Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Samuel 16:13

13 Then Samuel took the horn of oyl, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren : and the spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward . So Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.

According to this Translation, his Brethren were present at this Act, and knew that David was Anointed King. But this seems to some, neither consistent to Samuel's design of Secresie; not with Eliabs scornful words concerning him after this, Chap. 17. 28. But to this, others reply, That David's Brethren saw David's Unction, but did not particularly understand, that he was Anointed to the Kingdom; but were onely told by Samuel, that he was Anointed to some great Service, which hereafter they should know, but at present, it was fit to be concealed: Thus Iesse onely, and David, understood the whole business, and his Brethren were able to Attest to that Act of Samuel's Anointing him, which with other collateral Evidences, was abundantly sufficient to prove David's Right to the Kingdome, if need should be. And this seems fairly to accord, and explain the matter: But the words may be otherwise Translated out of the Hebrew, That he Anointed him out of the midst of his brethren; i. e. He selected him from amongst the rest of his Brethren to be King. As Christ is said to be raised from the midst of his brethren. And whereas, the Hebrew Word is Bekereb, in the midst; not mikkereb, out of the midst; it is confessed, that the Preposition beth, in, is oft used for [illegible: 1+ letters]in, of or o[illegible: 1+ letters]t of, as hath been formerly shewed by many instances; and so it may be here. And further, the place may be thus rendred; that Samuel anointed him, being taken out of the midst of [illegible: 1 word] brethren: and so these words may be added, to signifie, That Samuel took him out from the rest of the Company, and privately Anointed him; Iesse onely being present at the Action. And thus there is an Ellipsis of a Verb or Particle, which is frequent; as Ge[illegible: 1+ letters]. 1[illegible: 1+ letters]. 15. The woman was taken (i. e. was taken and carried) into Pharaoh's house; and many such places.

i. e. He was immediately endowed with extraordinary Gifts of God's Spirit, as Strength, and Courage, and Wisdome, and Magnanimity, and other excellent qualities which fitted him for, and put him upon Noble Attempts; for which, he presently grew famous, even whilest he lived a private Life: See below, v. 15. and 1[illegible: 1+ letters]. 34, &c.

Marginal references: Psal. 89. 20.; See Num. 27. 18.