1 Samuel 16-David's Anointing

13 Pages·2012·0.19 MB·English

by  Stephen Stringer

1 Samuel 16-David’s

Anointing

1 Samuel 16:1-13

Based on NLT

Introduction
1 Samuel 16:6-7
We know that the world is not perfect.
When they arrived, God’s spokesman
But God cares about the people in the
took one look at the first son and
world. Long ago, he made a special
thought, “Surely this is the one God
people group just for himself. He gave
wants as king!” But God said to him,
them a king, but their first king
“…I have rejected him. I do not make
disobeyed God. So God chose a new
decisions the way you do! People
king to lead his people, one after his
judge by outward appearance, but God
own heart. This is his story...
looks at a person’s thoughts and

intentions.”
1 Samuel 16:1-5

One day, God said to…his
1 Samuel 16:10-13
spokesman*, “…go to Bethlehem. Find
…All seven of the sons were presented
a certain man…who lives there,
to God’s spokesman. But the
because I have selected one of his sons
spokesman said…“God has not chosen
to be my new king…Invite him to
any of these.” Then he asked, “Are
worship* me, and I will show you
these all the sons you have?”
which of his sons to anoint* for me.”
“There is still the youngest,” the father
So the spokesman did as God
replied. “But he’s out in the fields
instructed him…and invited them…
watching the sheep.” When this son

was brought in, God told his

spokesman, “This is the one I choose.”

So as David stood there among his

brothers, the spokesman anointed his

head with oil. And the Spirit of God*

came on David.
Why This Story?
turn, was rejected, then you can
This story has been a powerful first
include that section in your story.
story in a David mini-set that can be

used alone or as part of a longer story
set. This story has been used Words/Phrases to
effectively in a Purpose story set. It
Consider
has also been used in another version
God’s Spirit*
in a Restored Relationship (ST4T)
You can translate this term directly as
story set.
God’s Spirit. The specific meaning

here is that David was possessed
This story shows that God had a
suddenly and fully by God’s Spirit. In
purpose for David from the very
other words, God ‘qualified him to be
beginning, and that his purpose was
governor of his people, by infusing
based on the fact that David had a
such graces as wisdom, prudence,
heart that was ready to follow him—
counsel, courage, liberality, and
not on his talents, physical prowess, or
magnanimity’ (Adam Clarke’s
station in life. This story also sets up
commentary). The Hebrew ruach
the foundation for the rest of the David
[spirit] can have the physical meanings
stories---his rise to power, his sin, and
‘wind’ or ‘breath.’ It can also mean
his reconciliation to God.
‘power’ or ‘authority’ that God gives
to someone to do extraordinary things.
This story shows that God reveals

himself and his will, talks to people,
In the audio version of the Indian
knows the thoughts and intentions of
Purpose stories, we have chosen to say
people, makes decisions differently
that God was with David because we
than people do, calls out individuals
believe that a non-believing audience
for his purposes, and that his Spirit
will better understand that terminology
comes upon people to help them do the
at this early point in the story set.
task he’s given them.

Spokesperson*
Story Crafting
Choose a term for prophet that
We omitted some names for ease of
adequately describes the prophet’s
remembering and retelling, but if you
function. A prophet: receives a call
find that it is too difficult to say ‘God’s
from God; takes God’s message to
spokesman’ throughout this story, you
men because he has been given it by
may include Samuel’s name. We
God himself; has as his only priority
simplified the reason for Samuel going
bringing the Word of God to men.
to Bethlehem as to worship in order
We chose ‘spokesman’ because, in
for the story to be easier to remember
English, it can convey these three
and retell, and to avoid detracting from
meanings but doesn’t carry the
the main plotline.
unwanted connotation of a fortune-

teller. If you use a religious term, be
We simplified the section of the story
sure that the average hearer will
in which all seven of the sons were
understand it.
presented to Samuel. If it is helpful to

include this portion as a storytelling
Worship*
device, i.e. your audience really likes
Worship’s foundation is the idea of
repetition and hearing that each son, in
‘service,’ shown through showing awe
and wonder to God (IVP New Bible transition appropriately from the
Dictionary). Patriarchs thought this previous story.
worship could take place anywhere
God had revealed himself. The Old
Worldview
Testament sets up a complicated
In this biblical culture, more
sacrificial system in the Temple. Jesus
importance was placed on the oldest
made it clear that this sacrificial
son in a family. It is not surprising that
system of worship was no longer
Samuel, and perhaps the rest of the
necessary, and that our worship was
family, would have been confused that
based on our love for God. Different
God chose the youngest son to be the
cultures and languages have different
next king.
words for worship, some of which

refer only to certain ceremonies or
Story Set Themes
rituals one must do. In every story in
this story set where ‘worship’ is used, Purpose
it implies more than just performing Relationship/Restored Relationship
rituals; it includes the heart of love, Leadership
awe and wonder of the worshiper for Holy Spirit/God’s Spirit
God. Be sure that the word or King/Kingdom
combination of words you choose for Obedience
worship includes this idea. Family

Anoint*
Anointing in the Old Testament
signified an act of God in which
someone received divine favor or
appointment to a special place, service
or function in the purpose of God
(especially for kingship). It often is
associated with God’s Spirit being
given. In this case, a man appointed by
God performed the act. He filled his
horn (a ram’s horn) with oil and
poured the oil on David’s head. If the
people in your area have a similar
ceremony (with an appropriate word to
go along with it) to appoint someone to
a special task, you could use the phrase
‘anointed his head (with oil).’ If they
don’t, you could say something like,
‘He poured oil on his head to appoint
him/show him as the next king.’

Intra-Story Cohesion
Use consistent terms for God’s Spirit,
Anoint, Worship, and Spokesman. If
this is the first story in your story set,
you may use the transition given here.
If this is not the first story, you need to
2 Samuel 2, 8, 11, 23-

Mighty Men
2 Samuel 23:18
2 Samuel 2:18; 8:16; 11:3; 23:8-10;
There were two brothers who were
13-18
part of The Thirty. One of these
Based on NLT
brothers was the leader of The Thirty.

He once used his spear to kill 300
enemy warriors in a single battle.
Introduction

After David was anointed as king, it
2 Samuel 2:18
was a long time before he actually
The other brother could run like a
became king of God's people. In the
deer.
meantime, he became a mighty

warrior, fighting against God's
2 Samuel 23:18, 2 Samuel 8:16
enemies and for his people. David was
They had another brother, Joab, who
a commander of a group of fighting
wasn't part of The Thirty, but later
men, and more successful in battle
became the main general in David's
than any other leader. He was famous
army, when David became king.
throughout the land. He would lead his

troops against God's enemies, and
2 Samuel 23:13-17
attack with such fury that they would
Once God's enemies had occupied the
run.
town of Bethlehem, which had been

David's hometown. David was on a
2 Samuel 23:8
fortified hill and three of The Thirty
David had an elite group of fighting
mighty men went to where David was.
men, called “The Thirty,” who were
While they were there David happened
his close companions and supported
to make a longing comment: "Oh how I
him in becoming king later on.
would love some of that good water

from the well in Bethlehem, the one by
2 Samuel 23:34, 39 (2 Samuel 11:3)
the gate." So three of the group of The
These men were from different
Thirty who had come to see him broke
families, and had different talents, but
through the enemy lines, drew some
they all were loyal to David. One man,
water from the well, and brought it
Eliam, fought alongside his son-in-law,
back to David. But he refused to drink
Uriah.
it. Instead he poured it out as an

offering to God.
2 Samuel 23:9-10
He said: "God, I could never drink
Another one of The Thirty was a man
this! It would be like drinking the
who stood once with David in battle
blood of these men who risked their
when the entire army had fled. This
lives to bring it to me!" So David did
man killed enemies until his hand was
not drink it. These are examples of the
too tired to lift his sword, and God
brave deeds of the Thirty Mighty Men
gave a great victory that day. The rest
of God’s People, the elite group who
of the army did not return until it was
were David's companions in battle.
time to collect the plunder.
understand why they are learning these
Why This Story?
names, we’ve found the realization of
This story has been a powerful second
who Bathsheba is in later stories to be
story in a David mini-set that can be
very powerful for the audience. If
used alone or as part of a longer story
your audience is already familiar with
set. This story has been used
the David and Bathsheba story, you
effectively in a Purpose story set.
may choose to name Eliam and Uriah
This story, as part of the David mini-
at the end of this story for ‘shock
set within the larger Purpose story set,
value.’
shows that God had a purpose for

David from the very beginning, and
When David says that drinking the
that his purpose was based on the fact
water would be like drinking the blood
that David had a heart that was ready
of these men, he is saying that he
to follow him—not on his talents,
recognizes that these men have risked
physical prowess, or station in life.
their lives to obtain this water. You
Even his men saw this and therefore
should say this in such a way that your
were profoundly loyal to him. This
audience will understand what David
story also sets up the foundation for
meant.
the rest of the David stories---his rise

to power, his sin, and his reconciliation
to God. Intra-Story Cohesion
Be sure to keep the title for God’s
Story Crafting people consistent throughout your
This story has been crafted for you stories, so that the audience
because of its composite nature. understands that the epic storyline of
the Bible takes place within one people
You may use whatever title for The group.
Thirty that you choose (e.g. The This story is best understood told
Thirty, The Mighty Men, David’s Elite, within a David mini-set, especially as
etc.), providing that it is used it connects Eliam and Uriah with the
consistently. David and Bathsheba story.

We’ve used God’s people in place of Worldview
Abraham’s descendants, or “Israelites”
David’s men and the original audience
because in the Purpose story set we
understood that his refusal to drink the
haven’t set up previous stories to
water was an act of respect for his men
connect Abraham or the name “Israel”
and worship to God. If your audience
to this people. You should use
does not understand this, ensure that
whatever name you are planning to
you discuss this in the discussion time.
consistently use for the Israelites

throughout your story set, and be sure
Story Set Themes
your audience understands the title for
Purpose
this people group.
Relationship

Leadership
We’ve specifically named Eliam,
Uriah, and Joab because they appear in
later stories and help the audience
understand the depth of David’s
betrayal in subsequent stories.
Although your audience may not
2 Samuel 7-Promise to

David

2 Samuel 5:4; 7:1-16, 18-26

Based on NLT

2 Samuel 5:4
2 Samuel 7:17
Many years passed and David did
So Nathan went back to David and told
become the new king. God had brought
him everything God had said in this
peace to his land…
vision*.

2 Samuel 7:1-3 2 Samuel 7:18-26
When King David was settled in his Then King David went in and sat
palace…he summoned Nathan, God’s before God and prayed, “Who am I, O
spokesman*. “Look,” David said, “I God…that you have brought me this
am living in a beautiful…palace, but far? And now, Oh God, in addition to
God’s presence is out there in a tent!” everything else, you speak of giving
Nathan replied to the king, “Go ahead your servant a lasting dynasty!...And
and do whatever you have in mind, now, O…God, I am your servant; do
because God is with you.” as you have promised concerning me
and my family…And may your name
2 Samuel 7:4-10 be honored forever so that everyone
But that same night God said to will praise you!
Nathan, “Go and tell my servant
David, ‘This is what God has declared:
Are you the one to build a house for
me to live in?...I took you from tending
sheep in the pasture and selected you
to be the leader of my people...I have
been with you wherever you have
gone, and I have destroyed all your
enemies before your eyes. Now I will
make your name as famous as anyone
who has ever lived on the earth!...
2 Samuel 7:11-16
“ ‘In fact, you won’t make a house for
me, but I will make a house for you—a
dynasty of kings that will last forever!
If your descendants sin*, I
will…discipline them…like any father
would do. But…your house and your
kingdom will continue…for all time,
and your throne will be secure
forever.’ ”
Why This Story?
We changed ‘ark of the covenant’ to
This is an optional third story in the
God’s presence, because many
David mini-set that is used as a part of
audiences will not have heard the story
the larger Purpose story set. You may
of Moses or the ark. The ark of the
use this story if you would like to
covenant was the place where God’s
establish that David’s purpose went
presence inhabited. If your audience
beyond his own life, or if you would
is familiar with the ark and its story,
like to set up the idea of Jesus coming
you may keep its reference in this
as King, which is a good complement
story. Your audience may understand
to the later Son of Man story found in
the reference to God’s presence
the Purpose set. This story also
needing or having a place to stay, but
affirms the special relationship God
if not, you may say something like It
had with David, thus setting up the
isn’t right that I have such a big and
shock of the David and Bathsheba
beautiful house, but God doesn’t have
story for your audience.
one.
This story shows God’s extraordinary
love in that he doesn’t require lavish We’ve omitted most of the dialogue
gifts from us in order for him to lavish related to why David would not be
gifts on us. He has the ability to bring building God a house, including the
people from a lowly background into prophecy that his son would do that in
extraordinary places where they can his place. We wanted God’s promise
fulfill his purposes. of an everlasting kingdom to David to
remain the focus of this story.
This story gives us a beautiful example
of a servant of God accepting God’s David refers to himself as God’s
plan for him and praising him for it. servant. If your audience does not
understand that David is referring to
The audio version of this story has not
himself rather than to a third party, you
yet been recorded.
may say something like me, his
servant.
Story Crafting

We’ve used Nathan’s name in this
Words/Phrases to
story because it appears later in
Nathan’s Story. You may need to Consider
indicate that Nathan is not the same Spokesman*
person as the spokesman in the Choose a term for ‘prophet’ that
Anointing story by saying something adequately describes the prophet’s
like “he summoned Nathan, another of function. A prophet:
God’s spokesmen…”. 1. receives a call from God;
2. takes God’s message to men
If your descendants sin refers to because he had been given it by God
God’s warning to David’s offspring himself;
that if they don’t obey God, they will 3. has as his only priority bringing the
be punished. Although the word Word of God to men.
referring to descendants used here in We chose ‘spokesman’ because, in
the biblical text is singular, it is widely English, it can convey these three
understood to refer to all of David’s meanings but doesn’t carry the
offspring, so we have included that unwanted connotation of a
implicit information in our story. fortuneteller. If you use a religious
term, be sure that it has meaning that
Worldview
the average hearer will understand.
Your audience may not be familiar

with a ‘throne’ or with the figure of
Vision*
speech ‘your throne will be secure’. If
Visions refer to a supernatural
not, you may choose to say your
experience in which a divine revelation
kingdom will be secure.
is given to a person when they are

awake, whereas ‘dreams’ are what God
Story Set Themes
causes people to see when they are
asleep.
 If your language only has one Purpose
word for ‘vision’ and ‘dream,’ you Relationship/Restored Relationship
may want to specify whether the Leadership
person was awake or asleep when they Holy Spirit/God’s Spirit
received the message from God. King/Kingdom
Obedience
Sin* God Speaks
Sin refers to an act of disobedience to
God. Be sure that the word you use
here does not mean that someone has
failed to perform a religious act (i.e.
alms, ritual prayer, following religious
dietary rules, etc.). If necessary, you
can use ‘disobedience.’

Intra-Story Cohesion
This story is an optional third story in
the David mini-set. If you use this
story, you may use references to God’s
promise to David throughout the New
Testament stories about Jesus, (eg.
when Jesus is referred to as ‘the son of
David’)

Use the same words for spokesman,
sin, and vision that you have used in
other stories.

This story is best understood told
within a David mini-story set, and in a
story set in which you will be referring
to Jesus as the fulfillment of this
promise to David.

This story will not be well understood
unless your audience has heard the
David’s Anointing story.
2 Samuel 11-David and

Bathsheba

2 Samuel 11:1-18, 22-27

Based on NLT

Transition
“…Why didn’t you go home last night
Many years passed, and God was with
after being away for so long?” He
David, both in times of war and times of
replied, “The army is sleeping out in the
peace.
fields. How could I go home and

relax?…” So David told him to stay
2 Samuel 11:1
another night…David invited him to
One time, in the spring, the time of year
dinner and got him drunk. But even then
when kings go to war, David sent…his
he couldn’t get Uriah to go home to his
army to fight…But David stayed
wife. Again he slept at the palace
behind…
entrance.

2 Samuel 11:2-5
2 Samuel 11:14-17
Late one afternoon David got out of bed
So the next morning David wrote a letter
after taking a nap and went for a stroll
to Joab and gave it to Uriah to deliver.
on the roof of the palace. As he looked
The letter told the commander, “Place
out over the city, he noticed a beautiful
this soldier on the front lines where the
woman taking a bath. He sent someone
battle is fiercest. Then pull back so that
to find out who she was, and he was
he will be killed.” So, Joab did as he was
told, “She is Bathsheba, the…wife of
told. And Uriah was killed along with
Uriah and daughter of Eliam, some of
several other…soldiers.
your most trusted soldiers.” Then David

sent for her; and when she came to the
2 Samuel 11:18, 22-25
palace, he slept with her…Then she
Then Joab sent a messenger with a battle
returned home. Later, when Bathsheba
report to David. He told him that
discovered that she was pregnant, she
Bathsheba’s husband had been killed
sent a message to David to let him know,
along with others…“Well, tell the
and there was no doubt that the baby
commander not to be discouraged,”
was his.
David said. “People are killed in battle!

Fight harder next time…!”
2 Samuel 11:6-13

So David sent word to Joab, the
2 Samuel 11:26-27
commander of his army, to send her
When Bathsheba heard that her husband
husband home. When he arrived, David
was dead, she mourned for him. When
asked Uriah how…the war was going.
the period of mourning was over,
Then he told him to go home and
David…brought her to the palace, and
relax…But he didn’t go home. He
she became one of his wives. Later she
stayed that night at the palace entrance
gave birth to a son. But God was very
with some of the king’s other servants.
displeased with what David had done.
When David heard what Uriah had done,

he…asked him,
‘period of mourning’
Why This Story?
Some cultures may or may not have this
This story has been a powerful third (or
period: if not, you could just say ‘after
fourth) story in a David mini-set that can
that;’ if so, you could use the name for
be used alone or as part of a longer story
the culture’s period of mourning if it’s
set. This story has been used effectively
comparable to this.
in a Purpose story set as part of the

progression of David’s life—his call
from God, his betrayal of God and of his Intra-Story Cohesion
friends, and his repentance and Although this story could be used as a
reconciliation with God. This story also stand-alone story, it is best understood
shows that no matter the relationship and most powerful within the context of
God has with someone, he is very a David mini-story set in which David’s
displeased with sin. special relationship with God is set up in
previous stories, and David’s repentance
and God’s reconciliation with David is
Story Crafting
shown in subsequent stories.
We chose not to refer to the ark of the
covenant when Uriah responds to David
Worldview
because it is an unknown concept that
This story seems to be particularly
would require a great deal of explanation
problematic in some Muslim
that could confuse the audience.
cultures because it portrays David, a

respected ‘prophet,’ sinning. At times
‘and there was no doubt that
the audience will no longer listen to the
the baby was his’
stories because of this. This story was
This is added to the story, based on the
chosen to show David’s restored
text’s explanation: ‘She had just
relationship with God through his
completed the purification rites after
repentance. Others have chosen to
having her menstrual period.’ The text
replace the David stories with stories
includes this information to prove
from the life of Joseph or stories from
that the baby must have been David’s—
the book of Job to show broken and
it wasn’t her husband’s baby.
restored relationship in a more

worldview sensitive manner. Those who
‘spring’
choose to do this realize they cannot
Not all cultures have seasons, nor would
avoid negative reactions to biblical
they equate spring with the time kings
stories, but they choose to build as many
go off to war. You may want to rephrase
‘bridges’ in the early stages of the story
this to say something like, ‘It was the
set as possible so that their audience will
time of year when kings normally went
have an opportunity to hear and respond
off to war…’
to the redemptive work of Jesus later in

the story set.
‘he slept with her’
Many languages have euphemisms for Story Set Themes
sexual relationships. Use a term Purpose
appropriate and not offensive for your Relationship
audience. Leadership
Repentance