Not Suitable

I was interested to read in 1 Samuel about the anointing of David as king. The three eldest sons of Jesse passed before Samuel, Eliah, Abinadab and Shammah. All fine looking lads but not king material.

It is only in the next chapter that we read David was sent to the battle lines with provisions for his brothers. He was obedient to his father but also curious as to how the battle was going. The reception he received from Eliab was not thanks but scorn. ‘Why have you come down here? and with whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart; you came down only to watch the battle.’

Wow, what brotherly love is this? David arrived because he was sent , what about a few thanks for the provisions. And how damning can a brother be, referring to those FEW sheep. David’s reply is so typical of a scorned younger brother ‘Now what have I done? Can’t I even speak?’

One can just imagine what kind of king Eliab would have been. History proved that the choice of David as king was the correct one by God. Thank God that He looks at the heart and not the outward appearance.