The Anointing of David
God Chooses a Shepherd Boy to Be King
Where to find this story in the Bible
The story of Anointing of David is found in 1 Samuel 16:1-13 of the King James Bible (1 Samuel).
Books: 1 Samuel
Historical & Cultural Context
God rejected Saul as king and sent Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse's sons as the next king. Samuel was afraid — anointing a rival king while Saul still reigned was treason punishable by death. God provided cover through a legitimate sacrifice. Jesse had eight sons; he presented seven to Samuel but didn't bother calling the youngest, David, who was tending sheep. David was likely 10-15 years old. The anointing was private — only the family witnessed it. David would wait approximately 15 years before actually ascending to the throne.
Key Characters
Key Verses
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."Read in context
1 Samuel 16:13
"Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward."Read in context
A Secret Mission to Bethlehem
God had rejected King Saul for his disobedience and told Samuel to stop mourning — it was time to anoint the next king. God sent Samuel to the house of Jesse in Bethlehem with a horn of oil, disguising the trip as a sacrifice to avoid Saul's wrath. When Samuel arrived and saw Jesse's firstborn Eliab — tall, strong, and regal — he thought, 'Surely the LORD's anointed is before me.'
Seven Sons Rejected
But God corrected Samuel with words that became one of Scripture's most quoted principles: 'The LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.' One by one, Jesse presented seven sons, and seven times Samuel said, 'The LORD hath not chosen this.' Finally Samuel asked if there were any other sons. Jesse almost dismissed the question — there was the youngest, out tending sheep. No one had even thought to invite him.
The Shepherd Anointed
David was brought in — ruddy, bright-eyed, and handsome. God said, 'Arise, anoint him: for this is he.' Samuel poured oil on David's head in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. The future king of Israel was not found in a palace or among warriors but in a pasture, faithfully tending sheep. His anointing was the beginning of a journey that would include years of testing before he reached the throne.
Symbolism & Typology
God Looks at the Heart
'Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.' Eliab looked like a king — tall and impressive — but God rejected him. Divine selection criteria are invisible to human observation. Character, not charisma, determines God's choices.
The Youngest and Forgotten
Jesse didn't think David worth presenting. The one God chose was the one his own family overlooked. God consistently selects those whom humans dismiss. Being underestimated by people does not mean being overlooked by God.
Cross-References
Spiritual Lessons
God's Criteria Differ From Ours
The world evaluates by appearance, credentials, and status. God evaluates by the heart. David's selection overturns every human system of merit and reminds us that God's choices often surprise.
Faithfulness in Small Things Prepares for Great Things
David's years tending sheep — fighting lions and bears, guarding vulnerable animals — were not wasted time. They were God's training ground for leading a nation.
Being Overlooked by People Doesn't Mean Being Overlooked by God
David's own family didn't think to include him. But being invisible to humans is not the same as being invisible to God. He sees, knows, and calls those the world passes over.
Discussion Questions
Use these questions for personal reflection, small groups, or family Bible time.
What does the story of The Anointing of David teach us about god's criteria differ from ours? How have you seen this truth in your own life?
Faithfulness in Small Things Prepares for Great Things: How does this lesson from The Anointing of David challenge the way you think or act today?
Put yourself in david's position. What would have been the hardest part of this experience? What would have required the most faith?
The theme of this story is "Kings & Prophets." Where do you see this theme playing out in the world today?
How does this Old Testament story point forward to Jesus and the gospel? What connections can you see?
If you could share one truth from The Anointing of David with someone who has never read the Bible, what would it be?
Family Activity Ideas
Bring this story to life with hands-on activities for children and families.
📖 Scripture Memory Challenge
Memorize 1 Samuel 16:7 together as a family this week. Write it on a card, post it on the fridge, and practice saying it each morning. By the end of the week, see who can recite it from memory!
All ages🎭 Act It Out
Have family members take turns acting out different scenes from The Anointing of David. Assign roles, create simple costumes from household items, and let everyone participate. After the performance, discuss what each character might have been feeling.
Ages 4–12📝 Story Journal
Give each family member a few minutes to write or draw their favorite part of The Anointing of David. Share your entries and discuss what stood out to each person. Keep these pages in a family Bible journal you can look back on.
Ages 5+🍽️ Dinner Table Devotion
At dinner this week, read 1 Samuel 16:13 aloud and ask each person: "What is one thing from the story of The Anointing of David that you want to remember?" Let everyone share — even the youngest.
All agesFrequently Asked Questions
Where is the story of Anointing of David in the Bible?
The story of Anointing of David is found in 1 Samuel 16:1-13 of the King James Bible (1 Samuel).
Where in the Bible is the story of Anointing of David?
You can find the story of Anointing of David in 1 Samuel 16:1-13 (KJV).
Where does the story of Anointing of David start in the Bible?
The story of Anointing of David begins in 1 Samuel 16:1-13. God sends the prophet Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint the next king of Israel. After rejecting seven impressive older brothers, God reveals His choice: the youngest son David, a shepherd boy overlooked by everyone — because God looks at the heart.
How old was David when he was anointed?
The Bible does not give David's exact age at his anointing, but most scholars estimate he was between 10 and 15 years old. He was the youngest of Jesse's eight sons and was still young enough that his primary responsibility was tending the family's sheep.
Why did God choose David over his brothers?
God explicitly told Samuel that He evaluates the heart, not outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). David's heart was characterized by faith, courage, worship, and devotion to God — qualities that made him 'a man after God's own heart' (Acts 13:22), despite his future failings.
How long between David's anointing and becoming king?
Approximately 15 years passed between David's anointing and his coronation over Judah, and about 22 years before he ruled all Israel. Those intervening years included service to Saul, fame from killing Goliath, years as a fugitive, and much suffering — a period of testing and preparation before the promise was fulfilled.
Related Stories
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
David in the Bible
The Shepherd King
1 Samuel Bible Quiz
Samuel the prophet, Saul the first king, and David the shepherd boy.
David and Goliath
1 Samuel 17 • Faith Over Fear
King David Quiz
Shepherd, giant-slayer, psalmist, king — the man after God's own heart.
Who Was David in the Bible? (For Kids)
David was a shepherd boy who became the greatest king of Israel. He killed the g
Angels Announcing Christ's Birth (Luke 2 KJV)
From Gabriel's annunciation to the multitude of the heavenly host, angels surrou
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.