1 Samuel 16:8

KJV

Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Jesse {H3448} called {H7121} Abinadab {H41}, and made him pass {H5674} before {H6440} Samuel {H8050}. And he said {H559}, Neither hath the LORD {H3068} chosen {H977} this.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Yishai called Avinadav and presented him to Sh'mu'el; but he said, "ADONAI hasn't chosen this one either."

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesse called Abinadab and presented him to Samuel, who said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.”

American Standard Version

Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath Jehovah chosen this.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 16:8 continues the divine selection process for Israel's next king, following God's rejection of Saul. After Samuel initially misjudged Eliab based on his impressive stature, Jesse presents his second son, Abinadab, before the prophet. This verse records God's unequivocal declaration, communicated through Samuel, that Abinadab, like his elder brother, is also not the one chosen for the throne. It reinforces the profound truth that God's criteria for leadership diverge sharply from human perception, focusing on the unseen qualities of the heart rather than outward appearance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded in the pivotal narrative of Israel's transition from the monarchy of Saul to that of David. Immediately preceding it, [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection") details Saul's definitive rejection by God due to his disobedience, particularly concerning the Amalekites. Samuel, grieving over Saul, is then commanded by God in [1 Samuel 16:1](/1_samuel/16-1 "1 Samuel 16:1 - Samuel Sent to Bethlehem") to go to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse's sons as the new king. The crucial principle governing this selection is laid out in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart"), where God explicitly states, "for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." This principle is immediately demonstrated in [1 Samuel 16:6](/1_samuel/16-6 "1 Samuel 16:6 - Eliab Presented to Samuel"), when Samuel, upon seeing Eliab, Jesse's eldest, assumes he is the Lord's anointed, only to be corrected by God. The presentation and rejection of Abinadab in [1 Samuel 16:8](/1_samuel/16-8 "1 Samuel 16:8 - Abinadab Rejected") thus serves as a direct, repeated application of this divine principle, sequentially eliminating candidates who might appear suitable by human standards.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, kingship was a relatively new institution, having been established in response to the people's demand for a king "like all the nations" ([1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel Demands a King")). The ideal king, from a human perspective, would often be someone of imposing stature, strength, and perhaps military prowess, as exemplified by Saul himself, who was "a choice and handsome man, and there was not a more handsome person than he among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people" ([1 Samuel 9:2](/1_samuel/9-2 "1 Samuel 9:2 - Description of Saul")). The process of anointing involved a prophet, acting as God's representative, pouring oil on the chosen individual, signifying divine appointment and the impartation of the Spirit. Jesse, as the head of his household, would naturally present his sons in a hierarchical manner, typically eldest first, reflecting the cultural importance of primogeniture. The rejection of Abinadab, the second son, further underscores God's active subversion of conventional human and cultural expectations regarding leadership.

* **Key Themes:** The repeated rejections in this passage powerfully reinforce the theme of **Divine Selection vs. Human Perception**. God's choice for leadership is shown to be entirely independent of human standards of appearance, strength, or birth order, directly contrasting with the world's criteria. This highlights God's **Sovereignty in Leadership**, demonstrating His absolute authority to appoint leaders according to His unique wisdom and purpose, irrespective of human qualifications or preferences. The narrative also subtly introduces the theme of **God's Unconventional Choice**, preparing the reader for the eventual selection of David, the youngest and least expected son, who is tending sheep ([1 Samuel 16:11](/1_samuel/16-11 "1 Samuel 16:11 - David Summoned")). This narrative arc emphasizes that God often works through the humble and overlooked, challenging the prevailing societal norms and expectations of power and influence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **chosen (Hebrew, _bāḥar'_):** This verb signifies a deliberate, selective act of choosing or electing. It implies a careful discernment and a definitive decision, often with a specific purpose in mind. In the context of 1 Samuel 16, its repeated use ("Neither hath the LORD chosen this") emphasizes that God's rejection is not an oversight or a temporary deferral, but a final, divine pronouncement. It underscores God's sovereign prerogative to select His leaders based on His own unique criteria, which are often hidden from human sight, as revealed in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart").
* **pass before (Hebrew, _ʿābar'_):** While seemingly simple, the verb "pass before" implies a formal presentation, an inspection, or a review. Jesse "made him pass before Samuel," indicating a deliberate act of parading his son for evaluation. This highlights the human effort to present a suitable candidate according to their best judgment, setting the stage for God's counter-declaration. It's a visual and active demonstration of human initiative being met with divine discernment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel."**: This clause describes Jesse's continued effort to present his sons to Samuel for divine inspection. After Eliab's rejection, Jesse moves to his second son, Abinadab, following the natural order of presentation. The act of "making him pass before Samuel" suggests a formal presentation, where Abinadab would have stood before the prophet, allowing Samuel to observe his physical attributes and perhaps his demeanor, much as he had done with Eliab. This action underscores Jesse's obedience to Samuel's request and his earnest desire to present a suitable candidate, even if his human judgment was still limited.
* **"And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this."**: This is the divine pronouncement, delivered through Samuel, directly rejecting Abinadab. The phrase "Neither hath the LORD chosen this" (literally, "YHWH has not chosen this one either") is concise and definitive. The Hebrew particle "gam-zeh" ("this one either" or "also this one") explicitly links Abinadab's rejection to Eliab's, reinforcing the consistent divine standard that is at play. It reiterates that God's selection process is not based on the outward appearances or human expectations that Jesse and Samuel initially considered. This declaration serves to narrow the field of candidates and further builds anticipation for God's true choice, while simultaneously educating Samuel (and the reader) about God's unique perspective.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Repetition** is evident in the successive rejections of Jesse's sons, emphasizing God's consistent standard and Samuel's repeated learning curve. This creates a rhythmic pattern that highlights the theme of human fallibility in discerning divine will. There is a strong **Contrast** between human perception and divine judgment, a theme explicitly stated in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart") and vividly illustrated here. Samuel, representing human discernment, continues to look at external qualities, while God consistently looks at the heart. This sets up an **Irony** where the seemingly most qualified sons are rejected, foreshadowing the eventual selection of the least expected, David. The narrative also uses **Foreshadowing**, as the repeated rejections build suspense and prepare the reader for the surprising revelation of God's true choice, a choice that will defy all conventional expectations and introduce a new type of leader for Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The rejection of Abinadab, following that of Eliab, profoundly underscores the theological truth that God's selection criteria for leadership, especially within His covenant people, are fundamentally different from human standards. While humanity often values outward appearance, strength, charisma, or social standing, God consistently looks beyond the superficial to the inner character, the heart's disposition, and the individual's readiness to be shaped by His Spirit. This passage teaches that true divine appointment is not earned by human merit or outward impressiveness, but is a sovereign act of God based on His perfect knowledge and unique purposes. It challenges believers to cultivate a heart posture that is humble, obedient, and receptive to God's will, recognizing that God's wisdom far surpasses our own in discerning who is truly fit for His service and glory.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The repeated rejections of Jesse's sons serve as a powerful spiritual lesson for us today. In a world that often prioritizes external qualifications, social media presence, or superficial charm, this narrative calls us to recalibrate our own discernment, both of ourselves and of others. It challenges us to look beyond the surface, to value character and integrity over outward show, and to recognize that God's anointing often falls on the humble and the unexpected. This should lead us to greater humility, knowing that our human judgments are often flawed, and to a deeper trust in God's sovereign wisdom. It encourages us to cultivate a heart that is truly devoted to God, for it is there that He looks for those He will use for His purposes. Furthermore, it reminds us that God's timing and methods are perfect, even when they seem slow or counter-intuitive to our expectations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to judge by outward appearance rather than by the heart, as God does?**
* **How does the repeated rejection of Jesse's sons challenge my assumptions about who God uses for His purposes?**
* **What specific qualities of heart, rather than outward characteristics, do I believe God values most in leadership today?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that is more aligned with God's perspective, as described in this passage?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesse continue to present his sons if Samuel had already been corrected about Eliab?**

Answer: Jesse was likely unaware of the specific divine instruction Samuel received regarding Eliab's rejection and the principle of God looking at the heart ([1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")). Samuel, as the prophet, was the one receiving the divine revelation. From Jesse's perspective, he was simply presenting his sons in order, hoping that one of them would be the chosen king. It was a natural, patriarchal response to Samuel's request. The repeated presentations and rejections served not only to eliminate candidates but also to teach Samuel, and by extension, the reader, the profound lesson that God's ways and thoughts are higher than human ways and thoughts ([Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher")). Each rejection further emphasized that God's choice would be truly unique and unexpected, not based on human logic or conventional standards.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of God's selection of an unlikely king in 1 Samuel 16:8 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God rejected outwardly impressive candidates in favor of David, a humble shepherd, so too did God choose to send His Son not in the form of an earthly king with imposing stature or military might, but as a humble servant, born in a manger in Bethlehem ([Luke 2:7](/luke/2-7 "Luke 2:7 - Jesus Born in a Manger")). Jesus did not possess the physical grandeur or political influence that human beings often associate with kingship ([Isaiah 53:2](/isaiah/53-2 "Isaiah 53:2 - No Beauty That We Should Desire Him")). He was "despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Jesus, a Man of Sorrows")). Yet, it was precisely through His humility, His willingness to empty Himself ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ Emptied Himself")), and His obedience to the Father, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Obedient to Death")), that God exalted Him to the highest place, giving Him the name that is above every name ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - God Exalts Christ")). The rejection of Abinadab, based on God looking at the heart rather than outward appearance, perfectly foreshadows the divine wisdom in choosing Christ, whose true kingship is spiritual and eternal, established not by human acclamation but by divine decree and sacrificial love ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom is Not of This World")). He is the true King chosen by God, whose reign is over hearts and lives, not just earthly kingdoms.

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 Samuel 17:13

And the three eldest sons of Jesse went [and] followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle [were] Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.

1 Chronicles 2:13

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