And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee.

1 SAMUEL 16:3KJV
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1 Samuel 16:3 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 16:3 mean?

1 Samuel 16:3 records God instructing Samuel to invite Jesse to a special sacrifice, promising to show Samuel what to do next and telling him to anoint the person God will point out. This verse sets up the moment when God will reveal His chosen king to Samuel.

In this scene, God is speaking directly to Samuel, the prophet, who has been sent to Bethlehem after Saul’s rejection as king. God tells Samuel to call Jesse, a local man, to a sacrifice (a sacred meal or ritual), and assures Samuel that He will guide him step by step. The verse emphasizes that Samuel must wait for God’s direction before anointing anyone, showing that the choice of Israel’s next king is entirely God’s decision.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 16:3

  • "call" (קָרָא, qara): This word means to invite or summon. God is telling Samuel to specifically invite Jesse, not just anyone, highlighting the importance of Jesse’s family in what is about to happen.
  • "sacrifice" (זֶבַח, zevach): This refers to a ritual offering, often followed by a communal meal. The sacrifice provides a legitimate reason for Samuel’s visit and creates a setting for God’s chosen one to be revealed.
  • "anoint" (מָשַׁח, mashach): To anoint means to pour oil on someone as a sign of being set apart for a special role, often kingship. This act is central to the story, marking God’s chosen leader.
  • "name" (אָמַר, amar): Here, this word is often understood as “declare” or “tell.” God is saying He will clearly indicate to Samuel whom he should anoint, underlining that the choice is God’s alone.

Why 1 Samuel 16:3 matters

  • 1 Samuel 16:3 clarifies that Samuel is not acting on his own judgment but is waiting for God’s specific direction, which is crucial after Saul’s earlier failure as king.
  • The verse highlights God’s initiative and control in choosing Israel’s leaders, not leaving it to human preference or tradition.
  • This moment sets the stage for the introduction of David, showing that God’s choices may surprise people and do not always match human expectations.