1 Samuel 16 Devotional

Chosen from the Sheepfold

“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.””1 Samuel 16:7 (BSB)

The LORD tells Samuel to stop mourning for Saul and go to Bethlehem, because he has chosen a king for himself among Jesse's sons (16:1). Samuel sees the oldest, Eliab, and is sure he is the one. But the LORD tells him to disregard appearance and height. His sight goes past the surface to what is inside a person (16:7). Seven sons pass by, and none is chosen. Jesse had not even brought the youngest in from the sheep (16:10-11).

David is anointed with his brothers looking on, and the Spirit of the LORD rushes on him from that day on (16:13). At the same time the Spirit departs from Saul. The tall king is now tormented, finding relief only in the music of the shepherd boy God has chosen (16:14, 16:23). God's choice is not based on what impresses us. Paul says he still chooses the lowly and despised things of the world (1 Corinthians 1:27-28). Whatever others see in you, he knows you more truly than anyone.

To think about: How does knowing that God sees the heart free you from living for what others see?