The Least of Us
Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.”
—1 Samuel 16:11 (ESV)
I’ve found that when you simply let Scripture play, God often drops passages into your soul to meditate on. The verse above is one of those that settled on my heart.
At this point in Israel’s history, Saul was king. But because of his disobedience, the Lord told Samuel that He had rejected Saul as king. God then instructed Samuel to go to Jesse’s house, for He had chosen a new king for Himself from among Jesse’s sons.
When Samuel arrived, Jesse presented all of his sons to the prophet—except David. He didn’t even invite David to the sacrifice. After Samuel went through each of Jesse’s seven sons and God had not chosen any of them, Samuel asked Jesse, “Do you have another son?” Jesse replied, “Yes, the youngest, but he’s out keeping the sheep.”
This passage is such a beautiful reminder that God has everything handled for us.
Scripture doesn’t explain why Jesse excluded David, even though the prophet had asked to see all of his sons. Some scholars note that the youngest son was often considered less significant, which may explain Jesse’s decision. But regardless of the reason, God’s plan wasn’t hindered by Jesse’s oversight. In fact, Jesse’s choice only set the stage for a more powerful entrance for David. As the text records:
Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.”
David had no idea that the prophet was at his home or that one of Jesse’s sons was about to be anointed king of Israel. He was simply where he was supposed to be—faithfully tending the sheep. Yet, even in his obscurity, he did not miss the calling God had placed on his life.
This passage encourages us and fills us with confidence: we don’t need to worry. What God has ordained for each of us, He Himself will bring to completion.
Key Takeaways:
It does not matter what others think of you—God has already anointed you for His plan.
Do not be distracted by what is happening around you; stay focused on the assignment God has placed in front of you.
Remember, you will never be “qualified” by human standards for what God has anointed you to do—but His anointing is all you need.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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