"Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The Lord hath not chosen these."
Context:The book of 1 Samuel tells the story of the transition of Israel’s leadership from the judges to the establishment of a monarchy. In 1 Samuel 16, the prophet Samuel is sent by God to anoint the next king of Israel, as Saul’s disobedience had caused him to lose favour with God.
The Rejection of Jesse’s Sons:Prior to this verse, Samuel had arrived at the house of Jesse in Bethlehem with the instruction from God to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as the next king. Jesse’s seven eldest sons were brought before Samuel, but God did not choose any of them.
God’s Selection Criteria:This verse reveals an important lesson about God’s selection criteria. While humans may prioritise external appearances, God looks at the heart. God had rejected Jesse’s sons because they did not possess the qualities God desired in a king. This emphasises the importance of inward qualities over outward appearances.
God’s Sovereign Choice:Despite the expectation that one of Jesse’s sons would be chosen, God had a different plan. Samuel had to inquire further to find out if there were any other sons. It is crucial to recognise that God’s choice is not always what we expect or perceive. God sees beyond our limited understanding and chooses according to His perfect will.
The Unseen Son:In verse 11, Samuel asks if Jesse has any more sons, and Jesse responds that David, the youngest, is tending to the sheep. David was not initially considered as a potential king because of his youth and occupation. However, God had chosen David because of his heart, as we see later in the Scriptures.
Application:The story of David’s anointing teaches us valuable lessons. It reminds us that God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9) and that He values the condition of our hearts. We should not judge or make assumptions based solely on outward appearances, but seek to cultivate a heart that pleases God (Proverbs 4:23). God sees our true character, and when we align our hearts with His, He can use us mightily for His purposes.
The Messianic Connection:While the immediate context of this verse is about the anointing of David as king, it also has Messianic implications. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is often referred to as the "Son of David" in the New Testament. Just as David was chosen by God, Jesus was the chosen one, anointed to be the Saviour of the world. This verse foreshadows God’s sovereign choice of Jesus as the ultimate King and Redeemer.
Remember, a Bible study should not end with information alone, but with personal reflection, application, and prayer. Take time to meditate on the passage and ask God to reveal any areas where your heart needs transformation.
