Article November 6, 1965 Issue

"Fill thine horn with oil"

HELEN DALBY WOOD

The Bible is filled with accounts and promises which are applicable to one's daily experience. The sixteenth chapter of I Samuel records the beautiful story of the anointing of David as king of Israel. In the light of Christian Science the story takes on new significance and beauty.

In the first verse of the chapter we read that God required His servant Samuel to go to Jesse, the Bethlehemite, and from Jesse's sons to choose and anoint a new king to reign over Israel. God's first command to Samuel in preparation for this task was, "Fill thine horn with oil."

In Bible times horns of cattle were converted into containers for carrying liquids. The word "horn" often symbolizes strength, power, glory, and pride. We can see how Samuel would feel deeply his need for spiritual strength in order to fulfill God's command and would be taking such a flask filled with oil, with which to complete his appointed task.

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