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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.
Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
They have gone beyond the limits of impropriety. They have invented mirrors to reflect all this artificial beautification of theirs, as if it were nobility of character or self-improvement. They should, rather, conceal such deception with a veil. It did the handsome Narcissus no good to gaze on his own image, as the Greek myth tells us. If Moses forbade his people to fashion any image to take the place of God, is it right for these women to study their reflected images for no other reason that to distort the natural features of their faces?In much the same way, when Samuel the prophet was sent to anoint one of the sons of Jesse as king, and when he brought out his chrism as soon as he saw the oldest son, admiring his handsomeness and height, Scripture tells us, “The Lord said to him: ‘Look not on his countenance, nor on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For man sees those things that appear, but the Lord beholds the heart.’ ” He finally anointed not the one who was fair in body but the one who was fair of soul. If the Lord places more importance on beauty of soul than on that of the body, what must he think of artificial beautification when he abhors so thoroughly every sort of lie? “We walk by faith, not by sight.”
You are human, and so you know other people only from the outside. You think as you see, and you see only what your eyes let you see. But “the eyes of the Lord are lofty.” “Man looks on the outward appearance, God looks on the heart.” So “the Lord knows them that are his” and roots up the plant which he has not planted. He shows the last to be first, he carries a fan in his hand to purge his floor. Let the chaff of light faith fly away as it pleases before every wind of temptation. So much the purer is the heap of wheat which the Lord will gather into his garner.
Do not say, “I do not mind a mere priest, if he is a celibate, and a religious [person], and of angelic life; for it would be a sad thing for me to be defiled even in the moment of my cleansing.” Do not ask for credentials of the preacher or the baptizer. For another is his judge and the examiner of what you can’t see. For humans look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.
He goes to Bethlehem and considers every son of Jesse to be the very person that the Lord was looking for.… He makes the same mistake in each case, and he is reproved in each case, giving evidence of the weakness of the human mind.
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Summary
1 Samuel 16:7 stands as a foundational declaration of divine perspective, contrasting God's method of evaluating individuals with that of humanity. As Samuel, impressed by outward appearances, prepares to anoint Jesse's eldest son, the Lord intervenes to reveal that His choice is not based on physical stature or countenance, which are superficial, but on the profound, unseen qualities of the heart. This pivotal moment underscores God's sovereignty, wisdom, and unique insight into true character, setting the stage for the anointing of David, a man after God's own heart, despite his humble external presentation.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is the dramatic climax of Samuel's mission to anoint a new king for Israel, following God's definitive rejection of King Saul due to his disobedience (see 1 Samuel 15). Samuel has been sent to Bethlehem to the house of Jesse, under the guise of offering a sacrifice, to identify and anoint one of Jesse's sons. The narrative builds tension as each of Jesse's seven elder sons passes before Samuel, each seemingly impressive in appearance, yet each is rejected by the Lord. Samuel's initial judgment, based on Eliab's imposing stature, mirrors the people's earlier preference for Saul, who was "a head taller than any of the people" (1 Samuel 9:2). This verse directly corrects Samuel's human error, providing the divine criteria for kingship and setting the stage for the unexpected selection of David, the youngest and most overlooked son, who is introduced immediately after this declaration in 1 Samuel 16:11-13.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, physical appearance, particularly height and strength, often signified leadership, prowess, and divine favor. Kings and warriors were frequently depicted as imposing figures, embodying the strength and dignity of their people. Saul, as Israel's first king, fit this mold perfectly, chosen in part because of his impressive stature, which resonated with the people's desire for a king "like all the nations" (1 Samuel 8:5). However, this human-centric approach to leadership selection proved flawed, as Saul's heart proved disobedient despite his outward kingly qualities. The setting in Bethlehem, a relatively small and unassuming town, further emphasizes the contrast between human expectations and divine choice, as the future king emerges from an unlikely place, much like the later Messiah would.
Key Themes
The most prominent theme in 1 Samuel 16:7 is the stark contrast between divine and human perception. While humans are prone to superficial judgments based on "outward appearance," God penetrates to the core of a person, discerning the "heart." This introduces the critical theme of the importance of inner character and spiritual condition over external qualifications. It underscores God's sovereignty in selection, demonstrating that His choices are not swayed by human standards or popular opinion but are rooted in His perfect knowledge and wisdom. This divine principle challenges the worldly values that often prioritize physical attributes or social status, redirecting focus to the unseen qualities of integrity, humility, and genuine devotion that truly matter to God. This theme is foundational to understanding God's relationship with humanity throughout Scripture, emphasizing that true worth is found in one's relationship with Him and the condition of one's inner being.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term refers to the visible appearance, sight, or vision. In this context, it specifically denotes the facial features or overall outward look of a person. Samuel was observing Eliab's face, perhaps his noble bearing or impressive features, which conveyed an immediate sense of authority or suitability for kingship. The Lord's instruction to "look not on his countenance" directly challenges Samuel's reliance on superficial visual cues, which are often misleading.
This word signifies height, elevation, or erectness. It speaks to the physical dimension and imposing presence of an individual. Saul's impressive height was a key factor in his initial appeal to the people of Israel (1 Samuel 9:2). Samuel, perhaps subconsciously seeking a similar physical attribute in the next king, was drawn to Eliab's height. God's rejection of this criterion underscores that physical grandeur or imposing presence is irrelevant to divine selection for leadership.
Far more than just the seat of emotions, lêbâb in biblical Hebrew encompasses the totality of the inner person: intellect, will, conscience, moral character, intentions, and motivations. When God "looks on the heart," He is not merely assessing feelings but penetrating the deepest core of one's being, discerning true character, spiritual disposition, and the genuine alignment of one's will with His. This is the ultimate criterion for divine favor and leadership, reflecting a person's authentic relationship with God.
Verse Breakdown
"But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature;"
This opening clause presents a direct divine command and correction to Samuel. Samuel, having observed Eliab, was clearly impressed by his physical appearance, likely assuming that such an imposing figure would be God's choice for king. The Lord immediately intervenes, preventing Samuel from making a judgment based on external, superficial qualities, which are often misleading and do not reflect true suitability for divine service.
"because I have refused him:"
This concise statement provides the divine reason for Eliab's rejection. It's not merely that Eliab isn't chosen, but that God has actively "refused" him. This underscores God's sovereignty and His prior, perfect knowledge of Eliab's inner character, which did not align with His divine purpose for the king of Israel. The refusal is absolute and based on criteria Samuel cannot see, highlighting God's pre-emptive and perfect judgment.
"for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth;"
This is the core theological principle of the verse, a profound declaration of the fundamental difference between divine and human perception. Human sight is limited to the external and tangible, whereas God's sight transcends these limitations, perceiving the unseen and spiritual realities. The bracketed "the LORD seeth" in the KJV clarifies the subject of the verb, which is implied in the Hebrew, emphasizing God's unique and superior mode of perception.
"for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."
This final clause explicitly defines the contrasting criteria. "Outward appearance" (Hebrew: marʼeh_ _ʻayin - "sight of the eye") refers to everything visible and superficial—physical beauty, stature, clothing, social status, or public persona. In stark contrast, God "looks on the heart" (lêbâb), meaning He perceives the true inner self, the motivations, intentions, character, and spiritual condition. This establishes the profound truth that God's evaluation is always based on internal reality, not external show, revealing His concern for authenticity and inner truth.
Literary Devices
The verse is rich in Antithesis, presenting a direct and powerful contrast between two opposing viewpoints: human perception versus divine perception. This is highlighted by the parallel structure "man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart," which clearly delineates the differing criteria and underscores the profound difference in their evaluative standards. There is also a strong element of Irony in Samuel's initial judgment, as he, a seasoned prophet of God, falls into the same human trap of valuing external qualities that led to Saul's selection, only to be corrected by God Himself. The Lord's statement functions as a Didactic Maxim, a concise and authoritative statement of truth intended to teach a profound spiritual lesson, not just to Samuel but to all who read it, emphasizing the enduring principle of God's heart-focused evaluation. The repetition of "look" (or "seeth") in various forms throughout the verse further emphasizes the act of perception and its critical importance in discerning true character.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse is a cornerstone of biblical theology, articulating God's profound insight into human character and His unwavering commitment to judging by internal truth rather than external show. It establishes a divine principle that permeates Scripture: God values the unseen, the spiritual, and the genuine disposition of the soul above all superficial attributes. This contrasts sharply with human tendencies to evaluate based on wealth, power, beauty, or social standing, reminding us that true worth, in God's eyes, is found in the heart's posture towards Him. This principle is not only about leadership selection but about God's very nature and how He relates to all humanity, consistently seeking sincerity and truth in the inner being. It reassures us that God's choices are just and perfect, based on His complete knowledge of the heart.
Reflection and Application
1 Samuel 16:7 serves as a perpetual challenge to our human inclination to judge by appearances and a profound comfort to those who feel overlooked by worldly standards. In a society often obsessed with image, status, and external validation, this verse calls us to a radical reorientation of values. It compels us to look beyond the surface in our interactions with others, recognizing that true character and potential reside within. This means actively seeking to understand people's motivations, their struggles, and their inner spirit, rather than forming opinions based solely on what is visible. It also urges us to cultivate our inner lives—our integrity, humility, compassion, and faithfulness—knowing that these are the qualities God truly values. For those who may feel inadequate, unseen, or burdened by societal pressures to conform to external ideals, this verse offers immense reassurance: God sees beyond our flaws, our perceived weaknesses, and our external circumstances, knowing our true heart and potential. His gaze penetrates to the core of who we are, offering acceptance and purpose based on the authenticity of our inner being. This truth frees us from the burden of outward performance and invites us into a deeper, more genuine relationship with our Creator, fostering true spiritual growth and peace.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "the LORD looketh on the heart" truly mean in a practical sense?
In a practical sense, "the LORD looketh on the heart" means that God's evaluation of a person goes far beyond their external presentation, achievements, or social status. It signifies that He discerns our true motivations, our inner character, our genuine intentions, and the spiritual condition of our being. This means that acts of service, worship, or obedience are not judged merely by their outward performance but by the heart from which they spring. For example, a grand act done for show is less valuable to God than a small act of genuine love and humility. It implies that God is concerned with our integrity, our hidden thoughts, our true desires, and our faithfulness in private, not just our public persona. This principle encourages authenticity and sincerity in our walk with God, knowing that He sees and values the unseen aspects of our lives, as highlighted in passages like Matthew 6:1-6, where Jesus teaches about seeking God's approval in secret rather than human praise.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
1 Samuel 16:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. While humanity, including Samuel, sought a king based on outward grandeur and impressive stature, God's ultimate King, Jesus, came not with the "countenance" or "stature" of an earthly monarch, but in humble form, born in a manger and growing up in an unassuming town (Matthew 2:1-7 and John 1:46). He was "despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain; like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem" (Isaiah 53:3). Yet, it was precisely through this outwardly unimpressive appearance that God's perfect heart was revealed—a heart of sacrificial love, humble service, and unwavering obedience to the Father. Jesus perfectly embodied the principle of the heart's importance, consistently exposing the hypocrisy of those focused on external religiosity while neglecting inner righteousness (Matthew 23:27-28). He called His followers to a righteousness that comes from within, from a transformed heart (Matthew 5:20). Ultimately, through His death and resurrection, Jesus offers a new heart to all who believe, enabling them to live according to God's ways, fulfilling the promise of a transformed inner being (Ezekiel 36:26). Thus, the King chosen by God, not for His outward appearance but for His perfect heart, is the one who transforms the hearts of His people, enabling them to truly reflect His character.