About this song
About this song
This song belongs to the 1 Samuel collection. One recording is available to play here, with the complete lyrics below.
- Collection
- 1 Samuel
[Verse 1]
The LORD tells Samuel to stop mourning Saul and fill his horn with oil.
Bethlehem's elders tremble at Samuel's arrival and ask whether he comes peaceably.
Eliab's impressive appearance makes Samuel assume the anointed stands before him.
Abinadab and Shammah pass before Samuel without being chosen.
[Pre-Chorus]
The word was rare until the silence broke,
Then truth stood upright in the words God spoke.
[Chorus]
The LORD Looketh on the Heart, the word came like a flame,
Kings could resist but could not silence the name.
The prophet stood where fear had drawn the line,
And heaven answered in appointed time.
[Verse 2]
The LORD commands Samuel to arise and anoint the chosen son.
Samuel pours oil on David before his brothers.
The Spirit of the LORD comes upon David from that day forward.
Saul's servants recommend a skillful harpist for relief.
[Bridge]
Saul sends to Jesse requesting the son who keeps the sheep.
Jesse sends David with bread, wine, and a young goat.
Saul loves David and appoints him as armor bearer.
David's harp brings Saul refreshment whenever the troubling spirit returns.
[Final Chorus]
The LORD Looketh on the Heart, the word came like a flame,
Kings could resist but could not silence the name.
The prophet stood where fear had drawn the line,
And heaven answered in the final time.
[Outro]
The word went out and did not fall in vain.
The prophet left the truth upon the plain.
Named in this songSamuelSaulBethlehemDavidDavid's harp
About the passage
1 Samuel 16: The chosen son is still out with the sheep
Samuel is still mourning Saul when the LORD sends him to Bethlehem to anoint another king. The Book of 1 Samuel makes the transition deliberately indirect. Samuel goes under the public purpose of a real sacrifice, fears Saul's reaction, and does not know which of Jesse's sons will be chosen until the LORD identifies him. Samuel first reaches for the familiar visual measure and assumes Eliab must be the man, only to be corrected. Seven sons pass. The chosen one is still with the sheep. David is summoned, anointed, and receives the Spirit, while Saul subsequently loses that royal empowerment. Yet David does not march toward the throne. He is called to court as a skilled musician, wins Saul's affection, and brings him relief. The newly chosen king enters the rejected king's household first as a servant.
Study 1 Samuel 16 in depth →