Journal Through the Bible: Week 39 Monday

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I Samuel chapter 16

Samuel had just told Saul that his family would not rule as a dynasty in Israel because of Saul's own sinful nature and he had just executed the Amalekite king, Agag. Now he was to go to Bethlehem to anoint God's chosen from among the sons of Jesse. He never anticipated that God would decline the tall and impressive-looking sons for the young son who kept the sheep!

God's Holy Spirit departed from Saul and an evil spirit tormented him. This is reminiscent of the time when God removed His protective hedge from Job so that Satan could torment and test him. Saul did not fare nearly as well as Job did when tested. When Saul sent for David to play for him he probably had no idea at that time that David was God's chosen successor to Saul's throne because Saul immediately loved David and promoted him to armorbearer. This may have been God's way of putting David in a position to learn about the affairs of state.

Does God issue any commands in this chapter?

• God told Samuel to stop grieving for Saul, fill a horn with oil, and go to Bethlehem for the purpose of anointing one of the sons of Jesse as the next king.
• God told Samuel to take a heifer with him to Bethlehem to sacrifice. Then he was to call Jesse and his family to the sacrifice.
• God told Samuel not to look on the outward appearance of the sons of Jesse because God was looking at their hearts.
• God told Samuel to anoint the youngest son of Jesse, David the shepherd.

Does God make any promises?

• He promised that the next king would be a man after His own heart.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• David is the ancestor of Jesus and he is also a type of Christ. David was the obedient son who kept his father's sheep. Jesus is the obedient son who keeps His Father's sheep.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• We are introduced to David, the ancestor of Jesus the Messiah who will rule and reign (Isaiah chapter 11.)
• In this passage David is the anointed king who had not yet taken possession of the throne of the territory he was going to rule (Israel). Jesus is the anointed King who has not fully taken possession of the territory that He will rule (the whole world).

Psalm 23

Does this psalm teach anything about Jesus?

• Jesus, the LORD, is the shepherd of His people who provides rest, provisions, restoration, righteousness, protection on the journey, medical aid, and blessings forever.

Does this psalm teach anything about yet-future events?

• The Shepherd's sheep will live in his house forever. Wherever the Shepherd lives, the sheep will live also.