Israel needs a new king as their present king, Saul, has been rejected by God. So Samuel is sent to Bethlehem, to the household of Jessie, as one of his sons ‘is God’s Chosen One.’ Eliab, Abinadab and Shammah in spite of their fine appearance were not chosen by God. Nor were any of the other of Jessie’s sons who were present. David, the youngest, hadn’t even been summonsed, it wasn’t even considered that God would chose him as king!.
David is God’s anointed and is also chosen by Saul to play his harp to him when the evil spirits visited , so David spent his time between the palace and with his sheep. David is now aware of the threats that Goliath is making and when requested to take provisions to his brothers, Eliab’s his anger was kindled against David, maybe it was jealousy that David had been anointed. ‘Why have you come down and with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your presumption and the evil in your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.1 Samuel 17:28.
David could have replied, ‘I have been sent by our father to bring you provisions,’ instead he said what younger siblings have often said, ‘What have I done now?’ Family squabbles put to one side, David went forward and slew the great giant. God has different plans for each one of us and it is our job to obey.