1 samuel 16:12 - He sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with a handsome face and good appearance. Yahweh said, “Arise! Anoint him, for this is he.”

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 16:12

What does "1 samuel 16:12" mean?


This verse from 1 Samuel 16:12 is a pivotal moment in the story of David's selection as the future king of Israel. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"He sent, and brought him in." This refers to the prophet Samuel, who was instructed by God to find a new king from among the sons of Jesse of Bethlehem. Samuel had already rejected Jesse's other sons, as none of them were the chosen one. This verse signifies that David, who was tending the sheep, was summoned from the fields.

"Now he was ruddy, with a handsome face and good appearance." This describes David's physical attributes. "Ruddy" often implies a reddish or rosy complexion, possibly from being outdoors as a shepherd. "Handsome face" and "good appearance" suggest that David was physically attractive and pleasing to look at. These descriptions are not the sole reason for God's choice, but they indicate a positive impression.

"Yahweh said, “Arise! Anoint him, for this is he.”" This is the crucial part of the verse. "Yahweh" is the Hebrew name for God. God reveals to Samuel that David is the one he has chosen. "Arise! Anoint him" is an instruction for Samuel to perform the ceremonial act of anointing David with oil. This act symbolizes God's blessing and setting David apart for a special purpose – kingship. "For this is he" confirms that David is God's chosen successor to King Saul.

In essence, this verse signifies:

Divine Choice: God chooses David, not based on the criteria humans might use (like age, military experience, or political connections), but according to His own wisdom.
Visible Sign: David's physical appearance, while not the deciding factor, indicates that he possesses qualities that are pleasing and potentially suitable for a leader.
Empowerment: The anointing signifies God's empowerment and preparation of David for his future role as king.

Significance:

This verse marks the beginning of David's journey to becoming one of the most significant figures in the Bible. It highlights the idea that God often chooses the unexpected and empowers the unlikely to fulfill His purposes. It also sets the stage for the eventual downfall of King Saul, who had disobeyed God.

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