The Bible doesn’t tell us how long, but Samuel mourned for Saul long enough that God had to tell him it was time to move on. Then another matter kept Samuel from action. He feared King Saul. God didn’t scold Samuel or tell him to get over it. He simply instructed him in managing the situation. In 1 Samuel 16:1-13, we read how God directed Samuel, revealed more of Himself, and empowered the next king.
God’s Direction
The Lord said to Samuel, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Then invite Jesse and I will direct you from there. To anoint for Me the one I have chosen.” So, he went to Bethlehem. When we consider Samuel’s last act of justice, we understand the reason the people trembled with fear when they saw him coming. But Samuel put them at ease and invited them to the sacrifice. He consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them.
God’s Revelation
As Jesse’s first son came, Samuel was sure he was the one. Then God revealed an important aspect of Himself to Samuel. “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart.”
God Empowers
God said no to each of Jesse’s sons, causing Samuel to ask if he had any other sons. Yes, there was one more, and Samuel halted the proceedings until he came. Then God told him that this was the one. “Arise and anoint him.” Samuel did so. The passage tells us that God’s Holy Spirit came upon David from that day forward.
In 1 Samuel 16:1-13, we read how God directed Samuel, revealed more of Himself, and empowered the next king.