“Surely this is he,” murmured Samuel to himself. But God’s answer came quickly. No, this was not the man. Samuel saw only the outward signs of strength and beauty, but God saw deeper into the heart.
So the eldest son passed on, and one by one the six brothers followed, all sons that a father might well be [folio 9] proud of. But God sent no sign to show that any of them was the chosen king.
“Surely this is he,” murmured Samuel to himself.
Samuel was puzzled. What could it mean? Then he turned again to Jesse.
“Are here all thy children?” he asked.
Surprised at the question, Jesse suddenly remembered [folio 10] the little lad, his youngest son, who was out in the fields tending the sheep. Was it possible that Samuel had any use for him?
“Send and fetch him,” ordered Samuel instantly, “for we will not sit down till he comes hither.”
So a messenger was sent in haste to bring David; and presently he came hurrying in, and as soon as Samuel saw him he knew his search was ended.
He was only a little shepherd lad with the breath of the hills about him, his golden hair tossed by the wind, his fair face flushed, and his sunburned hand holding his shepherd’s crook. But there was no doubt that God had chosen him.