11qpsa-psalms-scrolldead-sea-scrolls
Psalms Scroll 1
David recounts the arc of his calling from youngest shepherd to anointed leader — the pattern of election from obscurity that recurs in every dispensation. Samuel's anointing with holy oil is not ceremony alone; it is conferral of standing in the Holy Order, the moment Jehovah sets His servant as ruler over the sons of His covenant. The rejection of the tall and beautiful brothers and the choosing of the smallest names the principle plainly: Jehovah reads the interior, not the exterior. Goliath's defeat completes the installation — reproach is removed from Israel by the covenant servant acting in anointed authority.
1
A hallelujah of David, the son of Jesse. I was the smallest among my brethren, and the youngest of the sons of my father. He made me shepherd of his flock, and ruler over his kids.
2
My hands fashioned a flute; my fingers a harp. I gave glory unto the Lord. I said within my soul: The mountains do not bear witness unto Him; nor do the hills declare. The trees have lifted up His words; the flock have lifted up His works.
3
For who can declare and who can speak and who can recount the works of the Lord? God hath beheld every thing; He hath heard every thing; and He hath given ear unto every thing.
4
He sent His prophet to anoint me — even Samuel — that he might magnify me. My brothers came forth to meet him, beautiful of stature and beautiful of countenance. They were tall in stature, beautiful by their hair. The Lord God did not choose them.
5
He sent and took me from after the flock; and He anointed me with the holy oil. He set me as a leader of His people, and a ruler over the sons of His covenant.
6
Then began the son of David. I went forth to meet the Philistine; he cursed me by his idols. But I — I drew the sword from beside him; I cut off his head; and I removed reproach from the children of Israel.
7
Blessed be the Lord, the God of David, who hath given His servant strength. Blessed be His holy name. Hallelujah.
