Jes'se then caused the other six sons who were present to pass before the prophet, and each time the LORD said to Sam'u-el, "He is not the man." Turning to Jes'se, the prophet asked, "Are these all the children you have?"-"There remaineth yet the youngest," said Jes'se, "and he is in the field watching over the sheep." Sam'u-el asked that he be brought before him at once, and the moment he saw him the LORD said, "Arise and anoint him, for he is My choice for the throne of Is'ra-el." He was a boy of about fifteen years old, with a fine, rosy complexion, sparkling eyes, and an appearance that was good to behold.
Thus Da'vid, the youngest son of Jes'se was solemnly anointed by the aging prophet of GOD while his father and brothers looked on in wonder. The boy was too young and inexperienced to assume the heavy burdens of ruling Is'ra-el, so perhaps he was not told at this time of the full meaning of the ceremony performed by the man of GOD. He did, however, enter a new stage in the development of his inner life, which was fully consecrated to GOD. The gifts with which he was richly endowed by nature began to unfold. As he continued tending his father's flocks the Goodness and Glory of GOD was made known to him in every hand. In the mild, starry nights he learnt how "The Heavens declare the glory of GOD; and the firmament showeth His handiwork." The holy teachings of the books of Mo'ses, in which he had been instructed from his earliest years, became more clear to him as he read them over and over again.
It was during these formative years that he received the inspiration for many of the beautiful psalms which were afterwards put into permanent form for use in the worship of Is'ra-el. His poetic and musical gifts were cultivated as the days and weeks went by, and his kingly qualities were rapidly developing. Whether he knew that he was destined to become ruler of his nation or not, he lived in constant remembrance that the anointing by Sam'u-el had consecrated him to a life of service to GOD. The faithful discharge of his duties as a shepherd of sheep prepared him to become the righteous and successful shepherd of Is'ra-el. The sense of duty and responsibility daily displayed in protecting his flock from bears and lions strengthened him for the eminent ruler he afterwards became. The LORD was making him ready for a great career.
Neither Saul nor the people of Is'ra-el were informed of the selection of young Da'vid to succeed to the throne of Is'ra-el, nor did his father and brothers seem to have known the secret of the prophet. Apparently several years passed before Saul suspected GOD'S plan for the noble young man, and through these years Divine Providence brought Da'vid the training and discipline for a great career on the throne of Is'ra-el.
While the Spirit of GOD was guiding Da'vid, an entirely different thing was taking place with Saul. The Holy Spirit having left him because of his sins, he was tormented by an evil spirit which led him into fits of melancholy and extreme irritation. Unrestrained by the Good Spirit, he was goaded by sa'tan into ungovernable madness and rage. His servants were so distressed by the change that they sought some way of quieting his temper. Even in those early days music was looked upon as a means of soothing a troubled spirit and subduing anger, so the servants suggested that a musician of great skill be engaged to play the harp for Saul. The unhappy king consented, and a search was made at once for a gifted harpist.
