Big Idea: When choosing his servants, the Lord gives priority to inner character, not outward appearances.

Understanding the Text

In the previous chapters Saul lost his dynasty (13:13–14) and then his position as king (15:26–28). Chapter 16 is a turning point in the story: the process of Saul’s actual removal from kingship begins. God withdraws his Spirit and sends another spirit to torment Saul and undermine his kingship. Prior to this, the Lord announced that he would raise up “a man after his own heart” (13:14) to be the new king, one who is a “neighbor of Saul” and “better than” Saul (15:28). In chapter 16 that individual is now introduced by name. Samuel anoints him (v. 13), and then one of Saul’s servants describes him as “a brave man and a warrior,” with whom the Lord is present i…