676. 1SA 16:12, 1SA 16:13. GOD’S CHOICE OF DAVID

1Sa_16:12, 1Sa_16:13. God’s Choice of David

"And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he," &c.’971Sa_16:12, 1Sa_16:13.

The doctrine of the Divine sovereignty has, perhaps, been more perverted than that of any other great truth of revelation. It has often been confounded with arbitrariness’97with partiality’97and has even been supposed to be akin to mere caprice. The sovereignty of God is his essential right to act, without consulting his creatures, or making known the cause, or end of his proceedings. But it must ever be remembered, that in doing so, God cannot act unworthily of his infinite wisdom or goodness. That he never can be partial, or be a respecter of persons. And that where he does not reveal his reasons for the course he adopts, still that course is based on the essential and eternal principles of righteousness and equity.

We are led to these remarks by the subject which our text introduces to our notice: the choice of David to be king of Israel. The whole narrative is very beautiful.

Observe,

I. The occasion of David’s being chosen. This was the rejection of Saul. Saul had been anointed by divine command; but he had been unfaithful, and God rejected him. See chap. 1Sa_15:9-11. God took from him his holy Spirit’97left him to his infatuated course’97and finally he perished by his own sword.

Here we see three steps in the way of ruin:’97

Disobedience;

The withdrawal of the Divine Spirit; and then,

A ruinous and awful end.

Observe,

II. The circumstances connected with David’s election to the kingdom.

And here you will observe,

1. That Samuel was the agent employed. He had anointed Saul. He had been his devoted counsellor and friend. Made known to him the Divine will. He had warned him, &c. But God calls him to abandon the infatuated monarch, and to seek a successor, 1Sa_16:1. Observe,

2. Sacrifice was made the medium of the election.

1Sa_16:2. Samuel goes to Bethlehem, and calls the elders of the city. An important question is proposed, 1Sa_16:4; and a satisfactory answer is given, 1Sa_16:5. He then invites to the holy service, 1Sa_16:5.

Here David was a signal type of Christ’97chosen in connection with sacrifice. Christ also had to suffer as a sacrifice, before he could begin his royal administration on earth. Heb_2:9, Heb_2:10.

3. Human sagacity was rejected, in the choice made.

Samuel was now an aged man’97full of years and experience’97eminently wise and discriminating, and therefore well adapted to judge of the fitness of the person for the throne of Israel. But observe, how he utterly failed, 1Sa_16:6. Then the Lord reminds and admonishes the venerable prophet, that God’s process of judging is the opposite of that of men, 1Sa_16:7.

Now this must be peculiar to God, for none else can do so. How shallow is man’s knowledge of character, and how liable to be deceived! How many rich, exalted, and talented of the world, God rejects! and how many illiterate and poor are chosen of the Lord!

4. God himself declares the object of his choice.

1Sa_16:7. The chosen one is absent. He is keeping his flock. In the way of honorable and useful industry. He is sent for; and though the youngest of the family, yet God says, "Arise," &c. 1Sa_16:12.

Notice,

III. The anointing of David, God’s chosen.

1Sa_16:12.

The sacred writer narrates the personal appearance of David. Ruddy, beautiful, and of commanding, graceful mien. There is often a close connection between the face and the mind. God intended that the countenance should be the title-page of the soul. It often is so. Vice stamps its ugly impressions on the face; and so do real inward worth and true piety. Now, in reference to the anointing of David, observe,

I. The anointing was by God’s command. It was God’s own choice; and he bids

Samuel to do his command, in setting him apart for the royal office, 1Sa_16:12. It is said, he did it in the midst of his brethren. Probably, as some critics read, rather "from the midst of his brethren"’97selected out. And by many, it is supposed, it was a private service.

2. He was anointed with oil.

This oil was prepared in a peculiar and divinely appointed manner; Exo_30:22.

Now this oil was to be preserved for the purpose of anointing persons and things’97devoted to the service of the Lord. It was emblematical of the virtues and graces requisite for the office to which the person was set apart. 3. The Spirit of God was imparted to him.

1Sa_16:13.

Probably, by the Spirit of the Lord, a meetness of wisdom and energy for the office was imparted. By this, too, the Divine favor was enjoyed and realized, and the providential blessing of Jehovah indicated. This was the grand essential qualification for the office, and its onerous and responsible duties.

Learn, from the subject,

I. The importance of being found in the way of religious duty.

God saw David’s heart, and he chose him for the high station. But David remained a faithful, diligent, humble shepherd, till God called him to the throne itself.

2. Divine qualification is necessary for important offices.

External dedication may be proper; but how essential the inward operation of the Divine Spirit. He alone can make men fit for the duties of life. He is the source of knowledge, wisdom, and power.

3. Learn the high privileges and exalted station, to which men are invited in the gospel.

God calls men to bo kings and priests, &c. He anoints, and gives his Holy Spirit to all who believe. 2Co_1:21.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS