CHARACTER STUDY ~ JESSE

Jesse is a neutral-gender Hebrew name that means God exists. He was the son of Obed, a grandson of Boaz and Ruth. He is named in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. He is the father of David. 

Some Characteristics of Jesse:

√ Jesse could be said to be polygamous as David was of a different woman. As Christians, we must avoid polygamous marriages as it goes contrary to the teaching of Jesus Christ. 

√ Jesse was a man of Jewish tradition. In the Jewish tradition, the youngest wouldn't unless the eldest received his portion. So when asked to bring his sons he arranged them by age until David was chosen. 

√ The prophet Samuel visited him to anoint one of his sons in Bethlehem. 

√ Jesse had three sons who were warriors in Saul's army. His youngest son later became king of Israel, and the reign of David's descendants ended with Jesus Christ. We need to also train our children to be patriotic. 

√ King Saul sought permission from Jesse to allow David to be his armour bearer and to play the harp when he was being tormented by the evil spirit. 

√ Jesse had eight sons, David being the youngest, and two daughters. His sons were firstborn Eliab, Abinadab the second, Shimma the third, Nethaneel the fourth, Raddai the fifth, Ozem the sixth, Shimea and David. His daughters were Zeruiah and Abigail. 

Supporting Scripture: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 16:1-13; 19-23;  17:13-28; 22:3&4;  1 Chronicles 2:13-17; Matthew 1:5&6