The Eighth Son of Jesse (1 Sam. 16)

Michiana Covenant Presbyterian Church

The story of 1 Samuel 16 is a story of two strange visitations at Bethlehem - the first being the coming of the Prophet Samuel to anoint David- the second being the messengers of King Saul to take David to the king.--And at the heart of the chapter - at the heart of the two visits - is the movement of the Holy Spirit - rushing upon David, even as he departs from Saul.--We saw last time that the LORD rejected Saul as king because Saul does not fear God. Saul fears the people. A king who fears the people will not - in the end - lead them to do what is right in God's eyes.--Oh, he may do a few things right- And our author is a faithful author who points out many things that Saul does right. But if your central failing is that you fear the people rather than God - then you will not lead well.--The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom...