david's lament

A prophet since childhood and the last of the Hebrew judges, Samuel is the leader of the people of Israel. 

The people of Israel demand to be lead by a king, not a priest. The voice of God comes to Samuel, bidding him to yield to the people's will. And so the Lord leads Samuel to Saul, who is anointed as the first king of Israel. 

But Saul disobeys the Lord and soon falls from the Lord's favor. Though tormented by evil spirits sent by the Lord for his disobedience, Saul is allowed to remain king. 

King Saul has warrior sons. One of the bravest and most popular among the Israelis is his young son named Jonathan. His exploits as a warrior are celebrated throughout the land.   

The Lord is angry with Saul and tells the prophet Samuel to go to the house of Jesse, a servant of Saul's who comes from Bethlehem. The Lord tells Samuel that the next king of Israel is among the sons of Jesse. 

One by one, seven sons are presented and rejected by the Lord through Samuel, who asks Jesse if he has any more sons. Jesse replies that only his youngest son remains, but he is out watching the sheep. Samuel tells Jesse to present his youngest son.