1 Samuel 16:7-22

New International Version

⁷ But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance,^(A) but the Lord looks at the heart.”^(B)

⁸ Then Jesse called Abinadab^(C) and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.” ⁹ Jesse then had Shammah^(D) pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the Lord chosen this one.” ¹⁰ Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.” ¹¹ So he asked Jesse, “Are these all^(E) the sons you have?”

“There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.”^(F)

Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.”

¹² So he^(G) sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome^(H) features.

Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”

¹³ So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed^(I) him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord^(J) came powerfully upon David.^(K) Samuel then went to Ramah.

David in Saul’s Service

¹⁴ Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed^(L) from Saul, and an evil^[a] spirit^(M) from the Lord tormented him.^(N)

¹⁵ Saul’s attendants said to him, “See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. ¹⁶ Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the lyre.^(O) He will play when the evil spirit from God comes on you, and you will feel better.”

¹⁷ So Saul said to his attendants, “Find someone who plays well and bring him to me.”

¹⁸ One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse^(P) of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior.^(Q) He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with^(R) him.”

¹⁹ Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.^(S)” ²⁰ So Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread,^(T) a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them with his son David to Saul.

²¹ David came to Saul and entered his service.^(U) Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers. ²² Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.”