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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Samuel 16:6–13. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
If the sons of Jesse were told that God would provide himself a king among them (as he had said, Sa1 16:1), we may well suppose they all made the best appearance they could, and each hoped he should be the man; but here we are told,
I.How all the elder sons, who stood fairest for the preferment, were passed by.
1.Eliab, the eldest, was privately presented first to Samuel, probably none being present but Jesse only, and Samuel thought he must needs be the man: Surely this is the Lord's anointed, Sa1 16:6. The prophets themselves, when they spoke from under the divine direction, were as liable to mistake as other men; as Nathan, Sa2 7:3. But God rectified the prophet's mistake by a secret whisper to his mind: Look not on his countenance, Sa1 16:7. It was strange that Samuel, who had been so wretchedly disappointed in Saul, whose countenance and stature recommended him as much as any man's could, should be so forward to judge of a man by that rule. When God would please the people with a king he chose a comely man; but, when he would have one after his own heart, he should not be chosen by the outside. Men judge by the sight of the eyes, but God does not, Isa 11:3. The Lord looks on the heart, that is,
(1.)He knows it. We can tell how men look, but he can tell what they are. Man looks on the eyes (so the original word is), and is pleased with the liveliness and sprightliness that appear in them; but God looks on the heart, and sees the thoughts and intents of that.
(2.)He judges of men by it. The good disposition of the heart, the holiness or goodness of that, recommends us to God, and is in his sight of great price (Pe1 3:4), not the majesty of the look, or the strength and stature of the body. Let us reckon that to be true beauty which is within, and judge of men, as far as we are capable, by their minds, not their mien.
2.When Eliab was set aside, Abinadab and Shammah, and, after them, four more of the sons of Jesse, seven in all, were presented to Samuel, as likely for his purpose; but Samuel, who not attended more carefully than he did at first to the divine direction, rejected them all: The Lord has not chosen these, Sa1 16:8, Sa1 16:10. Men dispose of their honours and estates to their sons according to their seniority of age and priority of birth, but God does not. The elder shall serve the younger. Had it been left to Samuel, or Jesse, to make the choice, one of these would certainly have been chosen; but God will magnify his sovereignty in passing by some that were most promising as well as in fastening on others that were less so.
II.How David at length was pitched upon.
He was the youngest of all the sons of Jesse; his name signifies beloved, for he was a type of the beloved Son. Observe,
1.How he was in the fields, keeping the sheep (Sa1 16:11), and was left there, though there was a sacrifice and a feast at his father's house. The youngest are commonly the fondlings of the family, but, it should seem, David was least set by of all the sons of Jesse; either they did not discern or did not duly value the excellent spirit he was of. Many a great genius lies buried in obscurity and contempt; and God often exalts those whom men despise and gives abundant honour to that part which lacked. The Son of David was he whom men despised, the stone which the builders refused, and yet he has a name above every name. David was taken from following ewes to feed Jacob (Psa 78:71), as Moses from keeping the flock of Jethro, an instance of his humility and industry, both which God delights to put honour upon. We should think a military life, but God saw a pastoral life (which gives advantage for contemplation and communion with heaven), the best preparative for kingly power, at least for those graces of the Spirit which are necessary to the due discharge of that trust which attends it. David was keeping sheep, though it was a time of sacrifice; for there is mercy that takes precedence of sacrifice.
2.How earnest Samuel was to have him sent for: "We will not sit down to meat" (perhaps it was not the feast upon the sacrifice, but a common meal) "till he come hither; for, if all the rest be rejected, this must be he." He that designed not to sit at table at all is now waited for as the principal guest. If God will exalt those of low degree, who can hinder?
3.What appearance he made when he did come. No notice is taken of his clothing. No doubt that was according to his employment, mean and coarse, as shepherds' coats commonly are, and he did not change his clothes as Joseph did (Gen 41:14), but he had a very honest look, not stately, as Saul's, but sweet and lovely: He was ruddy, of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to (Sa1 16:12), that is, he had a clear complexion, a good eye, and a lovely face; the features were extraordinary, and there was something in his looks that was very charming. Though he was so far from using any art to help his beauty that his employment exposed it to the sun and wind, yet nature kept its own, and, by the sweetness of his aspect, gave manifest indications of an amiable temper and disposition of mind. Perhaps his modest blush, when he was brought before Samuel, and received by him with surprising respect, made him look much the handsomer.
4.The anointing of him. The Lord told Samuel in his ear (as he had done, Sa1 9:15) that this was he whom he must anoint, Sa1 16:12. Samuel objects not the meanness of his education, his youth, or the little respect he had in his own family, but, in obedience to the divine command, took his horn of oil and anointed him (Sa1 16:13), signifying thereby,
(1.)A divine designation to the government, after the death of Saul, of which hereby he gave him a full assurance. Not that he was at present invested with the royal power, but it was entailed upon him, to come to him in due time.
(2.)A divine communication of gifts and graces, to fit him for the government, and make him a type of him who was to be the Messiah, the anointed One, who received the Spirit, not by measure, but without measure. He is said to be anointed in the midst of his brethren, who yet, possibly, did not understand it as a designation to the government, and therefore did not envy David (as Joseph's brethren did him), because they saw no further marks of dignity put upon him, no, not so much as a coat of divers colours. But bishop Patrick reads it, He anointed him from the midst of his brethren, that is, he singled him out from the rest, and privately anointed him, but with a charge to keep his own counsel, and not to let his own brethren know it, as by what we find (Sa1 17:28), it should seem, Eliab did not. It is computed that David now was about twenty years old; if so, his troubles by Saul lasted ten years, for he was thirty years old when Saul died. Dr. Lightfoot reckons that he was about twenty-five, and that his troubles lasted but five years.
5.The happy effects of this anointing: The Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward, Sa1 16:13. The anointing of him was not an empty ceremony, but a divine power went along with that instituted sign, and he found himself inwardly advanced in wisdom, and courage, and concern for the public, with all the qualifications of a prince, though not at all advanced in his outward circumstances. This would abundantly satisfy him that his election was of God. The best evidence of our being predestinated to the kingdom of glory is our being sealed with the Spirit of promise, and our experience of a work of grace in our own hearts. Some think that his courage, by which he slew the lion and the bear, and his extraordinary skill in music, were the effects and evidences of the Spirit's coming upon him. However, this made him the sweet psalmist of Israel, Sa2 23:1. Samuel, having done this, went to Ramah in safety, and we never read of him again but once (Sa1 19:18), till we read of his death; now he retired to die in peace, since his eyes had seen the salvation, even the sceptre brought into the tribe of Judah.
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Summary
1 Samuel 16:12 marks the climactic moment of David's introduction to Samuel, vividly describing his physical appearance before God's immediate and unequivocal command to anoint him as the divinely chosen king of Israel. This pivotal verse powerfully underscores God's sovereign selection, demonstrating that while human perception might focus on outward attributes, divine choice is rooted in a deeper, unseen reality of the heart, culminating in the formal consecration of the humble shepherd boy as the future monarch.
Context
Literary Context
This pivotal verse is situated within a crucial transitional narrative in Israel's history, immediately following the divine rejection of King Saul due to his persistent disobedience, particularly regarding the Amalekites in 1 Samuel 15. God instructs Samuel to go to Bethlehem to anoint a new king from the sons of Jesse. The preceding verses in 1 Samuel 16 meticulously detail Samuel's inspection of Jesse's seven elder sons, each seemingly more kingly by human standards. Yet, for each, the Lord declares, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). This profound theological tension sets the stage, making David's eventual selection, despite his youth and seemingly lesser status, a powerful demonstration of God's unconventional wisdom. Verse 12 thus serves as the dramatic resolution to this divine search, culminating in the identification of the true king.
Historical & Cultural Context
The period described in 1 Samuel is the tumultuous transition from a tribal confederacy led by judges to a centralized monarchy. The people had previously demanded a king "like all the nations" (1 Samuel 8:5), leading to Saul's anointing. However, Saul's reign proved problematic, highlighting the dangers of a king chosen by human preference rather than divine obedience. The anointing of kings in ancient Israel, often performed by prophets like Samuel, was a sacred ritual signifying divine appointment and the impartation of the Spirit of the Lord, setting the individual apart for a unique and weighty role. Bethlehem, a relatively small and unassuming town, would later gain immense significance as the birthplace of both David and, centuries later, the Messiah (Micah 5:2). The description of David as a shepherd is also culturally significant, as shepherds were often seen as humble, yet responsible, courageous, and intimately familiar with their flock – a fitting background for a future king who would "shepherd" God's people.
Key Themes
The central theme unequivocally highlighted in this passage is Divine Sovereignty and Unconventional Choice. God's rejection of Saul and His deliberate selection of David powerfully illustrates that His criteria for leadership transcend human expectations and superficial appearances. This truth is explicitly stated in 1 Samuel 16:7 and profoundly demonstrated in David's anointing. Another crucial theme is the Significance of Anointing, which marks the transfer of divine authority and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit for the divinely appointed task. David's anointing here initiates the Davidic dynasty, which would become the foundational covenant for messianic hope. The verse also subtly touches on the theme of Appearance vs. Heart, as David is described as physically attractive, yet his true qualification, as emphasized elsewhere in the narrative, lies in his character and the state of his heart before God, a stark contrast to Saul's initial selection based on his imposing stature (1 Samuel 9:2).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H132) describes a reddish complexion, often associated with health, youth, and vigor. Derived from the root for "red," it can imply a fair or light skin tone, perhaps suggesting a contrast to the more sun-darkened appearance of those who worked outdoors. In a cultural context, it might have been seen as a desirable trait, indicating vitality. Its use here, immediately after the Lord's declaration in 1 Samuel 16:7 about not looking at outward appearance, creates a subtle narrative nuance, acknowledging David's physical attractiveness without it being the basis for God's choice.
This word (H3303) means "beautiful" in the literal or figurative sense. When combined with "countenance" (implied by the KJV "beautiful countenance"), it refers to a pleasing or attractive physical form, particularly in the face. This reinforces the idea that David possessed a striking physical presence, a quality often associated with kings in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The inclusion of this detail, while not the reason for his selection, highlights that God's chosen one was not physically unappealing, but rather possessed qualities that human eyes might also appreciate, yet God's choice went deeper.
A primitive root (H4886) meaning "to rub with oil," and by implication, "to consecrate" or "to paint." In the biblical context, anointing with oil was a sacred act signifying divine appointment, setting someone apart for a special office or task, such as a priest, prophet, or king. It also symbolized the impartation of the Holy Spirit for empowerment. Here, it is the definitive act of consecration, marking David as God's chosen king, distinct from a mere human designation.
Verse Breakdown
"And he sent, and brought him in."
This opening clause signifies Samuel's immediate and obedient response to God's instruction to fetch David, who was out tending the sheep. It marks the culmination of the divine search, as all of Jesse's older, more conventionally impressive sons had been presented and rejected. The simple, direct language emphasizes the swiftness and certainty of the divine command and its execution, bringing the overlooked youngest son into the divine spotlight.
"Now he [was] ruddy, [and] withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to."
This descriptive phrase offers a vivid physical portrait of David. "Ruddy" (אדמוני, ʼadmônîy') suggests a healthy, youthful, reddish complexion. "Beautiful countenance" (יפה מראה, _yâpheh mareh'_) indicates a handsome face, and "goodly to look to" (טוב רואי, ṭôwb_ _rŏʼîy') reinforces the overall pleasing and attractive appearance. This description is notable because it immediately follows God's declaration in 1 Samuel 16:7 that He does not look on outward appearance. The text includes this detail not as the reason for David's selection, but perhaps to show that David was not physically lacking, even if his true qualification lay elsewhere. It also provides a subtle contrast to Saul's imposing stature, suggesting that God's choice was not based on similar human criteria.
"And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this [is] he."
This is the divine confirmation, the definitive and unmistakable word from God. The command "Arise, anoint him" is direct, urgent, and leaves no room for doubt or further deliberation on Samuel's part. The phrase "for this [is] he" (כי זה הוא, kî zeh hûʼ) is a powerful declaration of divine identification, unequivocally confirming David as the long-awaited chosen one. This divine pronouncement overrides all human expectations and previous rejections, solidifying David's unique status as God's anointed king.
Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices to deepen its theological impact. Irony is prominently featured, especially when considering David's physical description in light of 1 Samuel 16:7, where God explicitly states He does not look at outward appearance. David is, in fact, described as physically attractive, creating a subtle tension that highlights God's ability to choose whom He wills, regardless of human criteria, while still acknowledging the chosen one's human qualities. Foreshadowing is also powerfully present, as David's anointing here sets the stage for his future kingship, the establishment of the Davidic dynasty, and ultimately, the lineage of the Messiah. The immediate divine command and identification ("this is he") serve as a powerful Divine Command or Divine Fiat, emphasizing God's absolute authority and direct involvement in human affairs. The narrative also uses Contrast, juxtaposing David's humble origins and youth with the grandeur of the kingly office, and contrasting God's choice with human expectations, particularly in light of Saul's initial selection based on his imposing stature.
Theological and Thematic Connections
1 Samuel 16:12 is a foundational text for understanding God's sovereign choice and the nature of true leadership in His kingdom. It profoundly illustrates that God's ways are not man's ways, and His assessment of individuals transcends superficial qualities. The anointing of David, a humble shepherd boy, over his more outwardly impressive brothers, underscores a recurring biblical theme: God often chooses the weak, the overlooked, or the unexpected to accomplish His mighty purposes, thereby ensuring that the glory redounds to Him alone. This divine preference for the heart over outward appearance challenges human tendencies to judge based on status, wealth, or physical attributes, calling believers to cultivate inner character that aligns with God's values. David's anointing also inaugurates the Davidic covenant, establishing a lineage through which the ultimate King, the Messiah, would come.
Reflection and Application
The narrative of David's anointing in 1 Samuel 16:12 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It is a powerful reminder that God's perspective on worth and potential is radically different from the world's. We are often tempted to value outward appearance, impressive resumes, or social status, but this verse, in conjunction with the broader chapter, redirects our gaze to the heart. It encourages us to cultivate inner qualities such as humility, faithfulness, courage, and a deep devotion to God, knowing that these are the true measures of character in His eyes. Furthermore, it challenges us to recognize and affirm God's hand in the lives of those who may seem unconventional or overlooked by human standards. Just as David was found tending sheep, God often calls individuals from unexpected places to fulfill His divine purposes. This should inspire us to embrace our own callings, no matter how humble or seemingly insignificant they may appear, and to trust in God's perfect wisdom when His choices defy our expectations, for His ways are always higher than ours.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does the text describe David's appearance if God doesn't look at outward appearance?
The description of David's appearance in 1 Samuel 16:12 serves a narrative purpose beyond simply stating the reason for God's choice. While 1 Samuel 16:7 explicitly states that God looks at the heart and not outward appearance, David's physical attractiveness is noted to show that he was not physically unappealing, even if his looks were not the basis for his divine selection. It might also create a subtle contrast with Saul, who was chosen partly for his imposing stature (1 Samuel 9:2). The text acknowledges David's human qualities, but ultimately emphasizes that God's choice was sovereign and based on a deeper, spiritual assessment, not superficial beauty.
What is the significance of "ruddy" in David's description?
The Hebrew word for "ruddy" (אדמוני, ʼadmônîy') suggests a healthy, reddish, or fair complexion, often associated with youth and vitality. It is the same word used to describe Esau (Genesis 25:25). In David's context, it paints a picture of a vibrant, youthful individual, perhaps a contrast to the older, more weathered appearance of his brothers who had been working in the fields. It contributes to the overall image of a physically attractive young man, which, again, is noted by the narrator even as the divine choice transcends such factors.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
1 Samuel 16:12, with its account of David's divine selection and anointing, powerfully foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ. David, the humble shepherd boy chosen from obscurity, serves as a profound type of Christ, the ultimate Shepherd-King. Just as David was chosen not for his outward appearance but for his heart, so too did Jesus come in humble form, without the external grandeur that many expected of the Messiah (Isaiah 53:2). His anointing by the Holy Spirit at His baptism (Matthew 3:16-17) marked Him as God's chosen King, the true "Son of David" who would establish an eternal kingdom. The definitive declaration "this is he" for David finds its ultimate echo in God's pronouncements concerning Jesus: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). Jesus, like David, was a shepherd, but one who laid down His life for His sheep (John 10:11), and His kingship, though initially rejected by many, is now universally acknowledged by those who believe, culminating in His future reign as the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16).