1 Samuel 16:11

KJV

And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all [thy] children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Samuel {H8050} said {H559} unto Jesse {H3448}, Are here all {H8552} thy children {H5288}? And he said {H559}, There remaineth {H7604} yet the youngest {H6996}, and, behold, he keepeth {H7462} the sheep {H6629}. And Samuel {H8050} said {H559} unto Jesse {H3448}, Send {H7971} and fetch {H3947} him: for we will not sit down {H5437} till he come {H935} hither {H6311}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Are all your sons here?" Sh'mu'el asked Yishai. He replied, "There is still the youngest; he's out there tending the sheep." Sh'mu'el said to Yishai, "Send and bring him back, because we won't sit down to eat until he gets here."

Berean Standard Bible

And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.”

American Standard Version

And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he is keeping the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him; for we will not sit down till he come hither.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 16:11 captures the pivotal moment in God's selection of David as Israel's next king, following the rejection of Saul. After Samuel had reviewed all of Jesse's elder sons, each deemed unsuitable by divine decree, the prophet's persistent inquiry reveals the youngest, David, tending the sheep. This verse underscores God's surprising choice, demonstrating His unique criteria for leadership—looking beyond outward appearance to the heart—and Samuel's unwavering commitment to fulfilling the divine mandate.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a crucial turning point in the book of 1 Samuel, immediately following God's rejection of King Saul due to his disobedience. The narrative shifts from Saul's decline to the emergence of God's chosen successor. Chapter 16 opens with God instructing Samuel to anoint a new king from Jesse's sons in Bethlehem, despite Samuel's initial fear of Saul's reprisal. Samuel's journey to Bethlehem and his initial assessment of Eliab, Jesse's eldest son, are met with God's profound correction in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart"), emphasizing that "man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." The subsequent rejection of all seven of Jesse's presented sons builds narrative tension, setting the stage for Samuel's insistent question in [1 Samuel 16:11](/1_samuel/16-11 "1 Samuel 16:11 - David Called from the Sheep") that finally brings David, the overlooked youngest, into the divine spotlight. This scene directly precedes David's anointing in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, primogeniture was the prevailing custom, granting the eldest son preeminence, inheritance, and leadership within the family. The idea of the youngest son, especially one engaged in the humble work of shepherding, being chosen over his older, more outwardly impressive brothers was highly counter-cultural and surprising. Shepherds, while essential, were often viewed as being at the lower end of the social hierarchy, their work keeping them distant from settled communities. Bethlehem, though the ancestral home of David's family and later the birthplace of Jesus, was a relatively small and unremarkable town at this time. The anointing of a king was a profoundly significant public and religious act, typically involving a prominent figure and a recognized leader. The clandestine nature of this anointing, due to Saul's continued reign, highlights the tension and danger inherent in Samuel's mission.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 16:11](/1_samuel/16-11 "1 Samuel 16:11 - David Called from the Sheep") powerfully illustrates several core themes found throughout 1 Samuel and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it exemplifies **Divine Selection Over Human Expectation**, a recurring motif where God chooses the unlikely, the weak, or the overlooked to accomplish His purposes, as seen in figures like Gideon or Joseph. This directly contrasts with human tendencies to judge by outward appearance, a lesson explicitly taught in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart"). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Humility and Faithfulness in Obscurity**. David's diligent work as a shepherd, though seemingly insignificant, served as a crucial training ground for his future role as king, teaching him care, protection, and leadership over a flock, preparing him to "shepherd" God's people. This underscores the principle that faithfulness in small tasks often precedes greater responsibilities. Finally, Samuel's resolute declaration, "we will not sit down till he come hither," emphasizes **God's Unwavering Purpose and Sovereignty**. Once God has chosen, His plan will not be delayed or thwarted; His chosen instrument must be brought forth, demonstrating His active involvement in human history and His commitment to His covenant purposes, which eventually lead to the establishment of the Davidic dynasty in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Youngest (Hebrew, _haqqaṭon'_):** This term literally translates to "the small one," "the least," or "the youngest." Its use here is highly significant, emphasizing David's perceived insignificance within his family structure and the societal hierarchy. In a culture that valued primogeniture, the youngest son held the least status and was often tasked with the most menial duties, such as shepherding. God's choice of "the small one" radically subverts human expectations and highlights His divine criteria for leadership, which often elevates the humble and overlooked, as seen in [1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Weak").
* **Keepeth the sheep (Hebrew, _roʿeh batzōʾn'_):** This phrase describes David's humble occupation. The verb "keepeth" (רֹעֶה, _roʿeh_) is the participle form of the verb "to shepherd" or "to pasture." This seemingly mundane task was, in fact, a profound preparation for kingship. A shepherd's duties included leading, feeding, protecting, and caring for the flock, often at personal risk. This role cultivated qualities of courage, compassion, vigilance, and leadership—all essential for a king who would "shepherd" God's people. The imagery of a shepherd-king becomes a powerful motif throughout the Old Testament, culminating in the ultimate Good Shepherd.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all [thy] children?"**: This opening clause reveals Samuel's persistent and divinely-guided inquiry. Having seen all seven of Jesse's older sons presented and rejected by God, Samuel understands that God's chosen one is still missing. His question is not merely procedural but driven by a spiritual discernment that God's plan has not yet been fulfilled, indicating a divine imperative at play.
* **"And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep."**: Jesse's response confirms Samuel's suspicion. The casual, almost dismissive mention of "the youngest" (David) and his humble occupation ("he keepeth the sheep") underscores how thoroughly he was overlooked by his own family. The phrase "behold, he keepeth the sheep" highlights David's obscurity and the seemingly unremarkable nature of his current role, starkly contrasting with the immense destiny awaiting him.
* **"And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither."**: Samuel's firm and authoritative command demonstrates the urgency and divine necessity of David's presence. His refusal to "sit down" (a posture of rest, completion, or even feasting) until David arrives signifies that the divine mission is incomplete without him. This declaration emphasizes the sovereignty of God's choice and Samuel's unwavering commitment to fulfilling God's will, signaling that no human preference or social custom will deter the divine plan.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the outwardly least impressive son, the "youngest" and "shepherd," is the one divinely chosen, subverting the cultural expectation of primogeniture and the initial human judgment of Samuel and Jesse. This highlights the contrast between human perception and divine insight, a central theme of the chapter. **Foreshadowing** is also present, as David's role as a shepherd of literal sheep subtly foreshadows his future role as the "shepherd" of Israel, a king who would lead and care for God's people. Samuel's insistent demand, "we will not sit down till he come hither," uses **hyperbole** to emphasize the absolute necessity and divine urgency of David's arrival, underscoring the unwavering nature of God's plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 16:11 is a profound illustration of God's sovereign election and His distinctive criteria for leadership. It teaches that God does not choose based on human standards of appearance, age, or social status, but rather looks upon the heart and faithfulness in seemingly insignificant roles. This divine principle of choosing the humble and overlooked is a recurring theme throughout biblical history, demonstrating God's power to work through unexpected vessels and confound human wisdom. The passage sets the stage for the establishment of the Davidic covenant, a foundational promise in Israel's history that points forward to the ultimate King.

* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")
* [Psalm 78:70-72](/psalms/78-70 "Psalm 78:70-72 - God Chooses David the Shepherd")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Foolish and Weak")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a powerful and enduring message for believers today: God's ways are truly not our ways, and His perspective transcends all human limitations and biases. It challenges us to look beyond superficial appearances in ourselves and others, recognizing that God often places extraordinary potential and divine calling in the most unexpected and seemingly ordinary individuals. David's faithfulness in the humble task of shepherding teaches us the profound value of diligence and integrity in our current responsibilities, no matter how small or unseen they may seem. God is preparing us in the present for future callings, and our faithfulness in the "little things" is never wasted. Furthermore, Samuel's unwavering commitment reminds us of the importance of trusting God's timing and process, even when they defy our logic or expectations. Our role is to obey and wait for God to reveal His chosen path, knowing that His plans are perfect and will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be overlooking potential, either in myself or others, based on outward appearance or conventional standards?**
* **How does David's faithfulness as a shepherd encourage me to be diligent and committed in my current, perhaps seemingly insignificant, responsibilities?**
* **What expectations or assumptions do I need to surrender to God, trusting that His choices and timing are always superior to my own?**

### FAQ
**Why was David out keeping the sheep, and why was he not present with his brothers?**

Answer: In ancient Israelite families, the youngest son often held the least esteemed position and was typically assigned the most menial or solitary tasks. Shepherding was a common occupation, but it was often given to the younger, less experienced, or less socially prominent members of the family, as it required long hours of isolation and vigilance. David's absence from the family gathering was likely due to this traditional division of labor, where his primary responsibility was the welfare of the flock. His family, including Jesse, probably did not consider him a candidate for such a significant role as king, which further underscores the divine irony and God's unconventional choice. This highlights God's ability to see beyond human assumptions and find His chosen one in the most unexpected places, as emphasized in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 16:11, with its depiction of God choosing the humble shepherd David, profoundly foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ. David, called from tending sheep to shepherd God's people, serves as a powerful type of the ultimate Good Shepherd. Just as David was overlooked and seemingly insignificant in human eyes, yet chosen by God, so too did Jesus come not as an earthly king in splendor, but in humility, born in Bethlehem, the city of David, and often associated with the marginalized. Jesus identifies Himself as the [Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd"), echoing David's protective care for his flock. Furthermore, like David, who was God's chosen king and the ancestor of a royal line, Jesus is the [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus"), the Messiah, the true and eternal King whose kingdom is not of this world. The divine choice of David, based on his heart rather than outward appearance, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who perfectly embodies the heart of God and perfectly fulfills the role of the Shepherd-King, leading His flock into eternal life, as promised in [John 10:27-28](/john/10-27 "John 10:27-28 - My Sheep Hear My Voice").

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

Psalms 78:70

He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:

Psalms 78:71

From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.

2 Samuel 7:8

Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel:

2 Samuel 13:3

But Amnon had a friend, whose name [was] Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab [was] a very subtil man.

1 Chronicles 17:7

Now therefore thus shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, [even] from following the sheep, that thou shouldest be ruler over my people Israel:

1 Samuel 17:28

And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.

1 Samuel 17:12

¶ Now David [was] the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name [was] Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men [for] an old man in the days of Saul.