Weekly Bible Study - 1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13

30 March 2014

4th Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday)

In order to appreciate today’s first reading we must take a few steps back in salvation history.  Poised to enter the “world stage,” Israel seeks the leadership of a king. The choice, based on appearance and stature, falls to Saul who is

anointed by the prophet. But as it falls out, Saul's reign will essentially displease God: As Scripture tells us the Lord regretted having made Saul king. His bumbling disregard for the prophet's (i.e., God's) word was symptomatic of the entire peoples' lack of faith in God. Furthermore, Saul’s emotional and psychological disintegration, as well as suspicion of his successor David, resulted in his ultimate failure as king. 

Something for us to ponder: Did the Lord make a bad decision in having Saul anointed? Or rather, did the Lord simply answer the misguided prayers of the people, allowing them to stumble and fall, to see the error of their ways? Scripture doesn’t tell us.

But, as we join Samuel in today’s reading, God gives his people another chance. Samuel is instructed to journey to Bethlehem. He is told that Israel’s next king will be from among Jesse’s sons. As eight sons are presented, the youngest and least likely is finally selected. He will prove to be one “after God’s own heart.” And despite his lack of credentials David arises as Israel’s greatest king, empowered by the Spirit of God that rushed upon him that day. A simple humble shepherd is transformed into greatness. His descendants will be found worthy of the Son of God.

God indeed saw into David’s heart and found—not someone perfect and strong, but one who knew his need for God's word, who listened for God’s word and acted upon it.

God knew exactly what his people needed then as now: an attitude of listening to God's word and acting upon it every day.



The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, leads Bible studies at her parish,Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is a CBS graduate and the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, The Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.