The Principle of Divine Selection
1 Samuel 16:12
And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and with of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said…


The first great principle involved in the choice of David is that which runs through all Scripture, because it runs through all Providence, that "the first shall be last, and the last first." Low valleys are blessed with broad rivers; the heights are barren and parched. God's gifts are given to the lowly in heart, and His judgments fall "upon all that is proud and haughty, and it shall be brought low," — "and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day." Not once nor twice in the world's history have its deliverers and guides sprung from the lower classes. "In vain is salvation hoped for from the hills." A miner's son in Thuringia remoulds the Church which a Prince's son on the papal throne was corrupting still more; a brewer in Huntingdon fashions England "into another mould." And as regards individual salvation, it is the "meek and lowly in heart" who comes to Jesus and find rest to their souls, while "the wise and prudent" have no eyes to see the Light of light.

(A. Maclaren, D. D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.

WEB: He sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful face, and goodly to look on. Yahweh said, "Arise, anoint him; for this is he."




The Future King Anointed
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