Saul and David-1 Samuel 16

Although Samuel anointed David to be king, David did not become king until Saul died many years later.

While Samuel tried to determine which of Jesse’s sons should be the next king, he learned that "man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart" 1 Samuel 16:6–7. The Lord chose David because of his spiritual stature. Today we choose leaders because of popularity or empty promises. The Lord evaluates us by looking at our hearts, too. That is something to keep in mind, when we look at other people. Nobody knows the whole picture except God. That is why I believe we are told not to judge others.

“We … tend to evaluate others on the basis of physical, outward appearance: their ‘good looks,’ their social status, their family pedigrees, their degrees, or their economic situations. The Lord, however, has a different standard by which he measures a person. … He does not take a tape measure around the person’s head to determine his mental capacity, nor his chest to determine his manliness, but He measures the heart as an indicator of the person’s capacity and potential to bless others” (Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, Nov. 1988, 15.

We must attempt to see beyond the outward appearance and look on the heart as God does for us. The only way we can improve our ability and commitment to do this is to try to develop in ourselves a godly character. The commandments of God serve many purposes. One is to help us grow to be more like our Father. In this way, we can begin to see others with love and compassion instead of disgust and aloofness.

Poor Saul made some terrible choices with worse consequences. His disobedience required that the Spirit of the Lord leave, because God cannot remain with the unclean. I do believe that there is a mistranslation in the Old Testament here. God does not send evil spirits. Likely, the verse should read, " an evil spirit [which was not] from God..." 1 Samuel 16:15–23. I will not believe that God sends evil spirits but that we subject ourselves to them. Whatever the case, Saul seemed to suffer from depressions and other mental maladies. Like many of us, Saul found relief from the evil spirit through sweet music. Although music can soothe the soul, it cannot remove or give relief from sin. The Lord is merciful and tells us how to find relief from our sins.

"Come unto me, all ye upon you, and that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28–30

"Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more." D&C 58:42

The characteristics of David that made him stand out were he could play the harp well, he was mighty and valiant, he was prudent, and the Lord is with him. 1 Samuel 16:18

This gives us a nice checklist for teaching our children: music lessons (haha), much time outdoors engaged in work and physical exercise, teaching habits of honesty, service, discretion, and duty, and last but not least to know and love God. It's very similar to the training of Jesus. "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." Luke 2:52