1 Samuel 16:19
Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep.
Original Language Analysis
שִׁלְחָ֥ה
Send
H7971
שִׁלְחָ֥ה
Send
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 13
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
שָׁא֛וּל
Wherefore Saul
H7586
שָׁא֛וּל
Wherefore Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
2 of 13
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
מַלְאָכִ֖ים
messengers
H4397
מַלְאָכִ֖ים
messengers
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
3 of 13
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
שִׁלְחָ֥ה
Send
H7971
שִׁלְחָ֥ה
Send
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
7 of 13
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בִּנְךָ֖
thy son
H1121
בִּנְךָ֖
thy son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
11 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
1 Samuel 16:11And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.1 Samuel 17:15But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Beth-lehem.
Historical Context
Service in the royal court provided social advancement, military training, and political connections. Jesse's compliance with the king's request was expected of loyal subjects. The formal nature of the summons indicates David was being officially recruited rather than casually borrowed.
Questions for Reflection
- How might seemingly ordinary opportunities be doorways to God's larger purposes?
- What does God's use of royal summons teach about His sovereignty over political structures?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep.
Saul's summons for 'David thy son, which is with the sheep' emphasizes both David's lowly occupation and his father's possession of him. The messenger terminology (mal'akim) suggests formal royal communication. Jesse would understand this as an honor - royal service for his youngest son - without knowing the deeper divine purpose. God wove human initiative and divine intention together seamlessly.