Children of the Bible

Lesson 7

Lesson Text—I Samuel 16:11-13

I Samuel 16:11-1311 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.

Lesson Text—I Samuel 16:11-13

12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.

Lesson Text—I Samuel 16:11-13

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. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

Lesson Text—I Samuel 16:14-17

I Samuel 16:14-1714 But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.15 And Saul’s servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee.

Lesson Text—I Samuel 16:14-17

16 Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.

Lesson Text—I Samuel 16:14-17

17 And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me.

Lesson Text—I Samuel 16:19-22

I Samuel 16:19-2219 Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep.20 And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul.

Lesson Text—I Samuel 16:19-22

21 And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.22 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight.

Lesson Text—I Samuel 16:23

I Samuel 16:23And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand; so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

Focus Verse—I Samuel 16:23

I Samuel 16:23And it came to pass, when the evil

spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and

played with his hand; so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the

evil spirit departed from him.

Focus Thought

God sees an individual’s

faithfulness in service, even when

done in obscurity, and He

orchestrates circumstances to

maximize one’s human potential to

enhance His kingdom.

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

Culture ConnectionThe Foundations of David’s Success

God elevated David from the fields where he watched over sheep to the palace where he watched over the people of Israel. What marked David for such success in God’s kingdom? What precipitated his elevation to leadership? Fundamentally and primarily it was his devotion to faithfulness—doing the responsibilities set before him to the best of his ability through the Lord’s

empowerment.

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

Noted English preacher of the early twentieth century, A. W. Pink, observed in his sermon titled “Faithfulness,” “Faithful people have always been in a marked minority. ‘Help, Lord, for the godly men ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men’ (Psalm 12:1), cried David. Note how those two characteristics are conjoined, for piety and honesty are inseparable—compare ‘good and faithful servant’ (Matthew 25:23).

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

So, too, Solomon exclaimed, ‘Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find’ (Proverbs 20:6). Why is this? Because it is the part of fallen human nature to take the line of least resistance and choose the path easiest to the flesh. . . . ‘A faithful man shall abound with blessings’ (Proverbs 28:20): the true way to be happy is to be holy and honest. He who is true to God and man will be blest of Him” (www.eternallifeministries.org, accessed April 6, 2011).

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

David was faithful to watch over the sheep, and God blessed him and elevated him in His kingdom. Faithfulness to God and one’s fellow man is a character trait to be admired, desired, and emulated—and it is the doorway to future blessings of God.

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

Contemplating the Topic

Today’s lesson considers a marvelous principle: God recognizes faithful service as the primary basis for promotion. There are no shortcuts to success in any area of life’s worthwhile endeavors. It is always a matter of hard work, perseverance, and patience.

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

David’s diligence as a young shepherd built the foundation for the strength of character he displayed in becoming king of Israel. The years he spent in solitude out on the hillsides with his father’s flocks provided him time and opportunity to perfect the skills that led him to become “a man after God’s own heart.” David did things to the best of his abilities. Because of that, God elevated him from obscurity to universal acclaim.

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

David’s life serves as a powerful model to teach us the importance of living for God with all our might.

A. David Faithfully Kept the Sheep

Searching The Scriptures

Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

A. David Faithfully Kept the Sheep

The people of Israel were primarily farming folk. They kept sheep, goats, and cattle to provide wool, hides, meat, milk, butter, and cheese. They kept valuable livestock close to the house or turned them over to be kept by shepherds in the fields.

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

They usually relegated shepherding to someone near the bottom of the social ladder. Shepherds were either less significant family members or men hired by several farmers to watch over large, combined flocks. Farmers who could afford it often hired foreign workers to care for the sheep. Jesse made David a shepherd because he was the youngest of Jesse’s sons and considered to be the least significant.

Shepherding in Old Testament times was a rigorous and lonely

lifestyle.

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

There was no opportunity for a social life or normal human contact outside of the shepherd community. Shepherds spent their days and nights out in the elements without human comforts and companionship that others took for granted. The Israelite religious community looked down on shepherds because they could not participate in the religious rituals they considered necessary to be clean. They could never observe the Sabbath properly because shepherding was a 24/7, 365-day-a-year job.

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

Shepherding was also a responsible job. They had to keep the sheep diligently because sheep owners demanded payment out of their wages for any lost animals. If a wild animal attacked the sheep, the shepherd had to provide to the creature’s owner evidence of what had happened. Bears and lions would even attack any human standing in the way of a delicious mutton meal, so the shepherd had to be brave, resourceful, and fierce if both he and the sheep

were to survive.

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

David was a good shepherd who protected his father’s flock from predators on more than one occasion.

B. God Observed David’s Faithfulness

B. God Observed David’s Faithfulness

“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” (I Samuel 16:7).

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

When God sent Samuel to Jesse’s house to anoint one of his sons to be the next king of Israel, the appearance of the older boys pleased Samuel and he expected God would choose one of them. But God rejected the older brothers Eliab, Abinadab, and Shammah, and then the others. Finally Samuel asked, “Are these all your children?”

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and ObscurityJesse had not even summoned the

youngest, the insignificant shepherd boy, but God saw something in him that others, including his family members, had not yet seen—his pure heart—a heart that belonged to God. “The Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people” (I Samuel 13:14).

C. Faithfulness Brings Opportunity

C. Faithfulness Brings OpportunitySamuel told Jesse to send someone

to call David in from the fields. When David arrived he probably was surprised to see the prophet there and had no idea how the next few moments would change his life. But God had seen David’s faithfulness in small things and decided to grant him the opportunity to serve on a greater scale.

A principle is evident here: the door to opportunity is marked “faithfulness.” (See Matthew 25:21.)

A. The Lord’s EndorsementThe Shepherd Boy Anointed

A. The Lord’s Endorsement

When David arrived, God said to Samuel, “Arise, anoint him: for this is he” (I Samuel 16:12).

David was as handsome as his older brothers, but God was more interested in what He saw in the heart of Jesse’s youngest son. David had spent most of his time in the fields without human companionship, but he

had communed with God.

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

Wherever he went, he took his harp and sang sweet songs of praise. God based His promotion of David on his past behavior and attitude more than anything else. If we want God’s favor, we must spend time communing with Him, searching His Word, and serving Him faithfully and cheerfully. (See Mark 10:43-45; Psalm 75:6-7; Proverbs 3:34-35.) David’s example shows us the way to find spiritual promotion and honor.

B. The Prophet’s AnointingB. The Prophet’s Anointing

“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. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah” (I Samuel 16:13).

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

Samuel did not anoint David with just a dab of oil but poured enough on David’s head to run down over his face, body, and clothes. As Jesse’s family watched, God gave the most insignificant son a most significant blessing that set him apart from the others from that day forward. The anointing assured David that God’s promise of kingship would someday come true.

C. The Spirit’s PresenceC. The Spirit’s Presence

The Spirit of the Lord came upon David after he was anointed, providing hope and inspiration during the long years that separated his anointing from his actual coronation as king. David treasured God’s Spirit and presence in his life. In Psalm 51:10-12, which David wrote in repentance after his sin with Bathsheba, he revealed how much he wanted and needed God’s Spirit in his life: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right

spirit within me.

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”

Truly, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is the greatest treasure God gives to human beings. Having the Holy Spirit in one’s life is literally having Christ in us, the hope of glory. (See Colossians 1:27.)

III. God’s Orchestration of Circumstances

God’s Orchestration of Circumstances

We are often confused over finding the will of God. When things go well, we do not question our relationship with God. But when trouble or illness occurs, we may ask God, “Why?” “Why me?” or “Why me now?” Whether or not we understand it, God is working everything out according to His plan for our lives.

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

William Cowper (1731-1800) was a British poet and hymnist. Throughout his life he struggled with depression, even spending periods of time in mental asylums. During one of his better periods, sometime between 1765 and 1773, Cowper wrote the hymn “God Moves in a Mysterious Way,” which powerfully illustrates God’s orchestration of circumstances to bring about His divine will.

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

God moves in a mysterious way,His wonders to perform;He plants His footsteps in the sea,And rides upon the storm.Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,But trust Him for His grace;Behind a frowning providence,He hides a smiling face.His purposes will ripen fast,Unfolding every hour;The bud may have a bitter taste,But sweet will be the flower.Blind unbelief is sure to err

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

And scan His work in vain;God is His own interpreter,And He will make it plain.

The way God worked out a plan for David’s life can be of great help to us. We may not always be able to see His plan for us, but we can rest assured He has one.

A. The Spirit’s Departure from Saul

A. The Spirit’s Departure from Saul

“But the spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him” (I Samuel 16:14).

God’s presence rested upon David, but it abandoned King Saul. When God left Saul he suddenly felt cut off, hopeless, and depressed. Sometimes chronically unrepentant people actually pray for God to leave them alone.

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

They want to sin in peace, but there is no such thing. Only in the Prince of Peace can one find peace. Saul’s misery, emptiness, and despair occurred when his repeated disobedience caused God to forsake him.

B. An Evil Spirit’s Entrance into Saul

B. An Evil Spirit’s Entrance into Saul

As God forsook Saul, an evil spirit moved in to plague him. How tragic! From the heights of knowing and feeling the strength of God’s Spirit, Saul plummeted to the depths of demonic torment. Demonic spirits show no kindness or mercy but delight in tormenting human souls.

C. The Remedy for SaulC. The Remedy for Saul

“Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well. And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me” (I Samuel 16:16-17).

Transparency 2

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

The evil spirit apparently had not taken full possession of Saul, but it oppressed him and made him miserable. The king’s servants suggested that soothing music would help Saul regain his composure and calm his troubled mind. In an age when there was no recorded music, they would have to find a live musician who could be available day or night to calm the storm raging in Saul’s mind.

D. A Qualified Young ManD. A Qualified Young Man

“Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the Lord is with him” (I Samuel 16:18).

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

David fit the need perfectly. His qualifications made him the number one applicant for the job. 1. Son of Jesse. He came from a well-respected family.2. Talented musician. He not only played well, but he wrote his own songs.3. A brave man. He showed strength and courage in times of danger.4. A wise man. He was mature beyond his years.5. The Lord’s presence was with him. He was obviously a spiritual man.

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

The fact that David was a child of Jesse was a matter of nature over which he had no control. However, David took the raw materials of his character—musical ability, bravery, wisdom, and spirituality—and developed them on his own.

We can derive inspiration from David’s life as a shepherd boy, which inspires us to face our mundane and seemingly insignificant tasks every day.

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and ObscurityIf we consider David’s vigilance as he

watched over his father’s flocks, we may realize that the quality of energy, concentration, and excellence we invest in our every action is a key to our personal integrity. Whether or not other people are watching, we should do everything wholeheartedly, as David did. That is the biblical mandate. It is the gauge by which God measures our character.

A. Saul Sent Messengers to JesseA King’s Request and a Father’s

Response

A. Saul Sent Messengers to Jesse

“Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep” (I Samuel16:19).

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

King Saul’s request for Jesse to allow David to leave the flocks and come to work for him in the palace posed both an honor and a hardship for Jesse. Jesse needed David as a shepherd. If he were not watching the flocks, someone else would have to do it. Perhaps he would have to hire another servant to take David’s place, which would be expensive. On the other hand, David’s presence in the palace would give Jesse’s family prestige.

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

Gossiping servants would spread the news and people throughout all Israel would talk about the young son of Jesse, the only one who could soothe the king’s troubled spirit. Yes, Jesse stood to benefit from this vicarious association with the ruler of the land.

B. Jesse Responded PositivelyB. Jesse Responded Positively

“And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul” (I Samuel 16:20).

Jesse did the politically correct thing by responding positively to the king’s request. He even made sure David did not arrive in the royal presence empty handed. He sent gifts to King Saul to show his respect and appreciation for the position he had

created for his son.

C. The King ApprovedC. The King Approved

“And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer. And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight” (I Samuel 16:21-22).

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

Saul quickly became extremely fond of David. He trusted him and honored him with the additional duties of bearing his armor. The diligence and faithful service David exhibited on the hillsides watching over the flocks continued in the palace as a servant of the king. He served Saul wholeheartedly, which garnered the favor not only of the king, but of the members of the royal family (I Samuel 18:1-5).

V. Good’s Ultimate Power over Evil

Good’s Ultimate Power over Evil

“Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Romans 5:20).

Since the time of Adam and Eve’s temptation up to the present, good and evil have been in conflict.

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

The apostle Paul discussed this conflict with the assurance that good ultimately triumphs over evil. (See Romans 5:12-20.)

In the Book of Job, Satan used all of his evil tricks to try to overcome Job’s goodness with afflictions and hardships. But Job held on and God’s power gave him the ultimate victory and restoration. Wherever evil abounds, grace abounds much more.

A. Anointed Music Dispels FearA. Anointed Music Dispels Fear

“And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand; so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him” (I Samuel 16:23).

The evil spirit that bedeviled Saul made him paranoid, emotionally consumed with irrational fears and jealousy.

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

One thing definitely helped Saul, and that was the sweet and gentle refrains of David as he sang and played his harp. David’s melodies helped give Saul some relief from the evil spirit of irrational fears.

Soothing music calms the troubled soul. In recent years, expectant mothers have been playing classical music by Mozart and other renowned composers to the developing babies inside. This music is said to stimulate the babies’ brain development and

calm their nerves.

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

Ancient armies often would rely upon musicians and singers to raise the sound of music over the battlefields. (See II Chronicles 20:21-23.) This encouraged the soldiers to fight more valiantly. Martial drum music has been used to set a cadence for marching and advancing into battle by armies around the world. The drummers’ and buglers’ playing stimulates a sense of urgency in the soldiers to forget their fears and “Charge!”

Transparency 3

B. The Spirit of the Lord Refreshes

B. The Spirit of the Lord Refreshes

David’s anointed music calmed and refreshed Saul. Isaiah prophesied about the Holy Ghost as a refreshing.

“For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing” (Isaiah 28:11-12).

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

God’s Spirit calms and refreshes the human soul. Where God is, there is no reason to fear or dread. His presence brings a sense of peace, safety, and calm.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea” (Psalm 46:1-2).

Deuteronomy 31:6

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for

the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Deuteronomy

31:6).

C. Evil Spirits FleeC. Evil Spirits Flee

Words of praise are like an invitation to God’s presence. “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel” (Psalm 22:3). Truly anointed music glorifies and elevates the Lord and makes evil spirits uncomfortable and fearful. This is because they know who the Lord of glory truly is, and because they know Him, they fear Him. (See James 2:19.)

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and ObscurityDavid’s anointed music gave honor

and glory to the Lord and dispelled the evil spirits that plagued Saul. Just as God refuses to dwell in an unclean vessel, neither will evil spirits coexist with God’s holy presence. They must flee.

D. A New Life ResultsD. A New Life Results

Nothing less than David’s anointed music and godly attitude could soothe King Saul and give him temporary relief from the torment. David’s playing and singing drove away Saul’s fears and gave him hope. Consequently, Saul’s whole life improved as long as David played. We are so much more fortunate than Saul; when God’s presence comes into our lives we can

find “fullness of joy.”

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and ObscurityWe can experience a brand new life

that is filled with faith, hope, and love. Our fears can be forever vanquished and we are set free from evil spirits that have held us captive. Jesus gives us victory over evil.

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

Internalizing the Message

David began life as the youngest of Jesse’s sons, a seemingly insignificant member of the family. But his strength of character set him apart from his brothers and other men. He served faithfully as a lowly shepherd. He risked his own life to protect and preserve his father’s sheep, and proved himself on the hillsides of Bethlehem as a good shepherd.

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

At least twice he risked his own life in rescuing sheep from the jaws of a lion and a bear. He was brave, diligent, vigilant, and faithful in all he did.

Because of David’s strength of character and faithfulness in small matters, God endorsed and promoted him to become the second king of Israel.

I. Faithful, in His Adversity and Obscurity

We should never look down on anyone for the job he performs as long as he does it to the best of his ability. We should learn from David’s life and aspire to greatness in God’s kingdom by following his example of wholehearted servitude. Let us live by this motto: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).