תהלים, פרק פ״ט, פסוק כ״א

The selection of David as king was far from a random event. It was the precise discovery of a unique individual destined for greatness, setting the stage for a profound spiritual elevation. God found David, the youngest son of Jesse, living in a small town [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת דוד]. The primary approach among commentators is that this choice was made because there was simply no one else like him in his entire generation [אבן עזרא, רד״ק]. Furthermore, this discovery was not an isolated moment, but rather the unfolding of an ancient divine plan with historical roots reaching all the way back to Ruth the Moabite [תורה תמימה].

Through his actions, David earned a special status as God's servant. While his predecessor, King Saul, was also a righteous man, only David attained this title in its most complete form. God recognized David's inner preparation and character, particularly the deep mercy he showed while shepherding his father's flock. This gentle care proved that he was fully ready and worthy to shepherd the Israelites [אלשיך]. After establishing David's personal faith and readiness, the focus shifts to the supreme kindness God bestowed upon him [מלבי״ם].

This divine kindness took the form of his anointing by the prophet Samuel. The primary approach among commentators is that David was anointed with the sacred anointing oil, a special holy mixture reserved specifically for high priests and kings. This detail draws a sharp contrast between David and King Saul. Saul was anointed with regular persimmon oil poured from a fragile flask, whereas David was anointed with holy oil from an animal horn, symbolizing a kingdom that would be eternal and enduring [אלשיך]. Ultimately, this act was much more than a symbol of political power. It was an infusion of supreme holiness and spiritual abundance from God, elevating David far beyond mere physical or military success into a state of complete spiritual happiness [מלבי״ם].