Little Boy David

The prophet Samuel is told by God to go to Jesse's household, the reason, the next king would come from that clan. Samuel arrived and because his mission is pivitol for the future of Israel and he plans a sacrifice, he consecrates Jesse and seven sons. A cleansing ritual takes place, often including baths, clean clothes and abstaining from sexual relations.

Jesse and seven sons are set apart, ready to join in the worship sacrifice, Samuel is poised, ready for God to point out the next ruler. Samuel had on his king colored glasses. He saw that the oldest son Eliab was a fine looking man. Sovereign material, or so he thought. Good looking and the oldest. Ready to annoint him, God said, "Not so fast."

Ok, so it wouldn't be the firstborn. Samuel sized up the rest of Jesse's male offspring. Broad shoulders. Tanned. Steady gazes. Personable. Soldier material. The annointed would lead troops into battle. Each was considered eligible.

Again, Samuel had his horn of oil, aloft and ready to annoint. All he needed was a word from the Lord. But none came. He knew he was at the right place. Samuel had listened to the voice of the Lord since he was a young boy. This time, he'd heard God say, "Be on your way. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king" (1 Samuel 16:1).

Samuel is blinded by his sight. What is set before him is all he can see, but God's resources reach beyond Samuel's panoramic view. The youngest of Jesse's boys is out to pasture.

When Samuel saw the fine specimens of Jesse-clan genetics, he thought any one of them the next ruler, but that's when God teaches a lesson.