Jesse was a native of Bethlehem (1 Samuel 16:1) and was of the tribe of Judah. He was the grandson of Boaz and Ruth, and the son of Obed.
Jesse’s three oldest sons fought with Saul’s army against the Philistines (1 Samuel 17:13). The prophet Samuel was impressed with all of Jesse’s children (1 Samuel 16:6).
Evidently, Jesse was a simple sheepherder. Nothing is written about him being of any importance within the people of Israel. He was not wealthy. He did not have power. David’s enemies even used the phrase “son of Jesse” in a derogatory manner toward him.
However, as we have pointed out, Jesse’s sons were of high character. Some had fought for Saul. All of them impressed Samuel. His son David is said to be “a man after [God’s] own heart” (Acts 13:22). These things show that Jesse was a good father. He had reared his children with a proper reverence of God and His Word. Jesse did not serve God because he expected wealth and power to come from such service. Jesse quietly served God because he loved God. He instilled this servant attitude into his children.
Jesse did not become famous throughout history for his great military, economic or political success. He became famous because God tells us about his success as a father and because one of his children did become great. God chose David as King because of the character that his father had instilled in him.
Most young men and women will grow up and become parents. Most parents want great things for their children. Yet, the most important and greatest thing that parents can give to their children is a love of God.
Study your Bible. Learn all you can from it. Apply it to your life, and in the future, instill it in your children. If any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.
