So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. – 1 Samuel 16:13
Perhaps you watched the majestic coronation of King Charles III in May 2023. If so, you will recall a time during the extensive ceremonies when the king and the clergy went behind a screen for a private part of the ceremony. What happens there is the anointing of the future monarch. Consecrated oil, which comes from Jerusalem, is poured on the head of the incoming sovereign, as well as on his hands and chest. According to a press release from the Palace, this ceremony “has historically been regarded as a moment between the Sovereign and God, with a screen or canopy in place given the sanctity of the Anointing.” This occurs before the investiture and crowning of the king.
When David was anointed king over Israel by the prophet Samuel, it was also a private setting and not a ceremony of majestic robes and trumpets. King Charles III came to the throne as a result of his lineage. From the earliest of days, the family tree of David had been in preparation, and not only of David but, ultimately, that family tree applies to Jesus. Jesus descended from the House of David twice over – through Solomon on Joseph’s side, and through Nathan on Mary’s side. Matthew and Luke respectively trace these family trees.
Jesus had a semi-private anointing in Bethany, just six days before Passover, when Mary anoints the feet of Jesus with nard, a fragrant oil, then wipes his feet with her hair (John 12:1-8). David had his brothers present at his anointing; Jesus’ disciples witnessed the actions of Mary. He would later be crowned with thorns and given a royal robe (John 19:1-3). Though His kingship was mocked at the time, centuries before Daniel the prophet had seen a vision of the time coming when Jesus is “given dominion, and glory, and a kingdom” (Daniel 7:13-14). And He will reign forever and ever (Isaiah 9:7).
Jesus is King, and of His kingdom there will be no end. Yet you can know him personally as Savior and Lord. There are believers who have been selected to serve in the coming administration. Pray for their humility and for a strong testimony to those around them. May their service bring honor to God as they acknowledge Him as the only Sovereign in their lives.
Today’s Verse: 1 Samuel 16:13
Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 Samuel 16:1, 7-13
16 The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.”
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 9 Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 10 And Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” 12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
