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David, Part 1: The Forgotten Son | Bible Stories Retold

Crossroads Church

Oct 20, 2026 · 4 min

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When the prophet Samuel came to anoint Israel's next king, Jesse lined up seven sons. Nobody thought to call in the youngest from the field. But God said, "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." David was anointed that day, and then he went right back to the sheep. If you've ever been overlooked or written off, this story is for you.

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A warrior, a poet, a man after God's own heart. But on the day God chose him, his own father didn't even think to call him in from the field. Israel's first king was Saul. He was tall and strong, and he looked like a king. But Saul stopped listening to God. So God sent the prophet Samuel on a quiet mission to a little town called Bethlehem. "Fill your horn with oil," God told him. "I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have chosen a king among his sons." So Samuel invited Jesse and his sons to a sacrifice. The oldest son walked in, Eliab, tall, handsome. Samuel thought, "Surely this is the one." But God said to Samuel, "Do not judge him by his looks or his height. People see what is on the outside, but the Lord sees the heart." Jesse brought out his second son, then his third. Seven sons walked past Samuel, one after another. And every time the answer was the same, the Lord has not chosen this one. Samuel asked, "Are all your children here?" Jesse said, "There is still the youngest." He is out keeping the sheep. Nobody had thought to call him. Samuel said, "Send and get him. We will not sit down until he comes." So they waited, and in from the field came David. Young, sunburned, smelling like sheep. And God said, "Arise, anoint him.

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This is the one." Samuel poured the oil on David's head, right there in front of his brothers. And the spirit of the Lord came powerfully on David from that day forward. But there was no crown, no palace, no parade. The next day, David went back to the field, back to the sheep. God had chosen him. Now God would get him ready. Meanwhile, King Saul was falling apart. A dark, tormenting spirit troubled him. His servants said, "Let us find someone who can play the harp so you will feel better." One of them said, "I have seen a son of Jesse. He plays skillfully. He is brave. He speaks wisely, and the Lord is with him." So David came to the palace. Whenever the darkness came over Saul, David played and Saul found relief. Maybe you know what it's like to be the one nobody calls overlooked. Left out in the field, written off by the people who should have seen you. David knew that too. But God doesn't choose the way people do. People look at the outside. God looks at the heart, and he sees you. God is with you. You

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