The selection of David as king is a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, marking a transition from the period of the judges to a centralized monarchy under the guidance of divine providence. This event is deeply rooted in the Mosaic covenant and theocratic principles that governed Israel.

Divine Selection and Anointing

The narrative of David's selection begins with God's rejection of Saul as king due to his disobedience (1 Samuel 15:26). The Lord instructs the prophet Samuel to anoint a new king from the sons of Jesse of Bethlehem. This divine directive underscores the theocratic nature of Israel's government, where God Himself chooses the leader, rather than human decision or hereditary succession.

In 1 Samuel 16:1, the Lord commands Samuel, "Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have chosen for Myself a king among his sons." This highlights the sovereignty of God in the governance of His people, as He selects a leader based on His own criteria, not human standards.

David's Anointing

Upon arriving in Bethlehem, Samuel encounters Jesse and his sons. Despite the impressive appearance of Eliab, the eldest son, God instructs Samuel not to consider his appearance or height, stating, "The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). This emphasizes the importance of inner character and faithfulness to God over external attributes.

David, the youngest son, is tending sheep when Samuel requests his presence. Upon David's 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). This anointing signifies God's empowerment and blessing upon David, setting him apart for leadership.

David's Role in God's Plan

David's selection as king is not merely a political maneuver but a fulfillment of God's covenantal promises. As a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), David's reign is characterized by a commitment to the Mosaic Law and the worship of Yahweh. His leadership is instrumental in unifying the tribes of Israel and establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of the nation.

The choice of David also foreshadows the coming of the Messiah, as the Davidic covenant promises an eternal kingdom through David's lineage (2 Samuel 7:12-16). This covenantal promise is central to the biblical narrative, as it points to Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Conclusion

The selection of David as king is a testament to God's sovereign will and His desire for a leader who aligns with His purposes. It reflects the theocratic principles established under the Mosaic covenant, where God's choice and anointing are paramount in the governance of His people. David's anointing marks the beginning of a dynasty that will ultimately lead to the coming of the Messiah, fulfilling God's promises to Israel and the world.2 Samuel 3:17-21
And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, You sought for David in times past to be king over you:
Nave's Topical Index

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.
Nave's Topical Index

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.
Nave's Topical Index

And ii.
... But, in doing so, he always chooses places, whose ... be some difference betwixt that
shadowy government, and the ... it was called the Citadel of King David," etc. ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i and ii.htm

On the Interpretation of Scripture
... extends back some thousand years before the Mosaic chronology; recent ... nothing to
do with the Roman government or the ... the fact of the house of David, the Lord's ...
/.../on the interpretation of scripture.htm

Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200
... of the Christians was undertaken by the Roman Government during the ... of Greek philosophy
to the Mosaic dispensation and ... The animal, if it chooses the better part ...
/.../a source book for ancient church history/period iii the critical period .htm

The First Epistle of St. Peter
... to build up a sure house for David' was to ... he turns to describe Christians in a mosaic
of OT ... sensitive to loyalty, and with a government intensely suspicious ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the first epistle of st.htm

The Tabernacle of the Most High
... Now, everything under the Mosaic dispensation was but a ... After the death of King Charles
the First ... Scriptures; recognizing the order of government or discipline ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the tabernacle of the most.htm

Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
... back from the second part of the encounter, fixing my hope like great David [1070]
on ... that, if He be truly God, it follows that He is Judge and King, and that ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.htm

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