There’s something deeply moving about meeting someone at the beginning of their journey especially when that someone is David, one of the most beloved figures in the Bible. Long before he became king, before the songs of praise, and even before the slaying of Goliath, David was just a shepherd boy living a quiet life in Bethlehem.
But where exactly does David’s story begin in the Bible? And why does it matter?
In this study, we’ll walk through David’s first appearance in Scripture, take a closer look at his humble beginnings, and reflect on what it all means for us today. No matter where you are in life, David’s story has something to say to you especially about being seen by God, even when the world overlooks you.
David’s First Appearance: 1 Samuel 16
If you open your Bible to 1 Samuel 16, you’ll find the very first time David is mentioned. The prophet Samuel is sent by God to Bethlehem to anoint the next king of Israel. King Saul, the current ruler, has lost favor with God due to his disobedience (1 Samuel 15:26), and God is ready to raise up someone new.
“I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.”
1 Samuel 16:1 (NIV)
Now, Jesse had eight sons. And David? He was the youngest and not even invited to the important family gathering at first.
When Samuel arrived, Jesse paraded seven of his sons before the prophet. Each one was strong and kingly in appearance. But the Lord kept saying no.
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
What a verse. That one line could be a whole sermon on its own.
Finally, Samuel asks, “Are these all the sons you have?” Jesse says, “There is still the youngest, tending the sheep.” And so, they send for David.
A Shepherd, Not a Soldier
What’s striking is how unremarkable David seems at first. He isn’t a warrior. He’s not part of the army. He’s a teenager out watching sheep. No one in his family thought he was important enough to be included in the meeting with Samuel.
Yet he is the one God chooses.
That moment teaches us something powerful: God often calls the overlooked, the quiet, the humble and uses them for mighty things.
In a world where we’re often trying to prove our worth, David’s beginning is a quiet whisper of grace. He didn’t strive to be king. He didn’t force his way into the room. God brought him in at the right time.
The Anointing: David Chosen by God
When David is brought in, the Lord tells Samuel, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one” (1 Samuel 16:12). Samuel anoints David with oil in the presence of his family, and “from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David” (1 Samuel 16:13).
That anointing was more than symbolic. It was spiritual. It marked a shift in David’s life, though he wouldn’t become king for many years.
It’s a good reminder that God’s calling doesn’t always come with immediate results. There may be a delay between the promise and the fulfillment but God’s timing is always perfect.
Where the Story of David and Goliath Begins
If you’re wondering specifically about David and Goliath, that part of his story begins in 1 Samuel 17. But the courage David shows in that famous battle was shaped long before he ever stood on the battlefield.
While tending sheep, he learned bravery. He fought off lions and bears to protect his flock (1 Samuel 17:34–37). He also learned how to be still with God. The quiet fields of Bethlehem became the training ground for the heart of a king.
Why Bethlehem Matters
David’s hometown of Bethlehem is more than just a geographical detail. It’s the same town where Jesus would later be born. The link between David and Jesus is not accidental it’s part of God’s redemptive plan across generations.
“But you, Bethlehem… out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel.”
Micah 5:2
Jesus is called the “Son of David” throughout the New Testament, showing how David’s humble beginnings set the stage for the coming of the true King.
Life Lessons from David’s Beginning
So, what can we learn from where David’s story starts?
1. God Sees What Others Don’t
David wasn’t even considered worthy of being seen by Samuel. Yet God saw him clearly and chose him boldly.
If you’ve ever felt invisible, know this: God sees your heart, not just your résumé.
2. Obscurity is Often Preparation
David was in the fields doing a faithful, unseen job. That obscurity shaped his character, strengthened his faith, and prepared him for leadership.
Sometimes, the quiet seasons in your life are the very places where God is preparing you for what’s next.
3. Age Doesn’t Limit Calling
David was likely a teenager when he was anointed. Too young to fight in the army. Yet God chose him to be king.
Young or old, God’s call doesn’t depend on age it depends on the heart.
David and the Spirit of the Lord
One of the most beautiful things about David’s story is how the Spirit of the Lord comes upon him after his anointing (1 Samuel 16:13). From then on, his life is guided, empowered, and sustained by that Spirit.
You don’t have to be royalty or a warrior to carry God’s presence. David reminds us that when we walk with God, no moment is too small to be sacred.
When We Feel Like David
Maybe you feel like David right now doing work that feels unseen, unimportant, or even forgotten. Maybe others have overlooked you. Maybe your heart carries dreams that haven’t yet come to pass.
Let me tell you, friend: David’s story is your story, too.
God sees you. He’s shaping you. He’s working behind the scenes. And just as He called David from the fields into the fullness of His plan, He can do the same for you.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”
Psalm 23:1 (A psalm of David)
David would later write those words from the perspective of a man who knew what it meant to be led by God from the very beginning.
So Where It All Begins
So, where does David’s story start in the Bible?
It starts in 1 Samuel 16, in a small town called Bethlehem, with a young boy watching over sheep. It starts not with fanfare, but with faith. Not with power, but with a pure heart.
And that’s where your story can begin too with faith, humility, and a heart turned toward God.
Whether you’re starting something new, waiting on God’s promise, or walking through a quiet season, remember David. Remember the fields. Remember that God sees what the world overlooks and He never forgets the ones He has called.
