But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart." But the LORD said to SamuelThis phrase introduces a divine intervention in the narrative. The Hebrew word for "LORD" here is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship with Israel. Samuel, the prophet, is being guided directly by God, highlighting the importance of divine revelation over human judgment. This sets the stage for a lesson in divine perspective versus human perspective. Do not consider his appearance or his height
The Hebrew word for "appearance" is "mar'eh," which refers to what is visible to the eye. "Height" is "qomah," often associated with physical stature or impressiveness. Historically, Saul, Israel's first king, was chosen partly for his impressive appearance (1 Samuel 9:2). Here, God instructs Samuel to look beyond physical attributes, challenging cultural norms that equate leadership with physical prowess. for I have rejected him
The word "rejected" comes from the Hebrew "ma'as," meaning to refuse or despise. This indicates a divine decision that is final and based on criteria beyond human understanding. It underscores God's sovereignty in choosing leaders based on His purposes rather than human expectations. the LORD does not see as man does
This phrase contrasts divine perception with human perception. The Hebrew verb "ra'ah" (to see) is used here, emphasizing that God's vision penetrates deeper than human sight. This is a profound theological statement about God's omniscience and His ability to discern true character and intent. For man sees the outward appearance
"Outward appearance" translates from "ayin," meaning eye or sight. This reflects the natural human tendency to judge based on what is visible and tangible. It serves as a caution against superficial judgments and a reminder of human limitations in understanding true worth. but the LORD sees the heart
The Hebrew word for "heart" is "leb," which encompasses the inner self, including thoughts, emotions, and intentions. This phrase highlights God's ability to understand the true nature of a person, beyond external facades. It is a call to prioritize inner virtues over external appearances, aligning with biblical teachings that emphasize purity of heart (Matthew 5:8). Persons / Places / Events 1. SamuelA prophet of God who anointed the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. In this passage, he is tasked with anointing a new king. 2. JesseThe father of David, residing in Bethlehem. Samuel visits him to find and anoint the next king of Israel. 3. DavidThe youngest son of Jesse, who is eventually chosen by God to be king, despite not being the obvious choice based on appearance. 4. BethlehemThe town where Jesse and his family live, and where Samuel goes to anoint the new king. 5. The LORDGod, who instructs Samuel and provides divine insight into choosing the next king based on the heart rather than outward appearance. Teaching Points God's Perspective vs. Human PerspectiveHumans often judge based on external factors, but God looks at the heart. We should strive to see others as God does, valuing inner character over outward appearance. The Importance of the HeartOur heart's condition is crucial in our relationship with God. We should regularly examine our hearts and seek to align them with God's will. Trust in God's WisdomGod's choices may not always align with human expectations. Trusting in His wisdom means accepting that His understanding surpasses our own. Humility and ObedienceLike David, who was chosen despite being the least likely candidate, we should remain humble and obedient, trusting that God can use us regardless of our status or appearance. Encouragement for the OverlookedThose who feel overlooked or undervalued can find encouragement in knowing that God sees and values their heart, not just their outward circumstances. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we cultivate a heart that aligns with God's values, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of looking at the heart rather than outward appearances in our daily interactions? 3. How does the account of David's anointing challenge our understanding of leadership and qualifications? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are not judging others based on appearances? 5. How do other scriptures, such as Matthew 23:27-28, reinforce the message of 1 Samuel 16:7 about the importance of the heart? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 13:14This verse speaks of God seeking a man after His own heart, which is fulfilled in David, connecting to the idea that God values the heart over appearance. Psalm 139:23-24David's psalm asking God to search his heart, reflecting the importance of inner purity and alignment with God's will. Matthew 23:27-28Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for focusing on outward appearances while neglecting the heart, echoing the principle found in 1 Samuel 16:7. Proverbs 4:23Advises guarding the heart, as it is the wellspring of life, aligning with the emphasis on the heart's importance in God's eyes. People Abinadab, David, Eliab, Jesse, Samuel, Saul, ShammahPlaces Bethlehem, Gibeah, RamahTopics Appearance, Consider, Countenance, Face, Form, Heart, Height, Hight, Looks, Lord's, Man's, Note, Outer, Outward, Refused, Rejected, Samuel, Sees, Stature, Takes, Tall, ViewDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 16:7 1180 God, wisdom of
1225 God, as Spirit
4830 height
5017 heart, renewal
5024 inner being
5145 clothing
5149 eyes
5882 impartiality
6185 imagination, desires
8227 discernment, nature of
8332 reputation
8463 priority, of faith, hope and love
8800 prejudice 1 Samuel 16:1-12 1020 God, all-knowing 1 Samuel 16:1-13 5086 David, rise of
5366 king
6622 choice
7735 leaders, political 1 Samuel 16:6-7 5173 outward appearance
8369 worthiness 1 Samuel 16:6-11 5204 age 1 Samuel 16:6-13 5661 brothers 1 Samuel 16:7-13 8319 perception, spiritual Library The Shepherd-King
'And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt them mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel! fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite: for I have provided Me a king among his sons. 2. And Samuel said, How can I go? If Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the Lord said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the Lord. 3. And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Call of David.
"So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone."--1 Samuel xvii. 50. These words, which are taken from the chapter which you heard read just now in the course of the Service[1], declare the victory which David, the man after God's own heart, gained over Goliath, who came out of the army of the Philistines to defy the Living God; and they declare the manner of his gaining it. He gained it with a sling and with a stone; that is, by means, which to man might seem weak and …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII Of the Joy of a Good Conscience
The testimony of a good conscience is the glory of a good man. Have a good conscience and thou shalt ever have joy. A good conscience is able to bear exceeding much, and is exceeding joyful in the midst of adversities; an evil conscience is ever fearful and unquiet. Thou shalt rest sweetly if thy heart condemn thee not. Never rejoice unless when thou hast done well. The wicked have never true joy, nor feel internal peace, for there is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.(1) And if they say …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ Early Days
The life of David is naturally divided into epochs, of which we may avail ourselves for the more ready arrangement of our material. These are--his early years up to his escape from the court of Saul, his exile, the prosperous beginning of his reign, his sin and penitence, his flight before Absalom's rebellion, and the darkened end. We have but faint incidental traces of his life up to his anointing by Samuel, with which the narrative in the historical books opens. But perhaps the fact that the story …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David And He had Also this Favour Granted Him. ...
66. And he had also this favour granted him. For as he was sitting alone on the mountain, if ever he was in perplexity in his meditations, this was revealed to him by Providence in prayer. And the happy man, as it is written, was taught of God [1112] . After this, when he once had a discussion with certain men who had come to him concerning the state of the soul and of what nature its place will be after this life, the following night one from above called him, saying, Antony, rise, go out and look.' …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius The Sun Rising Upon a Dark World
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon then hath the light shined. C ontrasts are suited to illustrate and strengthen the impression of each other. The happiness of those, who by faith in MESSIAH, are brought into a state of peace, liberty, and comfort, is greatly enhanced and heightened by the consideration of that previous state of misery in which they once lived, and of the greater misery to which they were justly exposed. …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 The Christ Crowned, the Fact
"When God sought a King for His people of old, He went to the fields to find him; A shepherd was he, with his crook and his lute And a following flock behind him. "O love of the sheep, O joy of the lute, And the sling and the stone for battle; A shepherd was King, the giant was naught, And the enemy driven like cattle. "When God looked to tell of His good will to men, And the Shepherd-King's son whom He gave them; To shepherds, made meek a-caring for sheep, He told of a Christ sent to save them. …
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation The Christian's Book
Scripture references 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:20,21; John 5:39; Romans 15:4; 2 Samuel 23:2; Luke 1:70; 24:32,45; John 2:22; 10:35; 19:36; Acts 1:16; Romans 1:1,2; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; James 2:8. WHAT IS THE BIBLE? What is the Bible? How shall we regard it? Where shall we place it? These and many questions like them at once come to the front when we begin to discuss the Bible as a book. It is only possible in this brief study, of a great subject, to indicate the line of some of the answers. …
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV1 Samuel 16:7 NLT1 Samuel 16:7 ESV1 Samuel 16:7 NASB1 Samuel 16:7 KJV
1 Samuel 16:7 Commentaries
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