“And Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the Lord chosen this.”
Context:1 Samuel 16:8 is part of the narrative where Samuel, the prophet of God, is sent by the Lord to anoint a new king over Israel. The context of this verse is crucial for a comprehensive understanding, so let’s explore the surrounding verses as well.
In 1 Samuel 16, the story begins with God instructing Samuel to stop mourning over Saul, the current king, and go to Bethlehem to anoint one of the sons of Jesse as the next king. Samuel initially hesitates out of fear that Saul would kill him if he found out about his intentions. However, the Lord assures Samuel that he should go and take a heifer with him for a sacrifice. Upon arriving in Bethlehem, Samuel invites Jesse and his sons to a sacrifice. When Jesse’s sons come before Samuel, starting with the eldest, Eliab, Samuel is impressed by Eliab’s appearance and stature, thinking that he is the one whom God has chosen.
However, God intervenes and speaks to Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:7, saying: “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” This verse emphasises an important principle that God does not judge people based on their external appearance or physical attributes, but rather on the condition of their hearts. God sees beyond the outward appearance and perceives the true nature, intentions, and character of individuals.
Following this revelation, Jesse brings forth his other sons, one by one, to pass before Samuel. When Abinadab comes before Samuel, God once again declares in 1 Samuel 16:8, “Neither hath the Lord chosen this.” This repetition emphasises that the Lord’s choice was not limited to the eldest son, Eliab, or the second son, Abinadab. This sequence of events illustrates that God’s selection process differs from human expectations. While humans often prioritise external qualities like physical appearance, God prioritises inner qualities such as faith, obedience, humility, and a heart devoted to Him.
