THE ANOINTING OF DAVID: Once it was apparent that Saul was not a suitable king, the LORD looked to instill a more suitable replacement; one who was after God’s own heart! Acts 13:22. The young shepherd, David, was chosen according to Divine ideals, for: “the Lord looks on the heart” 1 Samuel 16:7.
DAVID’S TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS: After he is anointed to be King over the nation, it is many years before David actually fills that role. In the beginning, he is helpful to Saul, by playing soothing music for his troubled mind. David even steps forward to meet the challenge Goliath, a Philistine giant of a man who had been intimidating the soldiers of Saul’s army. David’s victory over the giant was with a stone from a sling. Once Saul realizes that David is increasing in popularity, he becomes more aggressive toward him. Saul is unwilling to give up the throne and regularly tries to have David put to death. Saul and his sons are killed in a Philistine battle which causes David to become King first in Hebron for 7 years and then over all Israel for 33 years when his throne was set up in Jerusalem, for a total of 40 years.