Shifting focus from the majesty of God in the natural world, the attention turns to the national history of Israel and the enduring divine promise of a royal dynasty. God revealed Himself to His devoted servants through a prophetic vision, announcing His selection of a worthy leader to guide the nation [מצודת ציון, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].
The primary approach among commentators is that God delivered this message to the prophets entrusted with the promise of kingship. This includes Samuel, who physically anointed the king [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, המאירי, אלשיך], as well as Nathan and Gad, who later guided David [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ, מלבי״ם]. Alternatively, the message may trace back to Jacob, who originally prophesied about the royal line of Judah [המאירי], or to the singers Heman and Ethan, who were also recognized as seers [אבן עזרא]. Some traditions point specifically to Samuel as the sole recipient of this vision [מנחת שי]. The link between these prophets and their deep piety is deliberate, because profound devotion is the spiritual step required to attain divine inspiration [תורה תמימה].
In this vision, God declared that He had granted power, authority, and continuous help to a mighty warrior [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ, מלבי ם באור המילות]. Most commentators agree that this warrior is King David, who received God's constant support [רש״י, רד״ק]. However, another perspective suggests this actually refers to King Saul, who was physically taller and stronger than the rest of the nation, and whom God empowered to make him fit for the throne [אלשיך].
God further announced the elevation of a chosen individual from among the common people [מצודת ציון, רד״ק, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This selection also highlights that David was quite young when he first rose to power [אבן עזרא]. His selection was rooted in his deep humility and his willingness to forgive those who wronged him. Because of these traits, his anointing was accompanied by a miracle. The holy oil leaped on its own from Samuel's hand directly onto David's head [חומת אנך].
A deeper look at these events reveals two distinct methods of divine leadership. On one hand, empowering a mighty warrior reflects a system of divine providence where God provides help that builds upon a person's natural abilities and existing strength. On the other hand, elevating a commoner from the masses represents absolute divine grace, where God chooses and raises a person purely out of His own will, completely independent of the individual's prior preparation [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].