Although the LORD had twice announced to Sam'u-el that Saul was rejected as king and that another should be chosen to occupy the throne of Is'ra-el, He had not told him how soon this was to take place, or whether Saul should be permitted to remain as head of the government until removed by death. Thus we find that Saul continued in office for a number of years, although the LORD had withdrawn His blessings from him after His rejection at Mich'mash.
In the meantime the LORD directed Sam'u-el in the private selection and anointing of the young man who was to take the place of Saul. He was a mere boy at the time, and years of preparation and training were needed before he would be capable of ruling over Is'ra-el. But the LORD wished Sam'u-el to know His choice for two reasons. First, that he might act as a prophet of GOD in preparing the Divinely chosen king for his work; secondly, that he might act as the religious leader of Is'ra-el in making the nation ready for the enthronement when the time had come.
One day when Sam'u-el was still discouraged because of GOD'S judgments against Saul, and much worried over the future welfare of Is'ra-el, the LORD came to him with a rebuke for his persistent mourning over Saul. He directed the prophet to prepare a horn of holy oil and to go at once to the house of Jes'se in Beth'le-hem to anoint one of his sons, saying, "For I have provided Me a king among his sons."
Sam'u-el, who seldom showed any reluctance or fear in doing the bidding of the LORD, was now in grave fear for his personal safety in performing such a duty. Saul was often subject to moody spells and fits of sudden anger, so the worst might be dreaded when he discovered that Sam'u-el had appointed another king. The LORD then told Sam'u-el to provide a calf for an offering in Beth'le-hem, and to tell anyone who might be interested that he was going to this town to make a sacrifice. Such concealment was necessary for the protection of both Sam'u-el and the young king.
You will remember that since Sam'u-el's retirement as the civil ruler of Is'ra-el he had continued his service as a spiritual adviser, and that he made frequent trips through the land to reprove and punish wrong doing, to offer sacrifices, and to stimulate the people in their religious life. A visit to Beth'le-hem, therefore, would not be regarded with suspicion by anyone. He, therefore proceeded at once on his journey, walking over the mountain roads from Ra'mah to Beth'le-hem, a distance of about ten miles.
When the officers of the little hill town saw the prophet coming, they anxiously inquired why he had come. He told them that his purpose was to sacrifice unto the LORD, and issued a call for all the people to make the preparations required by law for such services, making sure that Jes'se and his sons were properly set apart to the LORD.
There were eight sons in the family of Jes'se, and seven of them were present at the gathering. After the sacrifice had been offered, Sam'u-el inspected these seven young men, one after another. As he stood before the eldest, whose name was E'li'ab, and who was tall and handsome, he felt sure that this was the man whom the LORD would choose to be a king. But then the LORD spoke these words to the heart of the prophet:
"Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh at the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh in the heart."
The LORD wished Sam'u-el to understand that outward beauty is not a guarantee of inward worth; that a pleasing appearance and imposing height do not make a man a good king. Saul had all these advantages, but had failed miserably because his heart was not right. The new king must be chosen for his purity of spirit and righteousness of heart.
