A Shepherd Who Soothes the Soul
1 Samuel 16
August 31, 2025
Dr. Kelly B. Burton

The Bible is the epic story of God’s redemption. Before us in 1 Samuel 16 is a slice of redemptive history. The emergence of David, the shepherd boy, indicates a major shift of power from King Saul to King David. David’s life motto is “The Lord is with me.” I chose this chapter because it lends itself to some worthy discussion in the church. I hope you learn more than ever before about this chapter and you will mature because of the dialogue.

Sermon Idea: The Lord does not look on outward things; He looks at the heart. Humbly obey God and He will use you.

16: 1-5 God Provides A King
The curtain lifts and we find Samuel’s spirit sapped.
God did not fill in every blank; just go. Why does God do this?
The oil was for anointing, symbolizing the presence of God.

16:6-12 God Looks at the Heart
“We live in a world where physical beauty outranks spiritual depth.” Chafin-
God chooses the most unlikely people to show the world His grace.
What was David doing in v11 and in v19?

16:13-23 God Sends His Spirit
God is not so far removed from us that He lets us live without guardrails.
The emphasis here is not what Saul has, but what he lost.
16:18, “the LORD is with him.”