1 Samuel, Chapter 16:

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Verses from 1 Samuel, Chapter 16 of the book of 1 Samuel in the Bible.

1 Samuel - Old Testament — 1 Samuel – Old Testament

David is chosen and anointed

1. The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve because of Saul? I rejected him as king over Israel. Fill a horn with oil and go to Bethlehem, for I sent you to Jesse. I chose one of his sons to be king.”
2. But Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul finds out, he will kill me.” The Lord replied, “Take a bull with you and say that you have come to offer a sacrifice to the Lord.
3. Invite Jesse to participate in the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. I will anoint the one I appoint.”
4. Samuel did what the Lord commanded. When he arrived in Bethlehem, the city leaders met him, trembling with fear, and asked: “Are you coming in peace?”
5. Samuel replied, “Yes, I come in peace. I came to offer a sacrifice to the Lord. Invite Jesse and his sons to the sacrifice.” He invited them and consecrated them for sacrifice.
6. When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the one the Lord has chosen to be anointed.”
7. But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not judge by appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not see as man sees; man looks at the appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
8. Then Jesse called Abinadab and introduced him to Samuel. But Samuel said, “The Lord did not choose this one either.”
9. Then Jesse presented Shamah, but Samuel said, “Neither was this the one chosen by the Lord.”
10. Jesse presented seven of his sons to Samuel, but he said, “The Lord has not chosen any of them.”
11. Then Samuel asked Jesse, “Are these all your sons?” Jesse replied: “I still have the youngest, who is taking care of the sheep.” Samuel ordered, “Bring him here; We will not sit down to eat until he arrives.”
12. Jesse sent for him, and David came. He had red hair, beautiful eyes and good looks. Then the Lord said to Samuel, “This is it! Get up and anoint him.”
13. Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed it in the presence of his brothers. From that day on, the Spirit of the Lord took possession of David. Samuel returned to Ramah.

David in the service of Saul

14. The Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit sent from God tormented him.
15. Saul's officials said to him, “See, an evil spirit sent from God is troubling you.
16. Allow our servants to look for someone who can play the harp. Whenever the evil spirit torments you, this man will play the harp and you will feel better.”
17. Saul replied, “Find someone who plays well and bring him here.”
18. One of the servants said, “I know a son of Jesse from Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. Furthermore, he is brave, well spoken and the Lord is with him.”
19. Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse with the following message: “Send me your son David, who keeps the sheep.”
20. Jesse took a donkey and loaded it with bread, a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them to Saul through David his son.
21. David presented himself to Saul and began to work for him. Saul liked him very much, and David became his armor-bearer.
22. Saul sent a message to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.”
23. Whenever the evil spirit, sent by God, came upon Saul, David took his harp and played. Then Saul felt better and the evil spirit left him.