Key Verse Spotlight
1 Samuel 16:8 — Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing—and how to apply it today
King James Version
" Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this. "
1 Samuel 16:8
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD'S anointed is before him.
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.
Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.
Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.
Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these.
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From This Chapter
1 Samuel 16:1
"And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons."
1 Samuel 16:2
"And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD."
1 Samuel 16:3
"And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee."
1 Samuel 16:4
"And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?"
1 Samuel 16:5
"And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice."
1 Samuel 16:6
"And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD'S anointed is before him."
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