1 Samuel 16:20

And Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and one young goat, and sent them to Saul with his son David.

Study Bible

So Jesse took
The phrase begins with Jesse, the father of David, taking action. Jesse's role is significant as he is part of the lineage of Jesus Christ, highlighting the importance of family and obedience in God's plan. The Hebrew root for "took" (לָקַח, laqach) often implies a deliberate action, suggesting Jesse's obedience and willingness to support God's unfolding plan for David.

a donkey loaded with bread
The donkey, a common beast of burden in ancient Israel, symbolizes humility and service. Bread, a staple of life, represents sustenance and provision. In a spiritual sense, bread often symbolizes the Word of God, which sustains believers. Jesse's provision of bread signifies his care and the importance of providing for both physical and spiritual needs.

a skin of wine
Wine in biblical times was a symbol of joy and celebration, as well as a common offering. The "skin" refers to the animal skins used to store liquids, a practical method in ancient times. Wine also has sacramental connotations, foreshadowing the New Testament's use of wine in the Lord's Supper, symbolizing the blood of Christ and the new covenant.

and a young goat
The young goat, or kid, was often used in sacrifices and feasts, symbolizing atonement and fellowship. This gift reflects the cultural practices of hospitality and respect, as well as the sacrificial system that pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The offering of a goat underscores the themes of reconciliation and peace.

and sent them to Saul
Jesse's act of sending these gifts to Saul demonstrates respect and submission to the king, despite Saul's later opposition to David. This act of sending gifts is a gesture of goodwill and allegiance, reflecting the biblical principle of honoring authority, as seen in Romans 13:1-7.

with his son David
David, the youngest son of Jesse, is introduced here in a role of service. His journey to Saul marks the beginning of his rise to prominence. David's obedience to his father and his humble beginnings as a shepherd boy highlight the biblical theme that God often chooses the least likely individuals to fulfill His purposes, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesse
The father of David, a Bethlehemite, who is obedient to the request of King Saul and sends his son David with gifts.

2. David
The youngest son of Jesse, anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel, and sent to serve Saul.

3. Saul
The first king of Israel, who is troubled by an evil spirit and seeks relief through music.

4. Bethlehem
The hometown of Jesse and David, significant as the birthplace of David and later, Jesus Christ.

5. The Gifts
A donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and a young goat, symbolizing hospitality and respect towards the king.

Teaching Points

Obedience and Respect
Jesse's actions demonstrate obedience to authority and respect for the king, a principle that can be applied in our relationships with those in leadership.

God's Providence
David's journey to Saul's court is orchestrated by God, showing how divine providence works through ordinary events and actions.

Preparation for Service
David's service to Saul prepares him for future leadership, illustrating how God uses current circumstances to equip us for His purposes.

The Role of Gifts
The gifts sent by Jesse symbolize goodwill and can be seen as a means to build relationships and open opportunities.

Humility in Service
David's willingness to serve Saul, despite being anointed as the future king, teaches us about humility and faithfulness in our current roles.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jesse's obedience to Saul's request reflect the biblical principle of honoring authority, and how can we apply this in our own lives?

2. In what ways does David's introduction to Saul's court demonstrate God's providence, and how can we recognize God's hand in our everyday circumstances?

3. How do the gifts sent by Jesse serve as a means of building relationships, and what practical steps can we take to foster goodwill in our interactions with others?

4. What can we learn from David's humility and willingness to serve Saul, and how can this attitude be applied in our own service to others?

5. How does the cultural practice of sending gifts to those in authority, as seen in both Jesse's and Jacob's actions, relate to the biblical teaching on generosity and hospitality?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 16:13
This verse describes the anointing of David by Samuel, which sets the stage for David's introduction to Saul's court.

1 Samuel 17:15
Highlights David's dual role as a shepherd and a servant in Saul's court, showing his humility and obedience.

Genesis 43:11
Jacob sends gifts to Joseph in Egypt, similar to Jesse sending gifts to Saul, demonstrating a cultural practice of offering gifts to those in authority.

Proverbs 18:16
This proverb speaks to the power of a gift to open doors and bring a person before great men, as seen in David's introduction to Saul.