1 Samuel: David Anointed

     God had recently been asked by the Israelites for a king. The Lord advised against this, but he will provide for the wants of his people, that they might make their own mistakes. This is 1 Samuel, beginning chapters. Saul was made king for a time, but he disobeyed the Lord’s commands. God appointed Samuel to find a new king.

     Samuel was sent to find a son of Jessie, for that son would be the newly anointed king. The Lord speaks to Samuel, telling him that none of the seven sons that have been presented are the man he seeks. Jessie points out his youngest, David, his shepherd minding the flock. In the subsequent chapter, David happens to be in the king’s court, playing his lyre for Saul, as it calms the king.

    David is a hard worker, as he is both humble and helpful. From this brief introduction of David, it is difficult to know much about him. How can we make these claims before reading forward? David is a shepherd, to be a shepherd in those days took patience, kindness towards the animals, perseverance, and loyalty to the job. This is because a shepherd stayed with his flock, slept by his flock, and kept away all large dangerous animals. David also played the lyre, which showed appreciation for art, and patience, and discipline in his craft. David was his father’s shepherd, Being a shepherd also shows an orientation toward care for those that are in his charge. It is a theme that continues throughout the story. Prophets will relate to him in analogies that make sense to a shepherd. Finally, David chose to go see the king and play for him, which again shows this want to be good to others.

     However, David is still human. He will make mistakes. He does not truly know what’s best for the people, and the people orient themselves around their culture with their king in it. This is a flawed way to run Israel. The Lord did indeed prove his point. He was bound to. Only God is truly never wrong.

     Although we can all learn from David, as with any story, true or not. David looked toward God as his judge, and as his guidance, yet he oriented himself with his family, always loyal, always loving. This is a truly disciplined man, as he always has the best of intentions and the clear capability to do as he intends. He was only a flawed man because he was man. That does not mean he was not good. This is something all people should strive for, as it creates a happy and fulfilled life for you, and the people you surround yourself with.