1 Samuel 16:13

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:6-13

If the sons of Jesse were told that God would provide himself a king among them (as he had said, 1 Sam. 16:1), we may well suppose they all made the best appearance they could, and each hoped he should be the man; but here we are told, I. How all the elder sons, who stood fairest for the preferment, were passed by. 1. Eliab, the eldest, was privately presented first to Samuel, probably none being present but Jesse only, and Samuel thought he must needs be the man: Surely this is the Lord's... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:13

Then Samuel took the horn of oil ,.... Out of his pocket, which he brought along with him by the direction of God: and anointed him in the midst of his brethren ; not in the presence of them, they sitting around, or standing by and seeing the ceremony performed; which is not consistent with the secrecy with which Samuel was directed to manage this affair, and which was necessary to observe, to keep it from the knowledge of Saul; and with Eliab's treatment of David afterwards, who would... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 16:13

The Spirit of the Lord came upon David - God qualified him to be governor of his people, by infusing such graces as wisdom, prudence, counsel, courage, liberality, and magnanimity. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:6-13

Human and Divine judgments contrasted. The facts are— 1 . Samuel, being impressed with the appearance of Eliab, concludes that he is the coming king. 2 . An intimation is given that Eliab is not the man, and the reason assigned for the imperfect judgment of Samuel is, that man looks on the outward appearance, but God on the heart. 3 . It being found that the other sons were not chosen of God, inquiry is made concerning the absent one. 4 . On the youngest being brought,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:12-13

The coming king. The facts are— 1 . The personal appearance of David is pleasing. 2 . Samuel is instructed to anoint him as the chosen of God. 3 . Subsequent to the anointing the Spirit of God rests on David. 4 . Samuel, having performed this important duty, retires to Ramah. Samuel, like many a servant of God in public affairs, carried in his heart a great secret. He sought the coming king, but not a word was said to indicate to the family of Jesse the specific object of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:12-13

The chosen one. The Lord is never without resource. If Saul fail, the God of Israel has another and a better man in training for the post which Saul discredited. This new personage now appears on the page of history, and he will occupy many pages. It is David, the hero, the musician, the poet, the warrior, the ruler, a many-sided man, a star of the first magnitude. 1 . Not chosen according to the thoughts of men. Samuel, who at first hesitated to go to Bethlehem on so dangerous an... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:13

Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren. Did he or they understand the meaning of the act? We think not. Certainly Eliab ( 1 Samuel 17:28 ) had no idea of any special greatness being in store for his brother. Most probably both Jesse and his sons regarded David as simply selected to be trained in Samuel's schools; and there can be little doubt that he was so trained. Samuel gave unto David that which Saul had not received—long and careful training;... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 16:13

The Spirit ... came upon David - The exact phrase used of the Judges and Saul. See 1 Samuel 10:6, note; Judges 3:10, note; Judges 6:34, note; Judges 11:29, note; Judges 14:18, note; Judges 15:14, note. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 16:12-13

1 Samuel 16:12-13. The Lord said, &c. Spoke secretly by his Spirit to Samuel’s heart; for it is not probable that any audible voice was uttered. Samuel anointed him in the midst of his brethren This is a perfectly literal translation of the Hebrew, confirmed by the Seventy; and the words seem evidently to imply that he was anointed publicly among his brethren. But though they saw his unction, it is probable they had no idea that he was anointed to the kingdom, but were only told by... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:1-23

16:1-19:24 THE RISE OF DAVIDDavid brought to the royal court (16:1-23)When told by God to go and anoint a king to replace Saul, Samuel feared to, lest Saul kill him. God therefore told Samuel to keep the matter secret (16:1-3). Reassured by this additional word from God, Samuel went to Bethlehem, where he met the leading men of the important families in that area (4-5).The outcome of Samuel’s visit was that he anointed David, youngest son of the family of Jesse. Anointing was a way of marking... read more

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