The anointing of David as king is a significant event in the biblical narrative, marking the divine selection and consecration of a leader for Israel. This event is recorded in the First Book of Samuel, where the prophet Samuel is directed by God to anoint David, the youngest son of Jesse, as the future king of Israel.

Biblical Context

The anointing of David occurs during a time of transition for the nation of Israel. Saul, the first king, had been rejected by God due to his disobedience (1 Samuel 15:26). Consequently, God instructs Samuel to seek out a new king from the sons of Jesse in Bethlehem. This anointing signifies God's sovereign choice and the establishment of a new covenantal relationship with David.

The Anointing Event

In 1 Samuel 16:1-13, the narrative unfolds with Samuel's journey to Bethlehem. Despite initial fears of Saul's reaction, Samuel obeys God's command. Upon arrival, Samuel is presented with Jesse's sons. Initially, Samuel is impressed by Eliab, the eldest, but God instructs him, saying, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).

After passing over seven of Jesse's sons, Samuel inquires if there are any others. David, the youngest, is tending sheep and is summoned. Upon his arrival, the LORD confirms His choice: "Rise and anoint him, for he is the one" (1 Samuel 16:12). Samuel anoints David in the presence of his brothers, and "the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward" (1 Samuel 16:13).

Significance of the Anointing

The anointing of David is rich in theological and symbolic meaning. It represents God's sovereign election and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for leadership. The anointing oil, a symbol of consecration, sets David apart for divine service. This act foreshadows David's future role as king and his establishment of a dynasty that would ultimately lead to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the "Son of David."

David's Anointing and Kingship

David's anointing is not immediately followed by his ascension to the throne. Instead, he enters a period of preparation and testing, serving in Saul's court and gaining experience as a leader and warrior. This period underscores the biblical principle that God's timing and preparation are essential for those called to leadership.

David's anointing also highlights the theme of God's choice of the unlikely and the humble. As the youngest son, a shepherd, and overlooked by his own family, David exemplifies how God often chooses the least expected to fulfill His purposes, emphasizing reliance on divine strength rather than human ability.

Legacy of David's Anointing

The anointing of David has enduring significance in biblical theology. It establishes the Davidic Covenant, promising an everlasting kingdom through David's lineage (2 Samuel 7:12-16). This covenant finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is anointed as the eternal King and Savior.

In summary, the anointing of David is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, illustrating God's sovereign choice, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through the lineage of David.1 Samuel 16:3,12,13
And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do: and you shall anoint to me him whom I name to you.
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2 Samuel 2:4
And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabeshgilead were they that buried Saul.
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2 Samuel 5:3
So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.
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2 Samuel 12:7
And Nathan said to David, You are the man. Thus said the LORD God of Israel, I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul;
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2 Samuel 19:21
But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD's anointed?
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1 Chronicles 11:3
Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD by Samuel.
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David's Cry for Purity
... young head by the aged Samuel's anointing should pass ... but it was no mere official
consecration which he ... And what is this 'holiness' which David so earnestly ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/davids cry for purity.htm

Not Like unto Us.
... This is My beloved Son," then only the anointing became actual ... in any other way than
as His consecration to His ... office, as in the case of Saul, David, and others ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxi not like unto us.htm

Early Days
... The life of David is naturally divided into epochs, of ... traces of his life up to his
anointing by Samuel ... that the story begins with that consecration to office ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/ii early days.htm

The First Day in Passion-Week - Palm-Sunday - the Royal Entry into ...
... its Messiah was the Son of David to make ... brief stay at Bethany and His anointing
by Mary ... in connection with the general conditions of consecration to Jehovah ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i the first day.htm

On his Birthday, iii: Delivered on the Anniversary of his ...
... have sung with harmonious voice the psalm of David, dearly beloved ... in taking this
literally as alluding to the anointing of bishops at consecration: cf. ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon iii on his birthday.htm

On the Offices of Our Lord Jesus Christ
... servants, Moses, Joshua, Othniel, Gideon, Jephtha and David. ... was anciently used in
anointing; because, according ... is, the sanctification and consecration of a ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 14 on the offices.htm

Introductory Notice to the Early Liturgies.
... day, and they were completed by the anointing of David as ... 3. We find David at this
juncture inspired, as ... 5. The Oblation; 6. Prayer of Consecration; 7. Prayers ...
/.../various/early liturgies/introductory notice to the early.htm

The Lord's Furnace
... than He dwelt in the city of David does God ... and service and enthusiasms and to
consecration which shall ... as to display the operation of the anointing oil upon ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the lords furnace.htm

Princely Service.
... right place, and let there be the anointing of the ... GHOST, received by faith, as well
as consecration to Him ... Our David still thirsts, not for the waters of the ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part iii princely service.htm

Cheer Up, My Comrades!
... These be the names of the mighty men whom David had," as ... that you do not succeed,
your whole-hearted consecration shall be ... Oh for an anointing with fresh oil. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/cheer up my comrades.htm

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