Bible moment
The Bible moment
In 1 Samuel 16:1–13, the LORD sends Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse’s sons. Samuel sees Jesse’s older sons, but the LORD does not choose them. Samuel asks whether all the sons are present, and Jesse explains that the youngest is still tending the sheep. David is brought in, and the LORD tells Samuel that he is the one. Samuel anoints David among his brothers with oil. The LORD’s Spirit comes powerfully upon David from that day onward. This passage teaches that people often notice outward appearance, while the LORD looks at the heart. It does not say that David was chosen because of how he looked, and it does not say that he immediately became king.
Look closely
What children can notice
Samuel asks Jesse to bring the youngest son, so David arrives from tending the sheep. Jesse and Samuel wait as David enters, emphasizing that he was faithfully doing an ordinary family responsibility before being called in.
Talk together
Talk about it
- What responsibility was David doing when Samuel asked for him?
- What does this story teach about how the LORD sees people?
For families, church, and class
Use this page
Use this page with the reading of 1 Samuel 16:11–12. Invite children to notice what the passage says clearly: David was tending sheep, he was brought to Samuel, and the LORD identified him as the one to anoint. Avoid adding dialogue, details about David’s age, or later events from his life. For a classroom or family activity, ask children to name one ordinary responsibility they can do faithfully. Keep the focus on God’s choice and on the truth that the LORD looks at the heart, without encouraging children to judge anyone else’s heart.
Source note
From this passage
1 Samuel 16:11-12 · David Anointed
Samuel asks Jesse to bring the youngest son, so David arrives from tending the sheep. Jesse and Samuel wait as David enters, emphasizing that he was faithfully doing an ordinary family responsibility before being called in.
