When the Blind See

(Back to Study Home Page)   (Sermon March 2, 2008)
(Back to Sermons Home Page)    (Back to Shultz Home Page)

March 2, 2008 - 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Open It

  1. What physical characteristics tend to attract public attention and inspire respect among the people you know?

  2. Why do children tend to be left out of the most solemn religious observances?

  3. In what way might being singled out for an honor make your life more complicated?

Explore It

  1. What was Samuel doing when the Lord called him to anoint the next king? (16:1)

  2. Why was Samuel afraid to carry out the Lord's instructions? (16:2)

  3. What provision did God make to give the appearance of normality to Samuel's journey? (16:2-3)

  4. What did God promise to do when Samuel arrived at Jesse's house? (16:3)

  5. How did the elders of Bethlehem feel about Samuel's arrival in their town? (16:4)

  6. What did Samuel command the people of Bethlehem to do? (16:5)

  7. Why did Samuel think that Eliab might be the son God had chosen? (16:6)

  8. What mattered to God in choosing the next king for Israel? (16:7)

  9. What answer did Samuel give as each son in turn came before him? (16:8-10)

  10. Why did Samuel ask Jesse if he had any other sons? (16:11)

  11. When he learned of the existence of another son, what did Samuel command? (16:11)

  12. How is David described in his meeting with Samuel? (16:12)

  13. What did God say to Samuel regarding David? (16:12)

  14. What was the result of the anointing of David by Samuel? (16:13)

Get It

  1. Why was Samuel reviewing the sons of Jesse one by one?

  2. What qualities should we look for in our leaders, particularly in the church?

  3. Why was it important for Samuel to anoint David, although he was too young to assume the kingship at that time?

  4. Why might the people of Bethlehem have been afraid to have Samuel there?

  5. What commands of God should we be prepared to obey even if they arouse the authorities against us?

Apply It

  1. Toward what individual in your life could you resolve to look at the heart rather than outward appearances?

  2. In what concrete way could you include children in your worship at home or at church this week?

1 Samuel 16:1: While Saul is still on the throne, Samuel anoints David as Israel's next king. Young David then bravely conquers Goliath, the Philistine champion, and establishes a lifelong friendship with Jonathan, Saul's son. When Saul realizes that David will become king one day, he grows very jealous and tries to kill David on several occasions. David escapes into Philistine territory until Saul is killed in battle. When treated unjustly, we should not take matters into our own hands. God, who is faithful and just, sees all that is happening and will judge all evil.

1 Samuel 16:5: Samuel "consecrated" Jesse and his sons to prepare them to come before God in worship or to offer a sacrifice. For more on this ceremony, see Genesis 35:2; Exodus 19:10, 14; and the note on § Joshua 3:5.

1 Samuel 16:7: Saul was tall and handsome; he was an impressive-looking man. Samuel may have been trying to find someone who looked like Saul to be Israel's next king, but God warned him against judging by appearance alone. When people judge by outward appearance, they may overlook quality individuals who lack the particular physical qualities society currently admires. Appearance doesn't reveal what people are really like or what their true value is.

Fortunately, God judges by faith and character, not appearances. And because only God can see on the inside, only he can accurately judge people. Most people spend hours each week maintaining their outward appearance; they should do even more to develop their inner character. While everyone can see your face, only you and God know what your heart really looks like. What steps are you taking to improve your heart's attitude?

1 Samuel 16:13: David was anointed king, but it was done in secret; he was not publicly anointed until much later (2 Samuel 2:4; 2 Samuel 5:3). Saul was still legally the king, but God was preparing David for his future responsibilities. The anointing oil poured over David's head stood for holiness. It was used to set people or objects apart for God's service. Each king and high priest of Israel was anointed with oil. This commissioned him as God's representative to the nation. Although God rejected Saul's kingship by not allowing any of his descendants to sit on Israel's throne, Saul himself remained in his position until his death.

(Back to Study Home Page)   (Sermon March 2, 2008)
(Back to Sermons Home Page)    (Back to Shultz Home Page)