A Man After God’s Own Heart

Samuel Anoints David

1The

2But Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.”

The

4Samuel did what the

5Samuel replied, “Yes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the

6When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the

7But the

8Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The

“There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.”

Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.”

12So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features.

Then the

13So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the

David in Saul’s Service

14Now the Spirit of the

15Saul’s attendants said to him, “See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. 16Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the lyre. He will play when the evil spirit from God comes on you, and you will feel better.”

17So Saul said to his attendants, “Find someone who plays well and bring him to me.”

18One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the

19Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” 20So Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them with his son David to Saul.

21David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers. 22Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.”

23Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.