Then Jesse called Abinadab and presented him to Samuel, who said, "The LORD has not chosen this one either." Then Jesse called AbinadabJesse, the father of David, is a significant figure in the lineage of Jesus Christ, as seen in the genealogies of Matthew 1 and Luke 3. Abinadab is Jesse's second son, following Eliab. The calling of Abinadab reflects the cultural practice of presenting sons in order of age or prominence, which was common in ancient Israelite society. This moment is set in Bethlehem, a small town with deep historical roots, later known as the birthplace of Jesus. 1Ch 2:13-15 Jesse was the father of Eliab his firstborn;… and presented him to Samuel, Samuel, the last judge and a prophet of Israel, is on a divine mission to anoint the next king of Israel. This presentation is part of a formal process, indicating the importance of the occasion. Samuel's role as a prophet is crucial, as he acts as God's representative, discerning God's choice for leadership. The act of presenting Abinadab highlights the expectation that the next king would be chosen from among Jesse's sons. 1Sa 10:20-24 Thus Samuel had all the tribes of Israel come forward,… who said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.” Samuel's response underscores the divine nature of the selection process. It is not based on human criteria such as appearance or age, as seen earlier with Eliab. This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty and His ability to see beyond outward appearances, a theme echoed in 1 Samuel 16:7. The rejection of Abinadab, like Eliab, points to the unexpected choice of David, the youngest son, prefiguring the way God often chooses the unlikely or overlooked, a pattern seen throughout Scripture. This selection process foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who was also not what many expected in a Messiah. Psa 78:70-71 He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds;… Persons / Places / Events 1. JesseThe father of David and his brothers, a resident of Bethlehem. He is presenting his sons to Samuel as potential candidates for kingship. 2. Abinadab One of Jesse's sons, presented to Samuel as a potential king, but not chosen by God. 3. Samuel The prophet of God, sent to anoint the next king of Israel after Saul. He is discerning God's choice among Jesse's sons. 4. Bethlehem The town where Jesse and his family live, and where Samuel is sent to find the new king. 5. The LORD The sovereign God who guides Samuel in choosing the next king, emphasizing His criteria over human judgment. Teaching Points God's Criteria vs. Human CriteriaGod looks beyond outward appearances and considers the heart. We should strive to align our judgments with God's perspective. Divine Selection God's choices often defy human expectations. Trust in His wisdom and timing, even when it seems contrary to our understanding. Patience in God's Plan Like Samuel, we must be patient and discerning, waiting for God's clear direction rather than rushing decisions based on appearances. The Role of Obedience Samuel's obedience to God's instructions is crucial. Our obedience to God's word and guidance is essential in fulfilling His plans. The Importance of Humility Abinadab's experience reminds us that not being chosen for a particular role does not diminish our value or potential in God's eyes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does 1 Samuel 16:8 challenge our understanding of leadership and selection in our personal and professional lives?2. In what ways can we ensure that we are looking at the heart, as God does, rather than outward appearances when making decisions? 3. How can we cultivate patience and discernment like Samuel when seeking God's guidance in our lives? 4. Reflect on a time when God's choice in your life differed from your expectations. How did you respond, and what did you learn? 5. How can the account of Abinadab and his brothers encourage us to find contentment and purpose, even when we are not chosen for a specific role or task? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 16:7This verse precedes 16:8 and highlights God's criteria for choosing a king, focusing on the heart rather than outward appearance. 1 Samuel 17:13 Abinadab is mentioned again as one of the brothers who went to war with Saul, showing his continued involvement in Israel's history. Acts 13:22 This verse refers to David as a man after God's own heart, contrasting God's choice with human expectations. Psalm 78:70-72 These verses reflect on God's choice of David, emphasizing His divine selection and guidance.
People Abinadab, David, Eliab, Jesse, Samuel, Saul, ShammahPlaces Bethlehem, Gibeah, RamahTopics Abinadab, Abin'adab, Calleth, Causeth, Chosen, Either, Fixed, Front, Jesse, Pass, SamuelDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 16:1-12 5086 David, rise of 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 Scripture The Call of David. Of the Joy of a Good Conscience Early Days And He had Also this Favour Granted Him. ... The Sun Rising Upon a Dark World The Christ Crowned, the Fact The Christian's Book Samuel Links 1 Samuel 16:8 NIV1 Samuel 16:8 NLT 1 Samuel 16:8 ESV 1 Samuel 16:8 NASB 1 Samuel 16:8 KJV 1 Samuel 16:8 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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