David's anointing as king is a pivotal event in the biblical narrative, marking the transition from the rule of Saul to the establishment of the Davidic dynasty. This event is recorded in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel, and it highlights God's sovereign choice and the unfolding of His divine plan for Israel.

Anointing by Samuel

The first anointing of David occurs in 1 Samuel 16. After God rejects Saul as king due to his disobedience, He instructs the prophet Samuel to anoint a new king from the sons of Jesse of Bethlehem. Samuel is initially hesitant, fearing Saul's reaction, but God reassures him. Upon arriving in Bethlehem, Samuel invites Jesse and his sons to a sacrifice. As each of Jesse's sons passes before Samuel, God does not choose any of them. Finally, David, the youngest, who is tending the sheep, is brought before Samuel. The Lord confirms His choice, saying, "Rise and anoint him, for he is the one" (1 Samuel 16:12). Samuel anoints David in the presence of his brothers, and "the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward" (1 Samuel 16:13).

Anointing as King of Judah

David's second anointing occurs after the death of Saul. In 2 Samuel 2, David seeks the Lord's guidance and is directed to go to Hebron. There, the men of Judah anoint him as king over the house of Judah. This anointing marks the beginning of David's reign, although he initially rules only over Judah while Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, reigns over the other tribes of Israel. David's reign in Hebron lasts seven and a half years (2 Samuel 2:11).

Anointing as King over All Israel

David's third and final anointing is recorded in 2 Samuel 5. After the death of Ish-bosheth, the tribes of Israel come to David at Hebron, acknowledging him as their rightful king. They recognize that even during Saul's reign, David was the one who led Israel in battle and that the Lord had said to him, "You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over Israel" (2 Samuel 5:2). The elders of Israel make a covenant with David, and he is anointed king over all Israel. David then establishes Jerusalem as his capital, uniting the nation and beginning a reign that lasts forty years.

Significance

David's anointing is significant for several reasons. It underscores the theme of divine election, as God chooses David, a shepherd boy, over his more outwardly impressive brothers and over Saul, the people's choice. David's anointing also foreshadows the coming of the Messiah, as the Davidic line is central to messianic prophecy. The anointing signifies the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, which equips David for his role as king. Throughout his reign, David is known as a man after God's own heart, despite his imperfections, and his anointing sets the stage for the establishment of a kingdom that would ultimately lead to the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of David.