Day 3 – 1 Samuel 16:7
1 Samuel 16:1-6 Summary
Verse one details the LORD rebuking Samuel for mourning Saul's rejection as king and commanding him to fill his horn with oil and go to Jesse the Bethlehemite to anoint one of his sons as the new king.
In verse two, Samuel's fear that Saul might kill him if he learns of the mission, with the LORD instructing him to take a heifer and claim he has come to sacrifice to the LORD.
In verse three the LORD commands Samuel to invite Jesse to the sacrifice, where He will reveal whom to anoint.
Verse four details Samuel's obedience in going to Bethlehem, where the elders tremble and ask if he comes peaceably.
In verse five, Samuel is assuring the elders of his peaceful intent to sacrifice to the LORD, instructing them to sanctify themselves and join him, while he sanctifies Jesse and his sons.
Verse six details Samuel assuming Eliab is the LORD's anointed upon seeing him.
Scripture Review
Today's study we begin in 1 Samuel 16:7: But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
In this verse, “countenance” refers to Eliab’s outward appearance—what Samuel could see at a glance.
“Stature” refers to the height and size of his body.
In verse six, Samuel was standing in front of the sons of Jesse and one particular son stood out. Eliab, the oldest son, had the look of a king according to Samuel. The Bible says, "he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD'S anointed is before him." The LORD told Samuel not to look at his appearance or the size of his body. This was not a recommendation; it was how Samuel saw Eliab. Maybe he reminded him of King Saul, his looks and his frame.
There are so many thoughts running through my head and we haven't even got to the heart yet.
Problem one, I struggle with this all the time. I think to myself, Lord, You did it this way last time, so I know You will do it this way again. It kind of reminds me of when Moses struck the rock for water. The first time God told him what to do and the second time he did his own thinking. (of course he chose to disobey God) I know what God is looking for!
Problem two, Our society trains us to look at the appearance of people. There is a reason cosmetics is a multi-billion dollar business. Not only that, movies or shows portray what the perfect person/soldier/cop/superhero/doctor/model is supposed to look like. High school is when I realized not every tall person is good at basketball. What you see is what you get!
Both statements highlighted are wrong. I pray my decisions are no longer influenced by my preferences. I pray God will allow me to see the heart of people and look past the appearance.
Note: I will look at the heart in this verse tomorrow.