1 Samuel 16:3

French (La Bible expliquée)

et tu inviteras Jessé à la cérémonie. Je t'apprendrai ce que tu auras à faire: tu consacreras roi à mon service celui que je t'indiquerai. » Ce récit fait contraste avec celui du rejet de Saül. Samuel est envoyé par Dieu pour choisir, parmi les fils d'un homme de Bethléem, un nouveau roi à qui il donnera l'onction. Malgré la présence de sept fils, Samuel va choisir le huitième, David, qui est encore très jeune et qui garde les moutons. On souligne ici que Dieu aime les petits et les humbles et qu'il ne se laisse pas éblouir par les apparences, car l'essentiel est invisible aux yeux des humains. Bien plus, David est appelé à gouverner cet autre troupeau qu'est le peuple d'Israël.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, God tells Samuel to invite Jesse to a sacrifice and that God will instruct Samuel whom to anoint. God is guiding Samuel in choosing the next king of Israel.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing a game where you need to choose the best player for your team, but you can't see them. Your coach tells you to gather everyone and then whispers the name of the best player to you. That's kind of what God is doing here with Samuel.

Historical Background

The book of 1 Samuel was written by various authors, possibly including Samuel, Nathan, and Gad, around 931-722 BC. It was written to the Israelites to provide a historical account of their transition from judges to kings. This verse is set in a period when the Israelites were looking for a new king to lead them.

Living It Out Today

In a modern scenario, this verse can remind us to seek guidance and not rely solely on our own judgment. For example, when choosing a job or a partner, we can look for signs and guidance from a higher power, just as Samuel looked to God.

Topics

• guidance
• leadership
• anointing
• divine direction
• choice
• faith

Related Verses

• 1 Samuel 10:1
• 1 Chronicles 28:6
• Luke 1:13
• John 6:14
• Acts 13:22

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of sacrifice in this verse?

In ancient times, sacrifices were a way to communicate with God. By inviting Jesse to a sacrifice, Samuel was creating a sacred setting for God's guidance.

Who is Jesse in this verse?

Jesse was the father of David and an ancestor of King David. He was a prominent figure in the lineage of the future kings of Israel.

How does this verse relate to faith?

This verse shows the importance of faith in following divine guidance. Samuel trusted in God's direction to choose the right person for anointing as king.

What does it mean to anoint someone?

Anointing involves applying oil to a person as a sign of consecration or blessing. In this context, it signifies selecting someone for a special role or position.