1 Samuel 16:6 - Meaning and Application

If Jesse’s sons were told that God would choose a king from among them, they likely made sure they looked their best. Each one may have hoped he would be the one. But the older sons, who seemed most likely to get the honor, were passed over.

Eliab, Jesse’s oldest son, was brought before Samuel first, probably with no one present but Jesse. Samuel thought, surely this must be the Lord’s anointed king (1 Samuel 16:6). Even prophets, when they spoke by God’s direction, could still make mistakes, as Nathan did later (2 Samuel 7:3). But God corrected Samuel’s wrong guess with a quiet message to his mind: Do not look at his outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7).

It is surprising that Samuel, after being so badly disappointed in Saul, would still judge by looks and stature. When God wanted to please the people, he chose a handsome king. But when he wanted a man after his own heart, he would not be chosen by appearance. People judge by what they see, but God does not. The Lord looks at the heart, meaning he knows what is inside and judges by that.

We can tell how a person looks, but God sees what a person truly is. We notice the eyes, the face, the body, and the outward manner. God looks into the heart and sees the thoughts and intentions there. So the real beauty is inward. A good heart, holy and right before God, is what matters most, not outward grace or strong stature.

After Eliab was passed by, Abinadab and Shammah, and then four more of Jesse’s sons, were brought before Samuel. Seven sons in all seemed likely to be chosen. But Samuel, carefully following God’s direction, rejected them all. The Lord has not chosen these (1 Samuel 16:8, 1 Samuel 16:10). People usually pass on honors and inheritance to the oldest sons, but God does not follow that rule. Had Jesse or Samuel made the choice, one of these older sons would surely have been picked. But God wanted to show his power by passing over those who seemed promising and choosing one who seemed less likely.

At last David was chosen. He was the youngest son of Jesse, and his name means beloved, fitting for one who was a picture of God’s beloved Son. David was out in the fields keeping the sheep (1 Samuel 16:11), even though a sacrifice and feast were happening at his father’s house. Younger sons are often the favorites in a family, but David seems to have been least noticed by Jesse’s household. They either did not see his gifts or did not value them rightly. Many great abilities remain hidden in lowly places, while God often lifts up those whom people ignore.

The Son of David was himself despised by men, like the stone the builders rejected, and yet he has a name above every name. David was taken from tending sheep to care for Jacob’s people (Psalm 78:71), just as Moses had once kept the flock of Jethro. Both examples show humility and steady work, and God delights to honor such things. God saw that a shepherd’s life, with its quiet and open time for reflection and fellowship with heaven, was a fitting preparation for kingship, at least for the gifts and graces needed to rule well. David was still with the sheep, even though there was sacrifice at home, because mercy comes before sacrifice.

Samuel was so eager to see David that he said they would not sit down to eat until David came. Perhaps it was not the feast connected with the sacrifice, but an ordinary meal. If all the others were rejected, then this one must be the chosen man. The one who had not been expected at the table was now being waited for as the main guest. If God chooses to lift up the lowly, no one can stop him.

When David came, his clothing is not described. It was likely plain and rough, as shepherds’ clothing usually was. He had not changed his clothes like Joseph later did (Genesis 41:14). But he had an honest and pleasing look, not proud like Saul’s, but gentle and attractive. He was ruddy, with a beautiful face and a good appearance (1 Samuel 16:12). He likely had a healthy complexion, bright eyes, and a lovely face. Even though the sun and wind had touched him in the field, his natural beauty remained, and it seemed to show a kind and agreeable spirit. His modest blush, when he was brought before Samuel and treated with such respect, may have made him look even more attractive.

Then the Lord quietly told Samuel that this was the one he must anoint, as he had done before (1 Samuel 9:15). Samuel did not object because David was young, poor, or lightly regarded in his own family. He obeyed God and took his horn of oil and anointed him (1 Samuel 16:13). This showed two things. First, it marked David out as God’s chosen king after Saul, though he did not receive royal power right away. The right to the throne was given to him, and it would come in time. Second, it showed that God gave him gifts and grace for the work ahead, making him a picture of the Messiah, the anointed one, who would receive the Spirit without measure.

David was anointed in the middle of his brothers. They may not have understood this as a sign that he would be king, so they may not have envied him the way Joseph’s brothers envied him. They saw no outward mark of royal honor, not even a special coat. Another understanding is that Samuel anointed David out from among his brothers, in private, and told him to keep it secret. If so, even David’s own brothers may not have known, as Eliab later showed when he spoke to him (1 Samuel 17:28). David was likely about twenty years old at this time. If so, Saul’s troubles with him lasted about ten years, since David was thirty when Saul died. Some reckon David was about twenty-five, which would make the troubles last about five years.

From that day on, the Spirit of the Lord came upon David (1 Samuel 16:13).

David’s anointing was not just a formal act. God’s power went with that appointed sign, and David found himself inwardly strengthened in wisdom, courage, and care for the people. He received the qualities needed for a ruler, even though his outward life had not yet changed at all. That would give him strong assurance that God had chosen him.

The best proof that we have been chosen for the kingdom of glory is that we are sealed with the Spirit of promise and see grace at work in our own hearts. Some think that David’s courage, shown when he killed the lion and the bear, and his special skill in music, were both effects and signs of the Spirit coming on him. In any case, this made him the sweet psalmist of Israel (2 Samuel 23:1).

After Samuel did this, he went safely back to Ramah. We read of him only once more before his death, when Saul came to him at Naioth in Ramah (1 Samuel 19:18). Then Samuel could retire and die in peace, since his eyes had seen God’s saving work, even the rule given to the tribe of Judah.