Matthew Henry's Complete Bible Commentary

1 Samuel 16

At this chapter begins the story of David, one that makes as great a figure in the sacred story as almost any of the worthies of the Old Testament, one that both with his sword and with his pen served the honour of God and the interests of Israel as much as most ever did, and was as illustrious a type of Christ. Here I. Samuel is appointed and commissioned to anoint a king among the sons of Jesse at Bethlehem, 1 Samuel 16:1-16:5. II. All his elder sons are passed by and David the youngest is pitched upon and anointed, 1 Samuel 16:6-16:13. III. Saul growing melancholy, David is pitched upon to relieve him by music, 1 Samuel 16:14-16:23. Thus small are the beginnings of that great man. MHBCC 253.1