Reading for March 9th

 Read 1 Samuel 16.1-13. In 16.1-13: David's anointing. In verses 14-15: The elders of the city were nobles who functioned as a council of civic leaders. Jesse seems to be among the elders of Bethlehem. In verses 6-7: Like Saul, Eliab is tall and handsome. Samuel is impressed but is warned that the Lord regards the inner qualities or heart as more important than outer appearance. The writer is building a contrast between Saul and David. In verses 8-9: David's brothers are rejected one by one. Samuel is probably using some device like the  Urim and Thummim to determine whether each of the sons is the one one chosen by the Lord. In verse 10; This verse agrees with 17.12 in crediting Jesse with eight sons, but 1 Chr 2.13-15 mentions only seven with David as the youngest. Since the number seven had special meaning as a symbol for completeness or largeness, the seventh son may have been seen as specially blessed. Perhaps David was originally the seventh son and the tradition became altered over time. Or perhaps he is described as the eight son as a way of highlighting his humble origins. In verse 11: The word translated the youngest may mean "the smallest" and again contrasts David with Saul. David is also keeping the sheep. The image of a shepherd was a common metaphor for kings (2 Sam 5.2). In verse 12: Ruddy means "reddish" or hair and complexion (Gen 25.25). Comments or Questions..