The LORD sends Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse's sons as the next king, providing a sacrifice as cover. Seven sons pass before Samuel—including the tall, handsome Eliab—but the LORD says He looks not on outward appearance but on the heart. Jesse sends for the youngest, David, who is ruddy and handsome with beautiful eyes, keeping sheep; the LORD says, 'Arise, anoint him, for this is he.' Samuel anoints David among his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushes upon David from that day forward. The Spirit departs from Saul and a harmful spirit from the LORD torments him; David is brought to play the lyre and becomes Saul's armor-bearer, beloved, and the music soothes Saul's spirit.
Last judge and prophet who anointed both Saul and David as kings
First king of Israel, whose disobedience led to his rejection by God
Shepherd boy anointed as future king, man after God's own heart
Saul's son who became David's closest friend despite the rivalry
Samuel's mother who prayed for a son and dedicated him to God
Young Man who Counseled Job
David anointed, defeats Goliath, friendship with Jonathan, flees from Saul, Saul's death in battle.
When Samuel went to anoint Israel's next king, God rejected all seven of Jesse's impressive sons before calling for young David from the fields. God's statement 'Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart' became a timeless principle of divine selection.
1 Samuel 16:7
