1 Samuel 16:10

KJV

Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these.

KJV (with Strong's)

Again, Jesse {H3448} made seven {H7651} of his sons {H1121} to pass {H5674} before {H6440} Samuel {H8050}. And Samuel {H8050} said {H559} unto Jesse {H3448}, The LORD {H3068} hath not chosen {H977} these.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yishai presented seven of his sons to Sh'mu'el; but Sh'mu'el told Yishai, "ADONAI has not chosen these.

Berean Standard Bible

Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel told him, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.”

American Standard Version

And Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Jehovah hath not chosen these.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 16:10 records a pivotal moment in God's sovereign selection of Israel's next king, following King Saul's rejection. It details the methodical presentation of seven of Jesse's sons to the prophet Samuel, all of whom are definitively declared by divine counsel as not chosen by the LORD. This repeated rejection powerfully underscores God's unique criteria for leadership, which prioritizes the heart over outward appearance, and highlights His absolute sovereignty in electing His chosen instruments, setting the stage for the unexpected revelation of David.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of God's rejection of King Saul due to his persistent disobedience, particularly highlighted in [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection and Rebellion"). Following this divine judgment, the LORD commands Samuel to go to Bethlehem to anoint a new king from among the sons of Jesse ([1 Samuel 16:1](/1_samuel/16-1 "1 Samuel 16:1 - Samuel Sent to Jesse")). Upon Samuel's arrival and initial impression of Jesse's eldest son, Eliab, who possesses the physical stature typically associated with kingship, Samuel's human perspective is corrected by God's profound declaration in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart"): "for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." Verse 16:10 details the continuation of this rigorous selection process, where six more of Jesse's sons are presented and, like Eliab, are explicitly rejected by divine counsel. This methodical elimination builds suspense and prepares the reader for the surprising revelation of God's true choice, emphasizing that God's choice remains elusive to human perception and anticipation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, and indeed throughout the ancient Near East, physical appearance, imposing stature, and the order of birth (primogeniture) were highly significant factors in determining leadership and social standing. Kings were often expected to be formidable figures, embodying strength and authority. Saul, for instance, was initially chosen partly because he "was taller than any of the people" ([1 Samuel 9:2](/1_samuel/9-2 "1 Samuel 9:2 - Saul's Stature")). The process of anointing a king involved a prophet acting as God's representative, signifying divine approval and legitimacy. Jesse's family resided in Bethlehem, a relatively small town in Judah, which would later gain immense significance as the birthplace of King David and, centuries later, the Messiah. The repeated presentation of sons, particularly the number seven, reflects a cultural thoroughness in presenting all available candidates, yet it simultaneously highlights the profound counter-cultural nature of God's selection process, which consistently defies human expectations and societal norms.

* **Key Themes:** The persistent rejection of Jesse's sons in [1 Samuel 16:10](/1_samuel/16-10 "1 Samuel 16:10 - Jesse's Sons Rejected") powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Election and Sovereign Choice**, demonstrating that God's selection for leadership is not based on human criteria such as physical appearance, age, or perceived strength, but on His own inscrutable wisdom and purpose. Secondly, it reiterates the crucial distinction between **God's Perspective vs. Man's Perspective**, a central message of [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart"). Human judgment is limited and often flawed, focusing on superficial qualities, whereas God discerns the true character and heart of an individual. Thirdly, this systematic elimination builds suspense and sets the stage for the eventual, surprising choice of David, the youngest and seemingly least likely candidate ([1 Samuel 16:11](/1_samuel/16-11 "1 Samuel 16:11 - David is Chosen")). This exemplifies the theme of **Humility and the Unexpected Choice**, illustrating God's consistent tendency to choose the humble, the overlooked, and the weak to accomplish His mighty purposes, thereby ensuring that glory redounds to Him alone. Finally, Samuel's persistence in waiting for God's clear direction, even after seven candidates are presented, highlights the importance of **Patience and Trust in God's Process**, demonstrating complete reliance on divine guidance in critical decisions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From its root meaning as a "builder of the family name," H1121 (_bên_) refers to a son in its widest sense. In this context, it emphasizes the male offspring of Jesse, who would traditionally be considered heirs and potential leaders. The repeated presentation of these "sons" highlights the human expectation that leadership would pass through the established lineage and conventional succession, underscoring the divine subversion of these norms.
* **pass (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** H5674 (_ʻâbar_) means "to cross over; used very widely of any transition." Here, it describes the action of Jesse making his sons "pass before" Samuel, implying a formal presentation or review. Each son is brought forward, one by one, for Samuel's inspection and, more importantly, for divine scrutiny. This emphasizes the methodical and deliberate nature of the selection process, where each candidate is given an opportunity to be considered by God through His prophet.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred covenant name of God, H3068 (_Yᵉhôvâh_), often translated as "the self-Existent or Eternal." Its use here emphasizes that the decision regarding the next king is not merely a human assessment but a direct, authoritative pronouncement from the sovereign God of Israel, who is intimately involved in the affairs of His people and is faithful to His covenant promises. It underscores the divine authority behind Samuel's declaration, confirming that the rejection of Jesse's sons is a definitive act of divine will.
* **chosen (Hebrew, _bâchar'_):** H977 (_bâchar_) is a primitive root meaning "to try, i.e. (by implication) select; acceptable, appoint, choose." Samuel's declaration, "The LORD hath not chosen these," signifies an active and deliberate non-selection by God. It's not a passive oversight but a purposeful divine decision to pass over these individuals, indicating that God's specific, sovereign will for the kingship lies elsewhere. This word highlights God's prerogative to select His instruments according to His own perfect criteria, independent of human judgment or preference.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel."**: This clause highlights the methodical and thorough nature of Jesse's presentation, prompted by Samuel's divine instruction. The word "Again" signifies the continuation of a process that began with Eliab. The number "seven" is significant; it often symbolizes completeness or perfection in biblical numerology. Here, it signifies that all the "obvious" or "expected" candidates (from a human perspective, including those who might have seemed promising) have been presented and exhausted. Jesse is dutifully bringing forth all his sons who are present and seemingly eligible, demonstrating his obedience to Samuel's request and his desire to fulfill God's will.
* **"And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these."**: This is the definitive pronouncement from Samuel, acting as God's mouthpiece. The directness and finality of "The LORD hath not chosen these" leave no room for ambiguity. It reiterates the core message of [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")—that God's criteria for selection are fundamentally different from human ones. This statement signifies that the search for God's anointed king must continue, as the divine choice has not yet been revealed among these seven. It underscores the prophet's reliance on divine revelation rather than human intuition or outward appearance.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Repetition** is central, as the phrase "The LORD hath not chosen these" (or its equivalent) is implied for each of the seven sons, culminating in this summary statement. This repetition emphasizes the consistent pattern of divine rejection, building suspense and highlighting the elusive nature of God's choice. **Foreshadowing** is also evident; the systematic elimination of all the seemingly "fit" candidates subtly prepares the reader for the unexpected and humble choice of David, who is not even present among his brothers. This creates **Irony**, as human expectations (based on appearance, age, and presence) are repeatedly subverted by divine wisdom. The narrative also builds considerable **Suspense**, leaving both Samuel and the reader wondering who God's chosen one could possibly be, thereby magnifying the significance of David's eventual anointing. This interplay of devices powerfully communicates that God's ways are higher than human ways, and His selection is entirely sovereign.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 16:10 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign election and His unique criteria for leadership, which stand in stark contrast to human standards. It is a powerful testament to the truth that God "looks at the heart" rather than outward appearance, a principle that reverberates throughout Scripture. This passage teaches us that true strength, wisdom, and suitability for divine service are not found in human might, stature, or worldly qualifications, but in a heart attuned to God's will and marked by humility. God's choice of the overlooked and the seemingly insignificant is a recurring motif, designed to ensure that His glory is magnified and that no human can boast in their own strength or wisdom. This divine pattern challenges our human tendencies to judge superficially and calls us to trust in God's unconventional, yet perfect, methods of working in the world and through His people.

* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts are Higher")
* [Psalm 147:10-11](/psalms/147-10-11 "Psalm 147:10-11 - God Delights Not in Strength")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Foolish")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 16:10 offers timeless lessons for our lives today, challenging our deeply ingrained human tendencies to judge by outward appearances and to rely on conventional wisdom. In a world that often prioritizes external metrics—be it physical attractiveness, social status, wealth, or professional accolades—this verse serves as a profound corrective. It calls us to cultivate a divine perspective, to look beyond the superficial and seek to discern the true character and heart, both in ourselves and in others. For those in positions of leadership or influence, it is a humbling reminder that God's anointing is not based on human qualifications but on His sovereign choice and the condition of one's heart. For individuals seeking God's will, the passage encourages patient perseverance, reminding us that God's "yes" may come after many "no's," often in unexpected ways and through surprising candidates (perhaps even ourselves, if we feel overlooked). It fosters humility, reminding us that true value and usefulness in God's kingdom are determined by His standards, not the world's. Ultimately, it invites us to trust God's unconventional methods, knowing that His plans are always perfect, even when they defy our logic or expectations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to judge by outward appearance rather than seeking to understand the heart, as God does?**
* **How does the repeated rejection of Jesse's sons challenge my own assumptions about who God might choose or how He might work?**
* **What does this passage teach me about patience and persistence when discerning God's will, especially when my initial expectations are not met?**
* **How can I cultivate a more humble heart, recognizing that true value and usefulness in God's kingdom are not determined by worldly standards?**

### FAQ
**Why did God reject all seven sons presented first by Jesse?**

Answer: God rejected all seven sons presented by Jesse not because they were inherently bad or unworthy individuals, but because none of them met God's specific criteria for the kingship at that time. As [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart") explicitly states, "the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." Each of these sons, while perhaps outwardly impressive or conforming to human expectations of a king (like Eliab, the eldest), did not possess the particular heart God was seeking for this crucial role. The systematic rejection of all seven also served a profound theological purpose: it powerfully underscored God's absolute sovereignty in election, demonstrating that His choice was entirely independent of human wisdom, expectation, or physical attributes, thereby setting the stage for the surprising and humble choice of David. It ensured that the focus remained on God's divine prerogative rather than human merit.

**What is the significance of the number seven in this verse?**

Answer: The number seven often carries symbolic weight in the Bible, representing completeness, perfection, or divine fullness. In [1 Samuel 16:10](/1_samuel/16-10 "1 Samuel 16:10 - Jesse's Sons Rejected"), Jesse presents "seven of his sons." This number signifies a comprehensive presentation—Jesse has brought forth all his available sons who were present and seemingly eligible for the kingship. The fact that all seven are rejected by God emphasizes the thoroughness of the human effort to find a king, which nonetheless falls short of God's perfect and unconventional choice. It highlights that even a complete human effort, guided by conventional wisdom, cannot discern or fulfill God's specific, divinely ordained purpose. The rejection of the "full set" of expected candidates magnifies the unexpected nature of David's eventual selection, underscoring that God's ways are truly beyond human comprehension.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 16:10, with its profound emphasis on God's sovereign choice and His preference for the humble heart over outward appearance, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as David, the overlooked shepherd boy from Bethlehem, was God's chosen king, so too was Jesus, the Son of David, born in the same humble town ([Luke 2:4-7](/luke/2-4-7 "Luke 2:4-7 - Jesus' Birth in Bethlehem")). From a human perspective, Jesus was not what many expected of a Messiah—He did not come as a conquering political king, but as a humble servant ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). He was "despised and rejected by mankind" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Suffering Servant")), yet He was God's "chosen one" ([Luke 9:35](/luke/9-35 "Luke 9:35 - The Transfiguration")). Like Samuel's declaration that God looks at the heart, Jesus consistently challenged the outward piety of the Pharisees, exposing their hypocrisy and emphasizing the need for inner transformation ([Matthew 23:27-28](/matthew/23-27-28 "Matthew 23:27-28 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). He is the true Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the ultimate Shepherd-King who perfectly embodies the heart after God's own heart. In His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus demonstrates that God's kingdom is built not on human strength or worldly wisdom, but on divine humility, sacrifice, and sovereign election, perfectly fulfilling the pattern established in David's anointing.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 2:13

And Jesse begat his firstborn Eliab, and Abinadab the second, and Shimma the third,

1 Chronicles 2:15

Ozem the sixth, David the seventh: