So if Saul will not be king, then Israel needs a new king. Samuel is not really up for the task, he grieves over the failure of Saul to be faithful to God. God has moved on, however, and in 1 Samuel 16 encourages Samuel to get moving and anoint a new king. Samuel is not stupid, he knows that he cannot openly move throughout Israel looking for a new king, since Saul is king and will not look kindly upon such an action. God tells Samuel to take a heifer with him and if anyone asks, he is going to sacrifice.
So God sends Samuel to the family of Jesse in Bethlehem. When the elders of Bethlehem see Samuel coming they fear the worst, why else would the mighty prophet come to Bethlehem? But Samuel eases their fears, and tells them he has just come to offer sacrifices with the household of Jesse. Samuel arrives at the land of Jesse and the Lord makes the sons of Jesse appear before Samuel. Even though Samuel has an image of what the king should look like, and even finds some of the sons fitting to that image, none meet the standard of God. Finally the seventh son is called in from the fields, David, and God tells Samuel to anoint him.
The story goes on to tell us that not only had God abandoned Saul, but that an evil spirit is sent to torment him. (Not exactly how we perceive God most of the time) Saul's healers seek out a musician to help soothe Saul doing the times when the evil spirit seems to come out. David is sent for and becomes a mainstay in Saul's court.
But the Philistines remains a real threat to Israel, how will Saul deal with them? As 1 Samuel 17 begins, the Philistines have encroached upon Israel's land and Saul and the Israelites come out against them. As they stare across the valley at each other, Goliath the giant issues a challenge. Scripture might portray Goliath as a descendent of the Nephilim who were the offspring of fallen angels who mated with humans. When Israel failed to originally enter into the Promised Land, they thought the people were too big, in other words, descendents of the Nephilim. Goliath could be such. Other texts Goliath as being "only" 6'9'', which would make him a giant but not in mythological standards.
Either way, Goliath has struck fear in the heart of Israel and no one takes up his challenge. David, who has been shuttling between Saul's camp and home, returns and hears about the challenge. He is amazed that anyone would dare threaten the army of Israel and more importantly God. David in turn challenges the men of Israel, much to the chagrin of his brothers. Work of David reaches Saul who summons him, and David tells Saul that he will take up the challenge.
The rest of the story is well known. However, just for your interest, 2 Samuel 21:19 records Elhanan as the slayer of Goliath and not David. But for this story, David takes his slingshot and stones, defeats Goliath, beheads him and leads the Israelites over the Philistines.
The story ends with Saul curiously not knowing who David is. Perhaps his mind has been clouded by the evil spirit, or perhaps the mixing of ancient stories have come together with inconsistencies taking place.
Psalm 48
This is a Psalm of praise that extols virtue upon God for his creation and care of Zion. The city of Jerusalem has become the dwelling place of God, visiting kings are dumbstruck and flee in the face of that knowledge. Not only is it fortified by walls but the presence of God makes it a might citadel.
The people of Israel marvel at this reality, at their own blessing that God resides with them. They are called to rejoice and celebrate. They are called to tour about teh city and marvel at the the Almighty who has done great things.
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