Jesse is an important figure in the Old Testament, most known for being the father of King David. Here is an overview of Jesse’s life and significance:
Jesse’s Family and Ancestry
Jesse was from the tribe of Judah and lived in Bethlehem. He was the son of Obed and the grandson of Ruth and Boaz (Ruth 4:17-22). Jesse had eight sons total (1 Samuel 16:10-13):
- Eliab
- Abinadab
- Shammah
- Nethanel
- Raddai
- Ozem
- David (the youngest)
He also had two daughters, Zeruiah and Abigail (1 Chronicles 2:13-16). Jesse’s ancestry went back to Abraham through the line of Judah (Ruth 4:18-22).
Jesse in the Story of David
Jesse is most significant as the father of David. When it came time for the prophet Samuel to anoint a new king to replace Saul, the Lord led him to the house of Jesse in Bethlehem (1 Samuel 16:1-13). Jesse presented his sons to Samuel, starting with the eldest Eliab. But the Lord told Samuel that none of the first seven sons were His chosen king. Finally, Samuel asked if Jesse had any other sons. Jesse brought his youngest, David, who had been tending the sheep. The Lord told Samuel to anoint David, and from that day the Spirit of the Lord came upon David.
Later, when David volunteered to fight the Philistine champion Goliath, he is identified as “the son of Jesse the Bethlehemite” (1 Samuel 17:12). Jesse sent David provisions when he was fighting the Philistines (1 Samuel 17:17-18). David continued to refer to himself as “the son of Jesse” even after becoming king (Isaiah 11:1,10).
However, there is no other record of Jesse’s interactions with David or influence on his life. Jesse seemed to play a passive role regarding David, though he was likely proud of his anointed son who went on to become Israel’s greatest king.
Jesse in Times of Trouble
When Saul turned against David and was hunting him to kill him, David took measures to protect his family:
“But one son of Jesse, Jonathan, Saul’s son, delighted much in David … Then Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants of killing David. But Jonathan, Saul’s son, delighted much in David. And Jonathan told David, “Saul my father seeks to kill you. Therefore be on your guard in the morning. Stay in a secret place and hide yourself” (1 Samuel 18:1; 19:1-2).
It seems Jesse and the rest of the family looked to David for deliverance during this time. David later lamented:
“Many are saying of my soul, ‘There is no salvation for him in God.’ But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around” (Psalm 3:2-6).
As king, David later brought his father Jesse and his mother to live under his protection in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 20:3).
Descendants of Jesse
Jesse fathered a great family line in Israel. His son David became Israel’s greatest king. The Messiah Jesus Christ is called the “Root of Jesse” (Isaiah 11:10) since He descended from David’s line. The prophet Isaiah also predicted:
“There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit … In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious” (Isaiah 11:1,10).
In addition to David’s royal line, two of Jesse’s grandsons were noteworthy:
- Joab – The commander of King David’s army and a mighty warrior (1 Chronicles 11:6). He led Israel’s armies to victory in many battles.
- Abishai – Joab’s brother, also a commander in David’s army. He helped save David’s life on two occasions when fighting the Philistines (1 Samuel 26:6-9; 2 Samuel 21:17).
These two sons of Zeruiah, Jesse’s daughter, were loyal to David and served him well. Beyond David’s line, Jesse had a lasting legacy through his grandson’s military leadership.
Lessons from the Life of Jesse
Though Jesse is not described in much detail, some key lessons emerge:
- Jesse was faithful to God among his generations, walking in the steps of his forefather Boaz.
- As a father, Jesse raised David well even though he was the youngest son. He taught David to be a humble shepherd, which prepared him to become Israel’s shepherd.
- Jesse endured hardship when his son David was rejected by Saul. He waited patiently on God’s timing to elevate David.
- God used the line of Jesse mightily, both through David’s kingship and in bringing the Messiah through his line. Though Jesse was a common farmer in Bethlehem, God worked through his generations to change history.
Jesse may not have had an active speaking role in Scripture, but he was significant in exemplifying the godly heritage leading up to David. His legacy reminds us that faithfulness in the ordinary can lead to God using our families in extraordinary ways.
Jesse in Bible Prophecy
Beyond his appearance in the books of Samuel, Jesse is mentioned in several Messianic prophecies that connect Christ to David’s lineage:
There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:1-2)
In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious. (Isaiah 11:10)
“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’ (Jeremiah 23:5-6)
These prophecies depict the Messiah sprouting up from the stump of Jesse, foretelling His descent from David’s father. God had chosen the line of Jesse generations in advance to bring forth Jesus Christ.
Jesse in the New Testament
In the New Testament, Jesse is named in the genealogies of Jesus to establish Him as the heir to David’s throne:
And Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah. (Matthew 1:6)
The son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Sala, the son of Nahshon. (Luke 3:32)
He is also referenced in Romans 15:12 as the father of the promised Messiah:
And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.”
Thus, while Jesse is not a prominent character, heanchors a central storyline of Scripture, the dynasty of David leading to Jesus Christ the promised Savior.
Summary of Jesse’s Significance
In summary, here is an overview of Jesse’s importance in the Bible:
- Father of Israel’s beloved King David
- Descendant of Ruth and Boaz, faithful Israelites
- Ancestor in the royal line leading to Jesus Christ
- Humble family man from Bethlehem
- Endured hardship when David was rejected by Saul
- Blessed to witness God’s choice and anointing of David
- His grandsons Joab and Abishai were mighty warriors
- Role model of a godly heritage and patience in God’s promises
- Representative of an ordinary family raised up for God’s purposes
While limited biblical information is given about Jesse’s life, he stands in Scripture as the connective link between Ruth and King David. God used this faithful forefather mightily, proving He can do extraordinary things through ordinary people.