What is the significance of Samuel anointing David and Saul as kings?

The anointing of David and Saul by the prophet Samuel holds profound theological and historical significance within the narrative of the Old Testament, particularly in the book of 1 Samuel. This act not only marks a pivotal moment in the history of Israel but also carries deep spiritual symbolism that resonates throughout the biblical text. To fully grasp the importance of these anointings, it is essential to explore the context, the characters involved, and the broader implications for the nation of Israel and the unfolding story of God's redemptive plan.

Context and Background

The book of 1 Samuel is set during a turbulent period in Israel's history. The nation had been governed by a series of judges, but the people, desiring to be like other nations, clamored for a king (1 Samuel 8:5). This request was not merely a political one; it signified a shift in Israel's relationship with God. Up until this point, God had been their direct ruler, guiding them through prophets and judges. The demand for a king indicated a desire for a human leader who could provide visible, tangible leadership.

The Anointing of Saul

Saul's anointing is the first instance of a king being anointed in Israel. Samuel, the last judge and a prophet, is instructed by God to anoint Saul, a Benjamite, as the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 9:16). The act of anointing with oil was symbolic, representing God's selection and empowerment of an individual for a specific role. When Samuel anointed Saul, he poured oil on his head and declared, "Has not the Lord anointed you ruler over his inheritance?" (1 Samuel 10:1, NIV). This act signified that Saul was chosen by God to lead His people.

Saul's anointing carried several significant implications:

1. Divine Appointment: The anointing indicated that Saul was chosen by God, not by human decision. This divine appointment was meant to reassure the people that their king was under God's authority.
2. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: After his anointing, Saul experienced the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit (1 Samuel 10:6). This was crucial for his ability to lead and deliver Israel from its enemies.
3. Covenantal Leadership: Saul's role as king was to be a covenantal leader who would uphold God's laws and lead the people in faithfulness to Him. His kingship was to reflect God's rule over Israel.

However, Saul's reign was marked by disobedience and failure to fully submit to God's commands. His inability to wait for Samuel before offering a sacrifice (1 Samuel 13:8-14) and his incomplete obedience in the battle against the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15) led to his rejection by God. Samuel's declaration to Saul, "Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king" (1 Samuel 15:23, NIV), underscores the conditional nature of his kingship.

The Anointing of David

David's anointing, in contrast to Saul's, is marked by a sense of divine favor and promise. After rejecting Saul, God instructs Samuel to go to Bethlehem and anoint one of Jesse's sons as the next king (1 Samuel 16:1). Despite being the youngest and seemingly least significant of Jesse's sons, David is chosen by God. Samuel anoints David in the presence of his brothers, and "from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David" (1 Samuel 16:13, NIV).

The anointing of David holds several layers of significance:

1. God's Sovereign Choice: David's anointing emphasizes that God's choice is not based on outward appearance or human standards but on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). This theme of divine election based on God's wisdom and purpose is central to the biblical narrative.
2. Foreshadowing of the Messiah: David's anointing prefigures the coming of Jesus Christ, the ultimate "Anointed One" (Messiah). David's kingship becomes a type, or foreshadow, of the eternal kingship of Christ. The New Testament writers frequently draw parallels between David and Jesus, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promises through the Davidic line (Matthew 1:1, Luke 1:32-33).
3. Empowerment for Service: Like Saul, David receives the Holy Spirit's empowerment. However, David's anointing is characterized by a lasting and fruitful relationship with God. His psalms and prayers reflect a deep, personal connection with the Lord, which becomes a model for faithful leadership.

The Broader Implications

The anointings of Saul and David also reflect broader theological themes in the Bible:

1. Human Leadership and Divine Sovereignty: The tension between human leadership and divine sovereignty is a recurring theme. While the people demand a king, it is ultimately God who chooses and anoints the leader. This underscores the principle that true leadership in Israel is defined by submission to God's authority.
2. The Role of the Holy Spirit: Both anointings highlight the essential role of the Holy Spirit in empowering leaders. The presence of the Spirit is a sign of God's favor and the source of wisdom, courage, and strength for the task of leadership.
3. The Conditional Nature of Kingship: Saul's failure and David's success illustrate the conditional nature of kingship in Israel. Obedience to God's commands is paramount, and the king's authority is contingent upon his faithfulness to the covenant.

Conclusion

The anointing of Saul and David by Samuel is a momentous event in the history of Israel, rich with theological and spiritual significance. It marks the transition from the period of the judges to the monarchy, highlighting the complexities of human leadership under divine sovereignty. Saul's anointing serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of disobedience, while David's anointing points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, the true Anointed One. Through these anointings, we see God's hand at work, guiding His people and preparing the way for the coming of the eternal King who would reign in righteousness and bring salvation to all.