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1 Samuel 16:8 (BSB)
Then Jesse called Abinadab and presented him to Samuel, who said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.”
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“Then Jesse called Abinadab and presented him to Samuel, who said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.”” — 1 Samuel 16:8
Imagine you’re at a family gathering, and everyone is excited because someone is about to be chosen for something special. Jesse, a father, is calling his son Abinadab to stand in front of the prophet Samuel. But as Samuel looks at him, he feels a strong sense that this isn’t the right choice. There’s a mix of anticipation and disappointment in the air. You can almost feel the tension as Samuel declares that God hasn’t chosen Abinadab. It’s a moment filled with hope and uncertainty, reminding us that appearances can be deceiving, and the real selection is yet to come.
This book was written by Samuel himself, or possibly one of his followers. Samuel was a key figure in Israel’s history—both a prophet and a judge. He included this detail to show how God’s choices often defy our expectations. Samuel had to learn that he couldn’t just go by looks or status; he needed to listen to God’s guidance. His perspective was shaped by his deep relationship with God, which made this moment significant in revealing how God operates.
This story takes place in ancient Israel, a time when the tribes were trying to establish a monarchy. People were looking for a strong leader, and the pressure was high. The culture was deeply rooted in family lineage and appearances, making it easy to judge based on who looked the part. This historical context is vital because it highlights the revolutionary idea that God cares more about a person's heart than their lineage or looks. It was a time of transition for Israel, moving from judges to kings, and this choice would change everything.
Now, why does this verse resonate today? It reminds you that sometimes, the people who seem the most qualified aren’t the best fit for what you need. You might see someone who looks like they have it all together, but God might be nudging you to look deeper. This verse encourages you to trust that God sees you and your potential, even when others don’t. It’s a powerful message that challenges us to consider what truly matters in ourselves and others. You are valued for who you are inside, not how you appear on the outside.
To put this verse into action, take a moment this week to reflect on your own perceptions of people. When you meet someone new or see someone in a position of authority, ask yourself: what are my first impressions based on? Try to look beyond appearances and ask questions that reveal their character. Maybe even get to know someone you wouldn’t normally approach. This can help you practice seeing people as God sees them—focusing on their hearts and stories, not just their surface.
So, here’s the scene: Samuel, the prophet, has been sent by God to find a new king for Israel because the current king, Saul, has lost favor with God. Samuel arrives at Jesse’s house, and one by one, Jesse's sons are paraded in front of him. Abinadab is just one of the many sons being evaluated. When Samuel sees him, he thinks, 'This must be the one!' But God speaks to Samuel, saying, 'Nope, not this guy.' This moment is crucial because it shows that God looks at the heart, not the outward appearance. It sets the stage for the surprising choice of David, the least likely candidate, who is still out in the fields. This moment is pivotal because it shifts the focus from what we see to what truly matters—our character and integrity.
What are some ways you might be judging yourself or others based on appearances, and how can you shift that focus to what really matters?
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