“Anointed in the midst of his brethren; and the spirit of the Lord came upon David … Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.” 1 Samuel 16:13 KJV
“Anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David … And Samuel arose and went to Ramah.” 1Samuel 16:13 NASB
Samuel had called the elders and the family of Jesse to a sacrifice; likely a peace offering. His words in verse 11, “We will not sit down till he come hither,” imply a meal at the conclusion of the business of the anointing.
David is brought in and Samuel anointed him with a horn of oil. The first mention of David’s name in the Bible is linked with the Spirit of the Lord coming upon him (v 13). His name is mentioned approximately 60 times in the New Testament, being the first name aside from Christ, and the last name in its pages.
I may be guilty of reading between lines which don’t exist, but the feast anticipated in verse 11, appears to no longer interest Samuel in verse 13. He has found David, and having found him, immediately departs for Ramah. No mention is made of the meal.
There is always a danger to argue or teach from Scripture’s silence or omissions, but the scene here is reminiscent of the woman at the well, who left her waterpots because she had found Christ. She had tasted the water of life and did not need what once interested her. Similarly, Samuel appears to be satisfied with David alone and does not require a feast.
Bartimeaus left his begging; Matthew left his seat at the customs house; Peter and John left their fishing business. Myriads have turned their backs on the world, its pleasures and prospects, having found something of far greater worth. “The look that melted Peter” and “the face that Stephen saw” continue to win and charm those who find Him.
Do I still look on the outward appearance of things (1Sam 16:7) and fail to see the beauty of the Savior? Am I satisfied with Him, willing to forsake the sources of earthly satisfaction for fellowship with Him? It was only a short while later that all Israel and Judah loved David (1 Sam 18:15).
We are linked with One Who will, in a soon-coming day, be the object of universal praise and adoration. We should find everything in Him right now.
Consider
- Saul was anointed with a vial of oil (1 Sam 10:1) and David with a horn. What are some of the differences?
- Immediately after the mention of the Spirit of the Lord coming on David, we read of a sad spirit afflicting Saul (1 Sam 16:14, 23). Is there an intended contrast?
- Look at David’s C.V. in verse 18 and link it with the Lord Jesus.
