1 Samuel 16:1
And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.
1 Samuel 16:1 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Book of Samuel highlights an important moment in the history of Israel. Samuel, a prophet and judge, is mourning over Saul, who has been rejected by the Lord as king of Israel due to his disobedience. The Lord instructs Samuel to fill his horn with oil and go to Jesse the Bethlehemite, where he will anoint one of Jesse's sons as the new king of Israel. This verse demonstrates the divine authority of God to choose and appoint leaders. It also shows the importance of obedience to God's will and the consequences of disobedience. By following God's instructions, Samuel plays a crucial role in the fulfillment of God's plan for the nation of Israel. This verse serves as a reminder that God is in control of all things and works through individuals to accomplish his purposes.
Theological Overview
In this particular verse from 1 Samuel, we see God speaking to the prophet Samuel, urging him to stop mourning over Saul, the first king of Israel whom God had rejected. The theological interpretation of this passage highlights the theme of divine sovereignty and the choosing of a new king to rule over Israel. The word "rejected" in this context signifies God's final decision to remove Saul from his position of authority due to his disobedience. The term "fill thine horn with oil" refers to the act of anointing a new king, symbolizing the divine approval and empowerment for leadership. The mention of Jesse, a descendant of Ruth and Boaz, reveals the lineage from which the future king, David, will come. God's assurance that He has provided Himself a king among Jesse's sons signifies that God is the ultimate authority in choosing leaders and orchestrating His divine plan for the nation of Israel.
1 Samuel 16:1 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Jehovah said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from being king over Israel? fill thy horn with oil, and go: I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite; for I have provided me a king among his sons.
World English Bible
Yahweh said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite; for I have provided a king for myself among his sons.”
Douay-Rheims
And the Lord said to Samuel: How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, whom I have rejected from reigning over Israel? fill thy horn with oil, and come, that I may send thee to Isai, the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The Lord then saide vnto Samuel, Howe long wilt thou mourne for Saul, seeing I haue cast him away from reigning ouer Israel? fill thine horne with oyle and come, I will sende thee to Ishai the Bethlehemite: for I haue prouided mee a King among his sonnes.