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 his mission. For anything they knew, the selection of one of the family might be designed for some purpose connected with Samuel's work not yet made plain. The command to anoint was based, not on any discovery of qualities from mere outward appearance, though these were not unfavourable, but on God's knowledge of the inner life. Man's king had been chosen because of his being an average representative of the age, and an embodiment of the physical and mental qualities agreeable to the people. The coming king was chosen because God knew him to be the best representative of the spiritual vocation of Israel in the world. The coming king may be regarded as—

I. A TYPE . Events under the Old Testament dispensation were so ordered of God as to shadow forth the Christ, and both Old and New Testaments especially speak of David as the type of the true King in Zion. This is seen in several respects.

1 . In qualities. Of course no man, no words, no institutions can adequately set forth the qualities of the "express image" of the Father's person. But, in comparison with others, David certainly shadowed forth more than any one some of the features of character so prominent in Christ. Negatively, there was an absence of the qualities on which men were accustomed to depend. Great physical strength, lofty stature, overpowering physique were not his. And so in Christ there was an absence of the outward form which men of tow type count powerful. He was not apparently competent to subdue the world by the only force which men take count of. But, positively, there was in this coming king an adumbration of the higher spiritual qualities which shone so brightly in Christ. The allusions to his personal appearance are both to indicate that he was not the embodiment of mere physical force, and that he did possess what was of more value, namely, vigour and freshness, capable of buoyant effort in any good endeavour; grace of spirit—gentle, approachable, one of whom the poor and needy need not be afraid; sincerity and ingenuousness of mind, free from double motives and self-seeking; love of what is right and good because right and good, uncorrupted by long and dubious association with the world's business; sympathy with God that finds joy in quiet fellowship with him by prayer or holy psalm; aspirations after the future elevation of mankind to a holier life; subordination of spirit to a higher will, for the working out of the covenant made with his people. He who sees not as man sees knew that these qualities were actually or germinally in the youngest son of Jesse. How fully the same were in Christ is evident from his life and words and sacrificial work.

2 . In object. Saul's reign was a failure in so far as concerned the elevation of the nation to its proper position. The object for which the coming king was anointed was to deliver Israel from thraldom, fear, and degradation, and enable them to more worthily subserve the ulterior spiritual ends of their existence as a nation. In large measure David did this. In this he was certainly a type of him who was chosen for the deliverance of a larger community from worse evils; and that, too, with reference to a permanent order of things stretching beyond the day of judgment ( John 17:1-26 .; 1 Corinthians 15:1-58 .).

3 . In call and preparation. Leaving out the fact that Bethlehem was the place of birth to David and Christ, we may notice two or three correspondences. This youth was specially chosen of God irrespective of popular voice; he grew up in quietude, awaiting the opening of events before entering on his predestined work; and was anointed with the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit, and so gradually became qualified for his important duties. Emphatically, Christ was "the Chosen One," "Elect," "Precious;" in youth he grew in wisdom and stature, far removed from the worries of public business, and received the anointing of the Spirit "without measure."

II. A MODEL . Confining attention to the qualities of this coming king, and the objects that in due course he set before himself, he may be regarded as the model king. It had been well for Israel had all subsequent kings shared these qualities and kept before them the same lofty spiritual ends. And although civilisation in the West differs from that of the East in David's age, yet it would be a great boon to the nations if all kings and queens would adopt and manifest the same principles, and seek to harmonise all the people's habits and aspirations with Messiah's kingdom. Likewise, as each Christian is to be a "king" unto God ( Revelation 1:5 ), we may see in the qualities and aspirations of this model king what manner of persons we ought to be.

III. A CONTRAST . This is obvious. Saul was man's man; David was God's. Saul was man's device for saving the people ( 1 Samuel 8:5 , 1 Samuel 8:19 , 1 Samuel 8:20 ); David was God's provision for raising them to the Messianic standard. Man's device failed—the instrument partook too largely of the weaknesses of the people to be raised; God's provision succeeded, in so far as related to national freedom, higher spiritual elevation, and actual furtherance of Messianic purposes. The contrast is suggestive of a wider expedient and a more blessed provisions. Mankind was in need of deliverance from the evils consequent on sin. During long ages the human expedient of "wisdom'' was tried, but in vain. But "after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." The CHRIST has become the Deliverer. His gospel is the power of God unto salvation. By him the highest and most blessed issues are wrought out for mankind. The contrast may be traced, also, in respect to our personal deliverance and elevation to the loftiest position attainable by human nature. Our bare human reason, human morality, human force of will must issue in trouble. We need the Anointed One, the God given Saviour. He transfusing our natural powers with his glorious energy, will make us "more than conquerors."

General lessons : —

1 . Great natures may be nurtured in lowly places while engaged in quiet pursuits.

2 . Amidst the intricacies of life God keeps his eye on his loved ones, and calls them forth in due time.

3 . Aspirations are awakened, but insight into the future is not perfected at once. David was stimulated, but knew not all at first.

4 . Full confidence is felt when God reveals his call: then the "horn," not the vial ( 1 Samuel 10:1 ), may be used.

5 . To God's true servants the Holy Spirit comes as abiding Helper, to teach, sanctify, comfort, and elevate.