Metaphysical Bible Interpretation of I Samuel Chapter 16
Metaphysically Interpreting I Samuel 16:1-13
16:1And Jehovah said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from being king over Israel? fill thy horn with oil, and go: I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite; for I have provided me a king among his sons. 16:2And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And Jehovah said, Take a heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to Jehovah. 16:3And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee. 16:4And Samuel did that which Jehovah spake, and came to Beth-lehem. And the elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, Comest thou peaceably? 16:5And he said, Peaceably; I am come to sacrifice unto Jehovah: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.
16:6And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely Jehovah's anointed is before him. 16:7But Jehovah said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him: for Jehovah seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looketh on the heart. 16:8Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath Jehovah chosen this. 16:9Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath Jehovah chosen this. 16:10And Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Jehovah hath not chosen these. 16:11And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he is keeping the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him; for we will not sit down till he come hither. 16:12And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look upon. And Jehovah said, Arise, anoint him; for this is he. 16:13Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
August 9, 1903: I Samuel 16:4-13
This Scripture history is but an Oriental allegory of the development of character in man. We all pass through these steps of development when we consciously cultivate spiritual ways. The various faculties in mind take their turn at ruling the consciousness. Each plays its part for a time, and whatever it acquires becomes part of the sum total of character. The fact that Saul, the Will, is to be dispossessed and another faculty put in dominion, does not imply failure, but that Will has played its part to the limit of its capacity in a certain phase of its development. The mind may be compared to the wheels of a watch, which move contrary one to another, some backward, some forward, yet the watch as a whole is constantly moving forward. Saul was becoming arrogant, tyrannical, self-sufficient and disobedient. When the Christian exhibits these traits it is quite evident that he is fast approaching a mental climax, which will result in disruption of the whole consciousness unless a remedy is found.
Samuel, the soul's balance-wheel, sunk deep down in the inner recesses of Being, is adjusting the consciousness in all its various planes. This work is constantly going on within us, of which we are but vaguely aware. Saul began to have fits of melancholia akin to violent insanity, and the only panacea was music. David was chosen as the harper whose soothing songs calmed his perturbed mind. All of which represents the power of Love to harmonize the discords set up by wrong thinking. Samuel may be called the inner conviction that God is at the helm, and come what may, the Divine I AM will adjust all wrong relations. When this self-regulating power begins its work there is sometimes a quaking in parts of the consciousness.
Bethlehem means the “house of bread,” and represents the substance centre in the body. When we are all stirred up and cannot locate any particular ailment, if is safe to say that the inner equilibrium is at work. The “elders” represent the thoughts that carry on the established order. When the higher power comes in they “tremble.” But when assured that it is a visit of peace, they are reconciled. Under the Jewish law, to sanctify oneself meant to take a bath and put on clean clothes. This is symbolical of mental denials and spiritual affirmations.
Jesse means I AM, the same as Jacob and Jesus. It is derived from Jehovah, the Great I AM, the “I will be what I will be.” The sons of this I AM are its thoughts, or faculties, established in consciousness. Eliab means faith; Abinadab, obedience; Shammah, understanding. These seemed in their order to be the rightful successors of Saul, the Will. But the Lord said, No! There was a greater one yet to come, David, the “beloved of the Lord.”
The Spirit of Love is not in evidence in those who are ruled by Will. David was overlooked entirely by those who had met to receive Samuel. He was off in the mountains shepherding the sheep. But when brought before the prophet, he was at once recognized as the Chosen ot the Lord.
Those who rule by force of will have small opinion of the power of love. It protects and cares for the innocent life within, represented by sheep. It is in reality the greatest power in the consciousness, but because man looks on the outer form instead of the inner essence, he slights his greatest warrior. Its birthplace is Bethlehem, the “house of bread,” the very substance of things. It is “ruddy,” which refers to the blood, the vitality, and it has a “beautiful countenance,” which represents its character as a whole.
The anointing with the horn of oil represents the pouring out of Divine Love. Oil is always the symbol of love, which the Spirit of the Lord pours into the hearts of those who cultivate the loving side of their nature.
David did not at once assume the rulership. He went back to his sheep on the mountainside, to be called forth now and then to sing his soothing song to the violent king. Thus Love grows in consciousness to its full stature after it has been affirmed as the ruling power. We have to make our Love the dominant faculty by our encouragement of it. One has to cultivate love in order to realize its power.
– UNITY magazine.
August 2, 1908: I Samuel 16:4-13
The rulership is withdrawn from the head, the will, King Saul, and gradually transferred to the heart, love, King David. David was spiritually anointed by Samuel long before he assumed the reins of government. Saul became melancholic, and at times insane, and David, because of his skill on the harp, was sent for at the suggestion of Saul's attendants, for the purpose of soothing him with music. He at once won the affection of Saul, and proved so effective in quieting the frenzied monarch that he was often sent for afterwards. This all illustrates the power of love to harmonize the discords set up by a willful, violent mentality.
David's father was Jesse, whose name means "self-existence - I Am." Thus Jesse was like Jesus, the Son of God. His home was in Bethlehem, "house of bread," the Substance Center in the body. Saul was rejected because he was egotistical and disobedient, and David selected on account of his modesty and child-like obedience and simplicity.
When Samuel had the seven sons of Jesse pass before him, that he might select the future King, he thought the tall, stalwart Eliab was the Lord's choice. But “the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” Paul was diminutive and half blind, in bodily presence weak, and in speech contemptible. “But,” says Chrysostom, “this man of three cubits height became tall enough to touch the third heaven even before he was martyred.”
This whole lesson points to the heart, or solar plexus, as the brain through which the Spirit rules, and Love (David) as the ruling intelligence or King. “The Lord looketh on the heart.” David was “ruddy,” red. He was a shepherd, a keeper of the natural animal forces. These symbols all describe the subconscious life energies centering about the heart.
God is Love, and his kingdom is “within you.” This “within” is not an abstraction, but a definite place in the interior or subconscious realms of mind and body.
When you find that your “heady” (Saul) rule is not proving harmonious, call upon the Spirit of the Lord for his anointing. You will surely receive the baptism of the Spirit if you are sincere in your asking, and this spiritual anointing will prove to be the first step in setting up a new reign in which Love will be the King.
– UNITY magazine.
Sunday, June 13, 1920. I Samuel 16:4-13
After the undisciplined will (Saul) has spent its force, through what saving medium does the Lord then work? Through the ministry of Love. Saul, though unconscious of his real mission, prepared the way for the reign of David (Love), just as later on in Biblical history we find that John the Baptist made straight the way of Jesus, the Christ.
In individual consciousness, through what avenue does Jehovah move in directing the choosing and the anointing of the new king? He works through the Inner Voice (Samuel), or by direct impression upon the mind, which is equally as forcible. The edicts of the Lord are never to be thwarted. We may, for a while, delay our good, but sooner or later the righteous King is enthroned in every heart as the supreme Ruler.
Are there lesser phases of Love that would be anointed king? Yes. They are represented here as the brothers of Love (David), each of which would fain rule in consciousness if permitted to do so. Constant vigilance is required if one would appropriate the best that the Lord is offering.
What is the meaning of the names of three of David's elder brothers, Eliab, Abinadab, and Shammah? The meaning of Eliab is “God is Father,” or that in us which takes cognizance of the author of Being; Abinadab means “Father of Nobility,” and Shammah means “fame, renown.”
What is the significance of the horn of oil which Samuel used in anointing David king? The “horn of oil” signifies protection through love, a consecration to God's service and the gift of God's Spirit. “And the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.”
What helpful lesson do we glean from a careful study of David's life up to this time? We learn that through loving care and faithful service in performing little tasks, we open the way to greater undertakings. No sooner do we unfold spiritual ability than the Lord gives us an opportunity to apply our talents. Thus it was that the kind and faithful shepherd boy, David, became the ruler over Israel.
“True hearted, whole hearted, faithful and loyal,
King of our lives, by thy grace we will be;
Under the standard exalted and loyal.
Strong in thy strength we will work; now for thee.Chorus:
Peal out the watchword! silence it never!
Song of our spirits rejoicing and free;
Peal out the Watchword! loyal forever.
King of our lives, by thy grace we will be.”
“God is love, and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God.”
“I am fearless, powerful and wise in God's love.”
“I have faith in the supreme power of Love, and see the good and the perfect everywhere.”
True hearted, whole hearted, fullest allegiance
Yielding henceforth to our glorious King;
Valiant endeavor and loving obedience,
Freely and joyously now would we bring.
{Song used in this Service is No. 518, in “Gospel Hymns.”}
[TruthUnity note: this is from Hymn 20 of Unity Song Selections]
May 13, 1923: I Samuel 16:1-13
Why did Samuel (judgment) mourn because Saul (the will) had not measured up to his kingship? Jehovah had commanded that the Amalekites (thoughts of enmity and of evil) should be utterly destroyed, and Saul had disobeyed and saved Agag, the king of Amalek (the adversary) and some of the fat cattle (animal forces). Good judgment saw that this was not fulfilling the law.
What does David represent? David represents divine love.
How shall we discern the way to place divine love upon the throne of dominion? We discern spiritual attributes by making ourselves obedient to the inspiration of the Most High. Samuel (judgment) asked to be guided by Jehovah.
Are we always sure that the thoughts which present themselves for supremacy are from Spirit? We are likely to think of the outer manifestation rather than the inner spiritual capacities. Samuel thought that Eliab, who was of beautiful countenance and high of stature, was the chosen of Jehovah.
Why was not David presented among the sons of Jesse as a candidate for kingship? Love makes no outward show, and is not counted among the ruling powers in the world of manifestation. But love “is keeping the sheep,” that is, caring for the pure, innocent life forces which are in subjective consciousness.
Why is love always represented as youthful, rosy, and “withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look upon”? Love is the foremost attribute of God, and we always think of it in connection with beauty, both within and without. We do not think of love as aged or decrepit. We accept Cupid as our universal symbol of love, and depict the god of love as a child.
How shall we begin the rule of love in consciousness instead of the rule of the will? We shall begin the rule of love in consciousness by anointing, that is, by affirming in wisdom, that love rules in us and through us, then by thinking and acting lovingly toward everybody and everything.
July 17, 1927: I Samuel 16:4-15
In individual unfoldment, after the undisciplined will (Saul) has spent its force, through what saving medium does the Lord Work? After the undisciplined will has spent its force the Lord works through the ministry of love. Saul, though unconscious of his real mission, prepared the way for the reign of David (love), just as later on in Biblical history John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus the Christ.
Through what avenue does Jehovah move in directing the choosing and the anointing of the new king in individual consciousness? Jehovah works through the inner voice (Samuel). The edicts of the Lord are never to be thwarted. We may for a while delay our good, but sooner or later the righteous King is enthroned in every heart as the supreme ruler.
Are there lesser phases of love that would be anointed King? Yes. These phases are represented in today's lesson by the elder brothers of David (love); the lesser phases of love would rule in consciousness if permitted to do so. One must be constantly vigilant if he would appropriate the best that the Lord offers.
What do Jesse and his seven sons represent? Jesse means “the gift of God,” or the Son of God; he represents the I AM man. His seven sons represent the original seven senses or faculties through which man realizes the spiritual source of his being.
What are the meanings of the names of David’s elder brothers, Eliab, Abinadab, and Shammah? The meaning of Eliab is “God is Father,” or that in us which takes cognizance of the author of our being; Abinadab means “father of nobility;” Shammah means “fame, renown.”
What is the significance of David's “keeping the sheep”? Sheep represent man's innocent, obedient thoughts, which are easy to control and to keep working along constructive lines. The significance of David's keeping the sheep is that the directive power that works through love is protecting the innocent, obedient thoughts, seeing that they are properly cared for and nourished. The individual who is unfolding these powers is preparing himself for a greater work in the near future.
What is the significance of the horn of oil that Samuel used in anointing David king? The horn of oil signifies protection through love, a consecration to God's service, and the gift of God's Spirit. “And the Spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon David from that day forward.”
What helpful lesson do we glean from a careful study of the period of David's life that had passed before the time of which we study in today's lesson reading? We learn that through loving care and faithful service in performing little tasks we open the way to greater undertakings. No sooner do we unfold spiritual ability than the Lord gives us opportunity to apply our talents. The shepherd boy, David, became, ruler over Israel because he had been kind and faithful in performing small duties.
September 3, 1933: I Samuel 16:4-13
After the will (symbolized by Saul) has fallen back into personality to such an extent that it has been rejected by Jehovah, what is the next step? The spirit of discernment or that in man which has conscious contact with God and learns of God (here represented by Samuel), comes forth under the guidance of Spirit and selects the ruling ego that is now to dominate the consciousness.
When the personal will has thus been brought under subjection, what is the prime need of the soul? The soul hungers for unselfish love and righteousness, and endeavors to rouse to activity the mind power that will feed and satisfy it.
What is the meaning of Bethlehem? Bethlehem means “house of bread” or “place of food.” In spiritual consciousness it represents judgment or decision as to the character of substance presented for body assimilation.
In Bethlehem dwelt Jesse and His eight sons. What is the meaning of Jesse? The root meaning of Jesse is “I AM.” Jesse represents the I AM in man that develops his faculties or sons.
Does the Lord See as man sees? No. In this lesson Samuel would have anointed Jesse’s oldest son, Eliab, king, because of his fine bearing and his handsome face, but the Lord told Samuel not to judge by appearances. Therefore the youngest son, David, the shepherd boy, was anointed.
In individual consciousness what does this anointing of David signify? David means love. Therefore his being anointed signifies that love is to be the ruling power or faculty in consciousness.
On taking up his duties as king, David went first to Hebron and became ruler over his own tribe of Judah. Please explain. Judah means “praise,” “prayer,” and Hebron, “unity.” This act of King David's signifies that the consciousness has come into unity with Jehovah mind. Ruling through praise develops harmony, satisfaction, peace, and good will.
September 10, 1944: I Samuel 16:1-5
When the will proves inadequate to the gaining of self-dominion what does our higher judgment (Samuel) reveal to us as the remedy? It shows us that the heart, not the head, is the dominant factor in life. Love (David) is more powerful than the will (Saul) to direct us into the way of self-dominion.
September 10, 1944: I Samuel 16:11-13
What is represented by the anointing of David with oil? It means that love is quickened in consciousness through an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, until it comes into its rightful power and dominion.
Is this quickening consistent with the transmutation of the physical forces on the next higher plane of action, represented by the sacrifice of a heifer? It is, because both are parts of the same action of spiritual energy.
What is the meaning of the name Jesse? What is represented by his sons? The name Jesse means “Jah is” or I AM, and Jesse represents eternal existence. The sons of Jesse represent God's ideas of man. David represents the Christ.
What do we understand by the fact that David kept his father's sheep before he was anointed as king, and for some time afterward? Sheep represent thoughts, and in David's occupation we see love collecting the thoughts of God and holding them as an integrated whole around the beloved.
Why is David represented as “ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look upon”? Because love lends beauty to whatever it touches. To see with the eyes of love is to see beauty and goodness, both of which are spiritual qualities worthy of a king.
David was the youngest of the sons. What significance attaches to this fact? The statement implies that love, since it is spiritual and eternal, is timeless and ageless. Love is commonly represented as a youth.
Is “an evil spirit” ever from God? Evil cannot be from God, since God is good. However evil that springs from an obscure or little understood cause is attributed to God by those who recognize the one cause but who make no allowance for free will.
Why was David chosen to play the harp and dispel Saul’s melancholy? Love is the fullest expression of harmony to be found anywhere. It dispels not only melancholy but all negative conditions for its healing power is very great. David is represented as a skillful harpist.
Metaphysically Interpreting I Samuel 16:14-23
16:14Now the Spirit of Jehovah departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from Jehovah troubled him. 16:15And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. 16:16Let our lord now command thy servants, that are before thee, to seek out a man who is a skilful player on the harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well. 16:17And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me. 16:18Then answered one of the young men, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Beth-lehemite, that is skilful in playing, and a mighty man of valor, and a man of war, and prudent in speech, and a comely person; and Jehovah is with him. 16:19Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, who is with the sheep. 16:20And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul. 16:21And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armorbearer.16:22And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favor in my sight. 16:23And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took the harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.
Transcribed by Lloyd Kinder on 02-06-2014
