God Looks at the Heart

Samuel was sad about what was happening with King Saul. God told him to go to Jesse’s home in Bethlehem. Among that man’s sons, God had chosen someone who would become king in the future.

The journey called for care. Saul was still king, and Samuel knew he might become angry. God gave Samuel instructions to offer a sacrifice there. Samuel prepared what he needed and also took a horn filled with oil.

When Samuel arrived in Bethlehem, the town’s elders came to meet him with concern. He explained that he had come in peace. He invited Jesse and his sons to take part, and the family prepared for the occasion.

Samuel saw Eliab, one of the older sons. He looked like someone who could be king. For a moment, Samuel thought he must be the chosen one. But looking at someone did not reveal everything in his heart.

God corrected that first impression. Height and appearance did not decide his choice. People see what is before their eyes. God knows what is inside, even the things that other people cannot see for themselves.

Other sons of Jesse came forward. One after another, they passed before Samuel. None was the one God had chosen for this work. The gathering continued, but someone who had not yet been called was still missing.

Samuel asked whether these were all Jesse’s sons. Jesse explained that the youngest remained. David was outside, watching the sheep. While his brothers were gathered together, he was still doing the work entrusted to him in the fields.

Samuel asked for someone to bring him. They would not continue without David. So the message reached the shepherd: he must come to meet his family and the visitor who had come to Bethlehem at God’s direction.

David entered. He was young and looked healthy. This time Samuel did not need to guess from appearances. God showed him that David was the chosen one and told him to anoint the young shepherd.

Samuel took the horn and poured oil to anoint David in front of his brothers. This was a sign of the future work God was entrusting to him. God’s Spirit began to be with David in a special way.

No throne appeared in Jesse’s house. Saul was still king. David did not leave to command the whole nation or demand a crown. There was much more for him to learn before taking on that great responsibility.

Samuel went home, and David’s preparation continued. God had not forgotten him among the sheep. That day showed that God could see the youngest son and know his heart, even when other people first noticed what was outside.