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You're familiar with the David and Goliath story, of course. But get a feel for the dynamics in David's family leading up to this famous encounter. As the youngest of eight brothers, David is assigned the grunt work. Does being secretly designated as successor to Saul win him some respect? Try resentment.

1 Samuel 16:1-13,1 Samuel 16:18; 1 Samuel 17:12-13,1 Samuel 17:17-29

1. Why do you think Jesse left David out of an event (16:5, 11) to which he and his sons were invited?
2. From 1 Samuel 10:23 , we know that King Saul cut an impressive figure. Do you think that may be why Samuel assumed (16:6) that Eliab was God's chosen successor to Saul?
3. What did the Lord tell Samuel His criteria were (16:7)?
4. What clue do we have (17:28) that Eliab may not have measured up by this standard?
5. Since Jesse was old (17:12), Eliab may have been assigned a role in raising David. Would his influence have been beneficial?
6. At this time David was untested as a warrior. But what qualities of his had others noticed (17:18)?
7. What quality is demonstrated by his question in 17:26b?
8. How can you be on the lookout for, and commend, your children's positive "thoughts and intentions"?

Ask God to guide you in raising secure and confident children, helping you identify and encourage their strengths.

1 Finally, the LORD said to Samuel, "You have mourned long enough for Saul. I have rejected him as king of Israel. Now fill your horn with olive oil and go to Bethlehem. Find a man named Jesse who lives there, for I have selected one of his sons to be my new king."

2 But Samuel asked, "How can I do that? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me." "Take a heifer with you," the LORD replied, "and say that you have come to make a sacrifice to the LORD.

3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you which of his sons to anoint for me."

4 So Samuel did as the LORD instructed him. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the leaders of the town became afraid. "What's wrong?" they asked. "Do you come in peace?"

5 "Yes," Samuel replied. "I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Purify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice." Then Samuel performed the purification rite for Jesse and his sons and invited them, too.

6 When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, "Surely this is the LORD's anointed!"

7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn't make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at a person's thoughts and intentions."

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Prayer for the Week

Help me, Father, to make my children feel as loved and accepted by me as I know I am by You.

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