In the midst of his brethren— Secretly, from his brethren. Wat. This translation of Dr. Waterland's seems just; as Samuel was afraid to have the purpose of his commission known, and as it plainly appears from Eliab's treatment of David, ch. 1 Samuel 17:28 that he did not know him to be the king elect of God's people. Houbigant is for our reading. He thinks the anointing was made publicly, but that Samuel did not declare the purpose of his anointing.
REFLECTIONS.—The king being to be chosen out of the sons of Jesse, we have them here passing in review before Samuel.
1. The eldest came, and being a goodly personage, tall, and majestic, Samuel was ready to conclude that this was God's elect; so much does a noble presence prepossess us in a man's favour: but God let him know that he was mistaken. God judgeth not, as man, by outward qualifications, but by the heart, the dispositions of which he regards, and with the inmost thoughts of which he is acquainted. Six more of Jesse's sons appear, yet none of these does God choose. Hereupon,
2. Samuel asks Jesse if he has no other children, and receives for answer, that the youngest, the little one, was with the sheep. Instantly he is sent for; his presence was the most needful of any at the feast: he appears in his shepherd's dress; the bloom of youth was on his ruddy cheek; his countenance, or, as the word may signify, his eyes beautiful and sparkling; and his aspect and manner bespoke the more pleasing dispositions of his mind: this is he. God commands, and Samuel obeys; the horn of oil is poured upon him, in token of the divine designation; and in, or rather from, the midst of his brethren he is anointed, as chosen out of them, or in private from them, as it was a secret which required concealment. Note; (1.) Youth and beauty are pleasing recommendations; and when the mind is fraught with divine grace and natural sweetness, it spreads a new lustre on the external gifts of nature, and makes the possessor doubly amiable. (2.) Diligence in an inferior station is the way to rise to greater honour. (3.) This shepherd-king is the type of that anointed Jesus, his son and successor, who was to feed his flock like a shepherd.
3. He is no sooner anointed, than the Lord pours out upon him an extraordinary measure of his spirit, fitting him for the great designs he has in view; not only increasing his spiritual gifts and graces, but filling him with courage, and probably bestowing an extraordinary skill in music and poetry.
4. Samuel now retires, to Ramah, where he lives and dies in peace, and is but once more mentioned in this history. He had finished his work, and God brings him shortly to his reward.