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.
What does 1 Samuel 16:7 mean?
It was strange that Samuel, who had been so disappointed in Saul, whose countenance and stature recommended him, should judge of another man by that rule. We can tell how men look, but God can tell what they are.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside 1 Samuel 16:6-9 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said to Samuel,....
Key words
- Samuel
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But the Lord said to Samuel,.
Context in 1 Samuel 16
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1 Samuel 16 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as David’s anointing and conflict with Saul. First Samuel traces the fall of Eli’s house, the ministry of Samuel, the failure of Saul, and the painful emergence of David. Read this chapter with the wider themes of leadership, anointing, and obedience in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
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Glossary
- Samuel Person
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Heard of God. The peculiar circumstances connected with his birth are recorded in 1 Sam. 1:20 .