1) We see the sad story of the decline of Saul. He violates herem, the ritual destruction of all. What were the good and bad points of his disobedience to your standards?

2) Analyze his cut off of communication with Samuel?

3) Notice how God is willing to supply a cover story for Samuel. It is a good example of God responding to human frailties.

4) obviously, surprise here is of the essence, that the youngest would be chosen, just like Jacob or Ishmael, or to a degree, Joseph.

5) NIB, p.1097 places emphasis on God's vision being superior to ours. Thsi can certainly preach. Samuel looks but does not see in a deep sense when looking over the boys.

6) Messiah=anointed one. David= beloved  Messiah -note Reformed tradiion sees Jesus as preist-prophet-king to include all designations.Jesse=God's man Eliab=God is father, Abinadab=father is generous, Shammah=God hears as a poss. variant.

7) Is Bethlehem afraid of Saul or the bloody Samuel, after Agag?

8) Shepherd of course becomes an image for king, God, and Jesus.

9) After all the talk of seeing, we get an appearance description that David is a stud.

10) Now the Sprit comes on David after anointing.