Which prophet anointed David as king?

When we think of David, we often picture the heroic shepherd who defeated Goliath or the psalmist who penned beautiful songs that resonate through the ages. But at the heart of his rise to power is a rather somber tale about obedience and divine purpose. Samuel, one of the last great judges of Israel, was tasked by God to select a king from among Jesse’s sons in Bethlehem. Imagine the scene: Samuel, unsure of what to expect as he arrives in this often-overlooked town, must have felt the weight of the world on his shoulders, especially knowing he was about to upend centuries of Israelite tradition!

The moment Samuel pours oil on David's head to anoint him as king (1 Sam 16:13) marks a pivotal moment in biblical history, showcasing God's sovereignty in choosing the least likely candidate. David, a teenage shepherd boy, wasn't even considered at first — he was out tending sheep while his brothers were showcased in front of the prophet. There's a beautiful echo here of how the divine often operates, favoring the humble and the overlooked, reminding us that true greatness comes from within, not from status or pedigree.

Fun fact: David’s anointing is a harbinger of the anointing itself – the word 'Messiah' means 'anointed one.' This connection sets an adventurous narrative backbone through the Bible, forward to other figures like Jesus of Nazareth, who also embodied this precious connection ot God’s choosing and purpose for humanity!