1 Samuel 16:13
Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
קֶ֣רֶן
the horn
H7161
קֶ֣רֶן
the horn
Strong's:
H7161
Word #:
4 of 21
a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
הַשֶּׁ֗מֶן
of oil
H8081
הַשֶּׁ֗מֶן
of oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
5 of 21
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
וַיִּמְשַׁ֣ח
and anointed
H4886
וַיִּמְשַׁ֣ח
and anointed
Strong's:
H4886
Word #:
6 of 21
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
אֹתוֹ֮
H853
אֹתוֹ֮
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּקֶ֣רֶב
him in the midst
H7130
בְּקֶ֣רֶב
him in the midst
Strong's:
H7130
Word #:
8 of 21
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
אֶחָיו֒
of his brethren
H251
אֶחָיו֒
of his brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
9 of 21
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
וַתִּצְלַ֤ח
came
H6743
וַתִּצְלַ֤ח
came
Strong's:
H6743
Word #:
10 of 21
to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
רֽוּחַ
and the Spirit
H7307
רֽוּחַ
and the Spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
11 of 21
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מֵֽהַיּ֥וֹם
from that day
H3117
מֵֽהַיּ֥וֹם
from that day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
15 of 21
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֖וּא
H1931
הַה֖וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
16 of 21
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וָמָ֑עְלָה
forward
H4605
וָמָ֑עְלָה
forward
Strong's:
H4605
Word #:
17 of 21
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
וַיָּ֣קָם
rose up
H6965
וַיָּ֣קָם
rose up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
18 of 21
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
Cross References
1 Samuel 10:6And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.Hebrews 1:9Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.John 3:34For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.1 Samuel 10:1Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?Judges 11:29Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead, and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over unto the children of Ammon.Numbers 27:18And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;Judges 3:10And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushan-rishathaim.1 Samuel 16:18Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Beth-lehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.
Historical Context
Anointing with oil symbolized the Spirit's empowering presence throughout the ancient Near East. Israel's use of anointing for kings, priests, and prophets set apart individuals for sacred service. The olive oil likely came from Samuel's horn, a vessel of personal significance carrying prophetic authority.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the gap between David's anointing and his reign inform your understanding of God's timing?
- What does the Spirit's permanent presence on David teach about divine empowerment for calling?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
The anointing 'in the midst of his brethren' publicly designated David before witnesses while keeping the full significance concealed from broader society. The Spirit's coming 'from that day forward' (miyyom hahu wama'lah) marks permanent divine empowerment, contrasting with Saul's temporary or intermittent Spirit experiences. Samuel's departure to Ramah left David to return to his sheep, beginning the long period of preparation between anointing and coronation.