God sent Samuel to Bethlehem with a horn of oil to anoint one of Jesse's sons as the next king of Israel.
Not the Tallest, Not the Oldest
Samuel saw Eliab and thought he was the one. But God said:
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.— 1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV)
Seven of Jesse's sons passed before Samuel, and "The LORD hath not chosen these" (1 Samuel 16:10). The youngest was out keeping the sheep.
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.— 1 Samuel 16:12 (KJV)
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.— 1 Samuel 16:13 (KJV)
From the PsalmsI have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:— Psalm 89:20 (KJV)
Anointed Three Times
David was anointed by Samuel, then king over Judah at Hebron (2 Samuel 2:4), then king over all Israel (2 Samuel 5:3). See how David became king.
41 bold coloring pages of King David's warriors, straight from 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11. Ages 5–99+. Paperback, $9.99. See inside the book.
Get the Coloring BookQuestions About David's Mighty Men
Where was David anointed by Samuel?
In Bethlehem, at Jesse's house (1 Samuel 16:1–13).
How old was David when Samuel anointed him?
Scripture does not give his age. It calls him the youngest of Jesse's sons, keeping the sheep (1 Samuel 16:11).
How many times was David anointed?
Three: by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13), as king over Judah (2 Samuel 2:4) and as king over Israel (2 Samuel 5:3).
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