David's Anointed
Historical Analysis of 1 Samuel 16:1-7
The books of Samuel describe the very beginnings of kingship in Israel and give a detailed account of the reigns of Israel’s first two kings Saul and David. The selected pericope (1 Samuel 16:1-7) is often grouped amongst what scholar’s label as the third narrative. The third narrative is largely known as the historical narrative that tells the story of David’s rise to power and gives evidence that “The Lord is with him”[1]. Without question, this text is pivotal because God sends Samuel to anoint young David as King of Israel. However, before the writings of the Deuteronomistic Historian are discussed in regards to the book of Samuel, one must understand the backdrop of the text. After …show more content…
What would the king be like? The author of answered by contrasting both Saul in David in 1 Samuel 13-15. Although, some scholars argue that the narratives presenting David are intentionally crafted as propaganda to defend David’s legitimacy. This Samuel account of David was not written as a strict historical record, but as a carefully crafted narrative with certain theological and political perspectives.[10] In short, these narratives revealed the criteria by which Yahweh evaluated “His Anointed”, that in order to rule well, you must first be ruled by Yahweh. In this light, David was the ideal king rather than …show more content…
Yahweh evaluates in ways that ordinary men cannot. Men are limited to seeing what is external and thus must learn to depend on Yahweh who alone can discern the true inner character of an individual. While the text does teach that we are to consider more than external appearance, it is a mistake to use this teaching to imply that man by himself has the ability apart from God’s revelation. This is clearly seen in the flow of the passage and Yahweh’s emphatic statement that He would show Samuel what to do (16:3). Samuel struggled with God’s decision and mourned over Saul (16:1). Nevertheless, he does what Saul refused to do; he gave full obedience to what Yahweh said (16:4) and went to seek out God’s anointed at
The books of Samuel describe the very beginnings of kingship in Israel and give a detailed account of the reigns of Israel’s first two kings Saul and David. The selected pericope (1 Samuel 16:1-7) is often grouped amongst what scholar’s label as the third narrative. The third narrative is largely known as the historical narrative that tells the story of David’s rise to power and gives evidence that “The Lord is with him”[1]. Without question, this text is pivotal because God sends Samuel to anoint young David as King of Israel. However, before the writings of the Deuteronomistic Historian are discussed in regards to the book of Samuel, one must understand the backdrop of the text. After …show more content…
What would the king be like? The author of answered by contrasting both Saul in David in 1 Samuel 13-15. Although, some scholars argue that the narratives presenting David are intentionally crafted as propaganda to defend David’s legitimacy. This Samuel account of David was not written as a strict historical record, but as a carefully crafted narrative with certain theological and political perspectives.[10] In short, these narratives revealed the criteria by which Yahweh evaluated “His Anointed”, that in order to rule well, you must first be ruled by Yahweh. In this light, David was the ideal king rather than …show more content…
Yahweh evaluates in ways that ordinary men cannot. Men are limited to seeing what is external and thus must learn to depend on Yahweh who alone can discern the true inner character of an individual. While the text does teach that we are to consider more than external appearance, it is a mistake to use this teaching to imply that man by himself has the ability apart from God’s revelation. This is clearly seen in the flow of the passage and Yahweh’s emphatic statement that He would show Samuel what to do (16:3). Samuel struggled with God’s decision and mourned over Saul (16:1). Nevertheless, he does what Saul refused to do; he gave full obedience to what Yahweh said (16:4) and went to seek out God’s anointed at