 25; 19:1, 10, 11, 15, 20–21, 22; 23:8, 15; 24:2; 26:2). It is clear that Saul knows who David is (see 17:55–58).

he became Saul’s armor bearer Armor bearers were close attendants and advisors (see Judg 9:54; 1 Sam 14:1; 31:4–6).