1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Application: 

As soon as he looked at Jesse’s sons, Samuel began sizing them up. He may have recalled that when Saul was identified as king of Israel he “stood a head taller than anyone else” (10:23). It certainly seems Samuel had physical characteristics in mind when he just looked at Jesse’s firstborn Eliab and said, “Certainly the Lord’s anointed one is here” (16:6). But, as Samuel would find out, God’s selection wasn’t based on physical appearance or stature. People tend to see what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart (16:7).*

Psalm 16:8–12 Jesse presented seven of his sons to Samuel. Each time, the Lord said in effect, “Pass that one up” (16:8–10). But, when the youngest son, who was out tending the sheep, was finally brought before Samuel, the Lord said, “Anoint him, for he is the one” (16:11–12). The purpose of David’s selection and anointing is clear to us because we know the whole story. But importantly, the text doesn’t tell us whether Samuel revealed to Jesse and his sons exactly what he was doing to David that day. They knew that David was being anointed in some ritual way, but they may not have known why.*

We, too, may choose to exclude individuals from our church community due to their attire or outward characteristics, such as tattoos or piercings. However, we may overlook their inner struggles, unaware that they may be grappling with emotional pain and seeking solace in the divine. Instead of judgment, let us extend our arms of welcome and embrace them, drawing inspiration from Jesus’s compassionate act of sitting with sinners (Matthew 9:10-17) to draw them towards Him and offer them salvation.

*Reference: Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 306–307.

To God be the glory!

Our Lord Jesus Christ created everything! By Him, For Him!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Disclaimer

When God inspires me, I write blogs. Consider this writing as a Bible study. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, search the Scriptures to determine whether what I write is so. Always consult with your church ministers about biblical matters. I am also not a professional writer, so some grammar or spelling errors may be present. I try my best to write as efficiently as possible. Your brother in Christ, Ricardo

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My book, “Battle Strategy: God’s Plan Amid Chaos.” It’s packed with helpful insights into Bible study and understanding. You can get a free digital version on my website. Fifty percent of the proceeds from this book go to helping children. The book covers the main biblical points and salvation, so you’ll find something valuable. 

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