God Looks at the Heart: David’s Anointing as King (1 Samuel 16:1-13)
Have you ever been overlooked or underestimated? Maybe someone judged you based on how you looked, your age, or your background. If so, you’ll relate to David’s story in 1 Samuel 16.
This passage reminds us that God sees what others don’t. While people often focus on appearance or status, God looks at the heart. That truth is at the center of how David—just a young shepherd—was chosen to be Israel’s next king.
Let’s walk through this powerful story together.
God Sends Samuel on a Mission
The chapter starts with a problem: King Saul had disobeyed God, and God had rejected him as king. Now, God sends the prophet Samuel to Bethlehem to find the man who would take Saul’s place.
Samuel is nervous—if Saul finds out, it could be dangerous. But God gives Samuel a plan, and Samuel obeys.
Sometimes following God takes courage, especially when it doesn’t make sense to others. But obedience opens the door for God to do something new.
The Search Begins
When Samuel arrives, Jesse (a man from Bethlehem) brings out his sons. The first one, Eliab, looks tall and strong—just like a king. Samuel thinks, “This must be him!”
But God says no. Why? Because “The Lord doesn’t look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (v. 7)
Jesse presents seven of his sons, one after another. Each time, God says, “Not him.”
This part of the story reminds us that God’s choices aren’t based on what we see. He knows people from the inside out.
The Youngest is Still in the Field
After seven sons, Samuel asks Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”
Jesse replies, “There is still the youngest. He’s out tending the sheep.”
David was so overlooked that he wasn’t even invited to the gathering. But when he’s brought in, God tells Samuel, “This is the one.”
God saw something in David that no one else did.
Anointed and Empowered
Right there, in front of his family, David is anointed with oil—a sign that he’s chosen by God.
From that moment on, the Bible says, “The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.”
David didn’t become king right away. He went back to tending sheep. But God had chosen him, and the journey had begun.
What Does This Mean for Us?
David’s story is full of encouragement:
- God sees your heart, even when others don’t.
- You don’t have to be the strongest, oldest, or most impressive for God to use you.
- God prepares us quietly for what He wants us to do later.
Maybe you feel like David—working behind the scenes, unnoticed by others. But take heart: God hasn’t forgotten you. He knows your name, your heart, and your purpose.
Final Thoughts
When we look at David’s anointing, we see more than a boy becoming king. We see how God values faithfulness, humility, and character more than status or appearance.
Reflection Question:
If God looked at your heart today, what would He see? Are you open to being used by Him—even in unexpected ways?
God still chooses people based on the heart. And that means you could be next.
1 Samuel 16:1-13 (WEB)
16:1 The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided a king for myself among his sons.”2 Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.”The LORD said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ 3 Call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do. You shall anoint to me him whom I name to you.”4 Samuel did that which the LORD spoke, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, “Do you come peaceably?”5 He said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” He sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice. 6 When they had come, he looked at Eliab, and said, “Surely the LORD’s anointed is before him.”7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t look on his face, or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for I don’t see as man sees. For man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”8 Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “The LORD has not chosen this one, either.” 9 Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. He said, “The LORD has not chosen this one, either.” 10 Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen these.” 11 Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your children here?”He said, “There remains yet the youngest. Behold, he is keeping the sheep.”Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down until he comes here.”12 He sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with a handsome face and good appearance. The LORD said, “Arise! Anoint him, for this is he.”13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the middle of his brothers. Then the LORD’s Spirit came mightily on David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.