In 1 Samuel 16, all of the sons of Jesse were invited to worship and be consecrated by Samuel except for David. Why did Jesse not recognize that David was important enough to meet Samuel at the banquet with all of his brothers? Pray through the Scriptures below that you will not make the same mistakes in judging others as Jesse and Samuel made. We all quickly judge others, even in our own family, based on outward appearances.
Who Was Missing?
1 Samuel 16:11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.
Samuel Was Only Human
Samuel was a Prophet, Priest, and Judge. This Prophet Samuel also expected something grander than David to be consecrated and anointed as the next King. I wonder how David felt excluded from the feast while all his brothers were included. Scripture does not tell us how David felt and instead tells us how Samuel and the Lord felt. The Lord taught Samuel that the Lord judges people differently than any of us humans do. Even someone as righteous as Samuel would have chosen one of David’s brothers to be the next King.
God Judges Differently
1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
A Shepherd’s Heart
Psalm 23 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Prayer
Holy Father of Love, sanctify me in You through my Lord Jesus. Create within me a heart and mind like the Shepherd David that pleases You. Please help me always be a willing and obedient child. Be glorified within and through me according to Your purpose and plan for my life. Please abundantly bless those I love and pray for. Help me not judge myself or others through human standards, but always seek Your perspective and guidance. In the name of Christ Jesus, I pray that Your love may overflow and be manifested in the world as it is in heaven. Amen.
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