Samuel had anointed Saul, and so he had an emotional connection to him. He had fearlessly and plainly rebuked Saul, and declared God's judgement upon him. Even so, he still had regrets in his heart. This was now starting to effect the development of God's plan, for the time had come to anoint a new king, one who would be after God's own heart.
Although Saul had been rejected by God, he still held the title of king, he was still in charge. So Samuel was both mourning over Saul, and had an element of fear as well, for Saul was unlikely to take kindly to a new king being anointed.
The Lord gives Samuel something to do, and then says He will reveal the rest of the plan later. There is a good practical point here. Often we have no idea how to go about a task, or cannot see how it can possibly work. In such cases it is often helpful to take some small steps towards fulfilling the task, to start moving us in the right direction. We may then find that as we take these small steps it starts to become clearer how we can fulfil the complete task.
While Samuel had a degree of fear, the towns people also had fear of Samuel. For Samuel was no English country vicar, but a prophet who killed kings. Saul had stood tall and handsome, and Samuel was inclined to choose Eliab. God tells him that different criteria will be used this time, for God looks at the heart of a man. Samuel too was having to learn new things, even at this advanced stage of his life.
Jesse brought all his sons, except David, but none of them were God's choice. David was out in the field, and Samuel told Jesse to send for him. Note that David too was good looking. So outward appearance is not to be a deciding factor, but neither is it something that is of no relevance at all. The Lord told Samuel to anoint David.
The Lord's Spirit had left Saul and he was tormented by an evil spirit. David was known as a good harp player, and so he was sent for to play for Saul. Music can have a powerful effect on people. David played and this brought relief to Saul. So God was using circumstances to bring David into the king's presence.
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