1 samuel 16:11 - Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your children here?” He said, “There remains yet the youngest. Behold, he is keeping the sheep.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down until he comes here.”

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 16:11

What does "1 samuel 16:11" mean?


This verse from 1 Samuel 16:11 is a pivotal moment in the story of how David was chosen to be the next King of Israel. Here's a breakdown of what it means:

Samuel's Mission: Samuel is on a mission from God to anoint a new king from among the sons of Jesse of Bethlehem. God has rejected Saul as king.

The Inspection: Samuel has already met and rejected Jesse's first seven sons, each of whom seemed to fit the profile of a king (tall, strong, handsome). However, God told Samuel that He looks at the heart, not outward appearance.

"Are all your children here?" This question highlights Samuel's feeling that none of the sons he has seen so far is the one God has chosen. It's almost a last-ditch effort. He feels that God's choice must be among Jesse's sons, and he has a strong sense that the right one is missing.

"There remains yet the youngest. Behold, he is keeping the sheep." Jesse's response reveals two important things:
He admits to having another son, David.
He dismisses David as unimportant. He's "the youngest," likely meaning the least experienced and least regarded. Also, he's merely "keeping the sheep," a humble and somewhat demeaning task in that society. Jesse clearly doesn't think of David as having any royal potential.

"Send and get him, for we will not sit down until he comes here." This is Samuel's insistence. He is acting on a divine hunch or instruction. He refuses to proceed with the meal (or the ritual of anointing) until David is present. This shows the importance of David. The fact that he won't even sit to eat until David is there emphasizes the urgency and divine purpose behind the request. It shows that Samuel recognizes God's hand in this situation and is obedient to His guidance.

In summary, this verse highlights:

God's unexpected choices: God often chooses those who are overlooked or considered insignificant by human standards.
The importance of humility: David's role as a shepherd, considered lowly, doesn't disqualify him.
Divine guidance: Samuel is acting on God's instructions, even when they seem unconventional.
The beginning of David's rise to power: This verse marks the turning point in David's life, from a humble shepherd boy to the future king of Israel.

This verse is not just about finding a missing son; it's about God revealing His will in an unexpected way, highlighting the contrast between human perception and divine selection. It foreshadows David's remarkable story and the theme of God choosing the "foolish things of the world to shame the wise." (1 Corinthians 1:27)

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