1 Samuel 16:9

KJV

Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Jesse {H3448} made Shammah {H8048} to pass by {H5674}. And he said {H559}, Neither hath the LORD {H3068} chosen {H977} this.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yishai presented Shammah; again Sh'mu'el said, "ADONAI hasn't chosen this one either."

Berean Standard Bible

Next Jesse presented Shammah, but Samuel said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.”

American Standard Version

Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath Jehovah chosen this.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 16:9 marks another pivotal moment in God's sovereign selection of a new king for Israel, following the rejection of Saul. In this verse, Jesse presents his third son, Shammah, to the prophet Samuel, but like his older brothers, Eliab and Abinadab, Shammah is also divinely rejected. This repeated dismissal underscores God's unique criteria for leadership, which prioritizes the heart over outward appearance, building anticipation for the eventual revelation of His true, unconventional choice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the dramatic narrative of [1 Samuel 16](/1_samuel/16 "1 Samuel 16 - Samuel Anoints David"). The chapter opens with God sending Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint a new king from the house of Jesse, directly after God's definitive rejection of King Saul due to his disobedience ([1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection")). Samuel, initially fearful of Saul's reaction, is reassured by God and proceeds to Jesse's house. As Jesse presents his sons, Samuel's human judgment is initially swayed by the imposing stature of Eliab, the eldest. However, God immediately corrects Samuel with the profound declaration that "[man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks on the Heart")". The subsequent presentation and rejection of Abinadab and now Shammah (1 Samuel 16:9) serve to reinforce this divine principle, systematically eliminating all the sons who might appear suitable by human standards, thus heightening the suspense and preparing the reader for God's truly unexpected choice.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Bethlehem, a relatively small town in Judah, which would later become known as the birthplace of David and, significantly, Jesus. In ancient Israelite culture, primogeniture (the right of the firstborn son to inherit) was a deeply ingrained societal norm, and physical stature was often associated with leadership and strength, particularly in a warrior society. Saul, Israel's first king, had been chosen partly for his impressive height and appearance ([1 Samuel 9:2](/1_samuel/9-2 "1 Samuel 9:2 - Saul's Stature")). Therefore, Samuel's initial assumption about Eliab was culturally conditioned. God's deliberate rejection of the older, seemingly more impressive sons directly challenges these deeply held cultural expectations, demonstrating that His kingdom operates on a different set of values. This subversion of norms highlights God's transcendence over human wisdom and societal conventions, setting the stage for a king chosen not by human might but by divine grace.

* **Key Themes:** The repeated rejection of Jesse's sons, including Shammah, powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **God's Sovereign Choice**, asserting His absolute authority in selecting leaders, independent of human merit or expectation. His choice is not based on what *looks* good to man, but what *is* good in His sight, fulfilling His divine purposes. Secondly, it highlights the **Divine Rejection of Outward Appearance**, a foundational principle articulated in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks on the Heart"), underscoring that God values the inner character and heart condition above physical stature, social status, or human-defined qualifications. This theme contrasts sharply with the earlier selection of Saul. Finally, the methodical process of elimination builds **Anticipation for God's Unconventional Plan**, revealing His meticulous providence. Each rejection narrows the field, drawing the narrative closer to the surprising revelation of David, the youngest and most overlooked son, who embodies the very principle of God choosing the humble and unexpected.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chosen (Hebrew, _bāḥar_):** This verb (בָּחַר) is central to the narrative of 1 Samuel 16. It signifies a deliberate, active, and specific selection, election, or picking out. Its repeated use throughout the chapter (e.g., in 1 Samuel 16:8, 9, 10) underscores that the entire process is not a casual observation or human nomination, but a divine sifting and discerning. God is actively engaged in finding *His* chosen one, one who is fit for His purposes and not merely for human approval. The negation "Neither hath the LORD chosen this" powerfully communicates God's definitive and unchangeable verdict, emphasizing His sovereignty in the selection process.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by."**: This clause describes the continuation of Jesse's presentation of his sons to Samuel. Shammah is the third son, following Eliab and Abinadab. Jesse, unaware of God's specific criteria or the ultimate outcome, dutifully brings each son forward, likely hoping that one of them will be the Lord's anointed. The phrase "pass by" suggests a formal presentation, allowing Samuel to observe and, more importantly, for God to render His judgment.
* **"And he said,"**: This refers to Samuel, the prophet, who is acting as God's representative. After observing Shammah, Samuel delivers the divine verdict. This phrase highlights Samuel's role as the mouthpiece of God, faithfully relaying the Lord's decision even when it goes against human expectations or initial impressions.
* **"Neither hath the LORD chosen this."**: This is the divine pronouncement, relayed through Samuel, confirming that Shammah, like his older brothers, is not God's chosen king. The emphatic "Neither" (Hebrew: גַּם לֹא, _gam lo_ - "also not" or "neither") reinforces the consistent pattern of rejection. It reiterates the principle established in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks on the Heart") that God's choice is not based on outward appearance or human standards, building anticipation for the true, unconventional selection.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in 1 Samuel 16:9, within the broader chapter, masterfully employs several literary devices. **Repetition** is prominent, as the phrase "Neither hath the LORD chosen this" (or similar rejections) is repeated for Eliab, Abinadab, and Shammah, reinforcing the central theme that God's selection criteria differ from human ones. This systematic **Elimination** of candidates creates a strong sense of **Anticipation** and **Suspense**, building toward the eventual revelation of God's true choice. The narrative also uses **Contrast** between human judgment (Samuel's initial impression of Eliab's stature) and divine judgment (God's focus on the heart), making the theological point about God's unique perspective. Furthermore, the methodical rejection of the seemingly "obvious" choices serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting that God's ultimate selection will be surprising and unconventional, preparing the reader for the introduction of David, the overlooked youngest son.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The repeated rejection of Jesse's sons, including Shammah, profoundly underscores God's absolute sovereignty in the selection of leaders and His distinct criteria for divine favor. It is a powerful theological statement that God's choices are not swayed by human standards of appearance, strength, or social standing, but are rooted in His perfect wisdom and knowledge of the heart. This narrative establishes a crucial precedent for understanding divine election throughout scripture, emphasizing that God often works contrary to human expectation to display His power and wisdom. It teaches that true leadership in God's kingdom is not about outward impressiveness, but about a heart aligned with God's will.

* [Psalm 33:12](/psalms/33-12 "Psalm 33:12 - Blessed is the Nation Whose God is the LORD") - "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance."
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts Are Not Our Thoughts") - "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are your ways higher than my ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Foolish and Weak") - "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Shammah's rejection, alongside his brothers, serves as a timeless reminder that God's perspective fundamentally differs from our own. In a world that often values outward appearances, impressive resumes, and visible strengths, this passage calls us to recalibrate our understanding of true worth and divine favor. It challenges us to look beyond superficial qualities and to cultivate a heart that is humble, obedient, and genuinely devoted to God, for these are the qualities He truly values. For believers, this means trusting God's wisdom when His choices seem counterintuitive, recognizing that His ways are higher than ours. It encourages us to be available for God's purposes, regardless of our perceived qualifications or lack thereof, knowing that He often chooses the overlooked and the humble to accomplish His greatest works, thereby ensuring that all glory redounds to Him alone.

#### 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 own assumptions about who God chooses for leadership or service?**
* **What does it mean for me to cultivate a "heart after God's own heart" in my daily life, rather than striving for external validation?**

### FAQ
**Why did God reject Shammah and his brothers, even though they were Jesse's sons?**

Answer: God rejected Shammah and his older brothers (Eliab and Abinadab) not because they were inherently bad, but because they did not fit God's specific criteria for the king He intended to raise up. The pivotal reason is articulated in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks on the Heart"), where God tells Samuel, "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." Their rejection underscored God's sovereign choice and His focus on inner character and spiritual disposition rather than physical attributes or social standing, which were often valued in human leadership selection. This process prepared the way for David, who, though overlooked by his family, possessed the heart God sought.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The repeated rejections in 1 Samuel 16, culminating in the selection of David, profoundly foreshadow the ultimate "chosen one" in Jesus Christ. Like David, who was overlooked by his own family and deemed insignificant by human standards, Jesus came into the world without the outward pomp or political power that many expected of a king. He was born in humble circumstances in Bethlehem, the same town where David was chosen ([Luke 2:4-7](/luke/2-4-7 "Luke 2:4-7 - Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem")). While humanity often looks for impressive stature or worldly credentials, God's choice is based on a perfect heart and divine purpose. Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), was "despised and rejected by men" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - He Was Despised and Rejected")), yet He was God's uniquely chosen Son, the one in whom God was "well pleased" ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Baptism of Jesus")). His kingdom is not of this world, nor is it established by human might or outward show ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). Just as God chose David, the shepherd boy, to be king, He chose Jesus, the humble carpenter from Nazareth, to be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, demonstrating that His wisdom and power are perfected in weakness and unconventional choices ([1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Foolish and Weak")). Through Christ, God's ultimate chosen one, the principle of divine selection based on the heart and divine purpose finds its perfect and eternal fulfillment.

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,

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.