1 Samuel 16:7 meaning
In a significant moment of divine selection, we see God directing Samuel to anoint a new king, highlighting a crucial principle about how He evaluates individuals. Unlike humanity, which tends to judge based on outward appearances—like stature and beauty—God assesses the state of a person's heart, revealing a deeper understanding of their character and intentions. This principle is exemplified when Samuel is initially attracted to the older, more imposing sons of Jesse, only to find that God had chosen the youngest, David, to be the next king. This episode underscores the difference between divine wisdom and human instincts.
This passage reminds us that God's criteria often defy our expectations, urging us to focus on the inner qualities that reflect a heart devoted to Him. It aligns perfectly with the biblical theme of God's sovereign choice throughout Scripture, signaling that His plans are often contrary to human logic. True worth in God's eyes is rooted in faithfulness, integrity, and a heart aligned with His purposes, which invites reflection on our own judgments and aspirations. The verse says, "But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'" (1 Samuel 16:7, NASB95).
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- 1 Samuel 16:6-13 meaning. After the sacrifice, Jesse makes each of his sons pass before Samuel. The first seven are not chosen, so lastly they call for David. David was the youngest son and the least likely to be the Lord's anointed in the eyes of Samuel and in the eyes of Jesse his father.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Luke 16:14-15 meaning. Luke informs the readers that the Pharisees who had been listening to Jesus teach about money were scoffing at what He said. Luke describes the Pharisees as "lovers of money." Jesus rebukes them as self-justifiers who seek to appear righteous before men and reminds them that God sees the reality of their wicked hearts. He also says that men are terrible judges of what is truly good.
- Matthew 6:25-32 meaning. Jesus teaches His disciples to trust in God to meet their needs and not live their lives worrying.
- Psalm 118:22-23 meaning. The Psalmist punctuates his poetic narrative with a memorable architectural metaphor. He says that the stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. The psalmist originally applied this to himself. But it also applies to the Messiah. Jesus and New Testament writers use this prophecy to explain how Jesus's rejection by the religious leaders of Israel did not disqualify Him from being the LORD's Messiah.
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