What did Samuel know about Saul’s position or personality that made him think he would be killed for anointing someone else to be king?
When most people think of David, they think of a sling, a stone, and a fallen giant. But David’s victory over Goliath did not begin on the battlefield. It began years earlier, in obscurity, obedience, and quiet faithfulness to God.
God’s Choice Happens in Secret
God said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as Israel’s king? Fill your horn with olive oil, and go to the house of Jesse in Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” — 1 Samuel 16:1
David first appears in Scripture after God rejects King Saul for repeated disobedience (1 Samuel 15). God sends the prophet Samuel to Bethlehem with instructions to anoint a new king from among Jesse’s sons. This mission was dangerous. Samuel knew Saul’s temperament well. If Saul discovered that a successor was being chosen, both the anointer and the anointed could be killed.
To protect everyone involved, Samuel came openly to Bethlehem under the pretense of offering a sacrifice (1 Samuel 16:1–5). The town elders were reassured, but the real purpose of Samuel’s visit was kept secret. Scripture does not explicitly say so, but it is reasonable to conclude that Samuel gave no hint that the anointing was for a king. Even a whisper could have reached Saul.
When Jesse presented his sons, God passed over the strong and impressive ones. David—the youngest—was not even invited to the sacrifice and feast that followed. He was still tending sheep. Only when Samuel insisted did Jesse send for him (1 Samuel 16:11–13). David was anointed quietly, without fanfare, and without any understanding of what lay ahead. Not even David himself knew God’s plan.
Anointing Does Not Mean Immediate Understanding
David felt certain that one day he would perish by the hand of Saul, for he would never stop hunting him, trying to kill him. Therefore, his best escape was to join the Philistines and live outside Israel’s territory. — 1 Samuel 27:1
It is tempting to assume that David, once anointed, walked away knowing he would soon be king. Scripture suggests otherwise. Years later, while Saul was actively trying to kill him, David still believed Saul might succeed (1 Samuel 27:1). That does not sound like a man convinced his throne was guaranteed.
This is an important lesson for believers today. God often gives direction without explanation. The anointing brings purpose, not a roadmap. Like David, we are called to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit without knowing how—or when—God’s promises will unfold.
Faithfulness in Ordinary Work
As I walk through the most trying times of my life, a dark valley of the shadow of death, I still don’t have to fear, because you’re at my side. Like a shepherd who protects his lambs, your rod and your staff keep me safe. — Psalm 23:4
After his anointing, David didn’t go to a palace. He went back to the fields.
For months, perhaps years, David was shepherding. He practiced with his sling, likely missing more often than he hit. He practiced his music, writing songs that reflected God’s wisdom, power, and glory (see Psalm 8, 23). His skill with the harp and his sensitivity to God’s presence grew in solitude, not in public recognition.
This season reminds us that preparation often looks unimpressive. God develops character before assigning responsibility. What seems like delay is often training.
When Obedience Opens Unexpected Doors
The Spirit of the Lord had left Saul, and a distressing spirit from the Lord tormented him. One of the servants said, “I have seen a son of Jesse in Bethlehem, who plays the lyre very well. He is a courageous warrior, handsome, and good with words. The Lord is with him.” — 1 Samuel 16:14, 18
During one of Saul’s dark moods, a servant recommended David as a musician to soothe the king (1 Samuel 16:14–23). That recommendation did not happen by accident. David had already been faithfully writing and playing music—likely for an audience of sheep.
David had no idea that his obedience would lead him into the king’s presence. Yet God used ordinary faithfulness to place him exactly where he needed to be. For a time, Saul even insisted that David remain in the palace. Still, David didn’t know the larger story God was writing.
Once again, David was following the Spirit’s leading—just as believers must do today—without knowing where it would lead.
Learning God’s Power Through Real Danger
“I keep my father’s sheep,” David said. “One day, a lion took a lamb from the flock. On another day, a bear came.” — 1 Samuel 17:34
At some point, David returned home to shepherd again. During this time, he faced a lion and later, a bear—both life-threatening encounters (1 Samuel 17:34–37). These were not symbolic dangers. Even today, people are killed each year by these huge, powerful animals. The threat was real, and so was the experience of God’s victory.
Through these encounters, David learned something vital: God fiercely protects his people. These victories were not public, but they were foundational. Before David faced a giant, he learned what it was like to have God fighting with him.
The Day Faith Meets the Giant
Jesse said to his son David, “Quickly now, take this sack of roasted grain and these ten loaves to your brothers in the army camp. Take these ten cheeses to their division commander. Check on your brothers, and bring a report of how they are doing. — 1 Samuel 17:17–18
When Jesse later sent David to the battlefield to deliver food to his older brothers, David encountered Goliath’s challenge—a taunt that had gone unanswered for over forty days (1 Samuel 17:16).
Saul was a seasoned warrior, taller than most men, yet even he was paralyzed by fear. But David was not. Why? Because David had already seen God’s power at work—twice. He knew what God could do, not because of theory, but because of experience.
Again, David followed the Spirit’s leading, trusting God rather than military logic.
Why Saul Allowed David to Fight
During Saul’s reign, the Israelites were constantly at war with the Philistines. All the strong and courageous men were drafted into Saul’s army. — 1 Samuel 14:52
It is often overlooked how unlikely it was for Saul to allow David to face Goliath. Saul was unstable, but he wasn’t ignorant, stupid, or foolish. The only reason David was permitted to fight was because Saul truly believed God was with him. David’s testimony of the lion and the bear came alive in Saul’s mind.
Without God’s anointing, David would never have been sent.
Rethinking the Image of David
As Saul watched David go up against the Philistine giant, he said to Abner, commander of the army, “Whose son is he?”
“I swear,” Abner said, “I have no idea.”
Saul said, “Find out who this young man’s father is.”
— 1 Samuel 17:55–56
Many artistic depictions show David as a small child facing a massive giant. Scripture suggests otherwise.
Saul would never have allowed a child to represent Israel. Saul himself was unusually tall, and he offered David his armor—meaning David was physically large enough for it to fit. Besides that, after Goliath’s death, Saul asked who David was (1 Samuel 17:55–58), indicating that David was no longer recognizable as the young musician from years earlier. David had grown—taller, stronger, and bearded.
This was not a boy with blind courage. This was a man prepared by God.
Facing Giants Requires God’s Presence
David strapped the sword over his armor. He started to leave, but stopped. “This armor won’t help me. I’m not used to fighting this way.” David took it off and picked up his staff. At the valley stream, he chose five smooth stones and put them into his shepherd’s bag. With his sling in his hand, he approached the Philistine giant. — 1 Samuel 17:39–40
David took five stones—not because he doubted God, but because he didn’t presume to know how God would act. If he had known exactly what God would do, one stone would have been enough.
That, too, is a lesson for us. As we face our own giants—fear, opposition, uncertainty—we risk defeat if we move ahead without God. Victory comes, not from confidence in ourselves, but from confidence that the Lord is fighting with us.
David’s story reminds us that God prepares his servants long before the battle—and that faith grows strongest when we follow him without knowing the ending.
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