God Chooses David

DO you know what has happened?  This boy has saved this little lamb from the bear.  The bear came and carried off the lamb and was going to eat it.  But the boy ran after them, and saved the lamb from the bear's mouth. And when the bear rose up, the boy grabbed the bear and struck it down dead!  At another time he saved one of the sheep from a lion.  Isn't he a brave boy?  Do you know who he is? 

This is young David.  He lives in the town of Beth'le-hem.  His grandfather was O'bed, the son of Ruth and Bo'az.  Do you remember them?  And David's father is Jes'se. David takes care of his father's sheep.  David was born 10 years after Jehovah chose Saul to be king. 

The time comes when Jehovah says to Samuel: 'Take some special oil and go to the house of Jes'se in Beth'le-hem.  I have chosen one of his sons to be king.'  When Samuel sees Jes'se's oldest son E-li'ab, he says to himself:  'This is surely the one that Jehovah has chosen.'  But Jehovah tells him: 'Do not look kat how tall and handsome he is. I have not chosen him to be king.'

So Jes'se calls his son A-bin'a-dab and brings him to Samuel. But Samuel says: 'No, Jehovah hasn't chosen him either.'  Next Jes'se bring his son Sham'mah.  'No Jehovah has chosen him either,'  Samuel says.  Jes'se bring seven of his sons to Samuel, but Jehovah doesn't choose any of them.  'Are these all of the boys?' Samuel asks.

'There is still the youngest,'  Jes'se says. But he is out taking care of the sheep.'  When David is brought in, Samuel can see that he is a good-looking boy.  'This is the one,  Jehovah says. 'Pour the oil on him.'

Samuel 17:34 35; 16:1-13.

Next time: David and Goliath

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