1 samuel 16:9 - Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. He said, “Yahweh has not chosen this one, either.”

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 16:9

What does "1 samuel 16:9" mean?


This verse is part of the story of Samuel anointing a new king of Israel to replace Saul. God has rejected Saul because of his disobedience. Samuel is sent to Jesse, a man from Bethlehem, whose sons God will choose one to be king.

Here's what the verse means:

"Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by." Jesse brings forward his son Shammah and presents him to Samuel. The phrase "to pass by" implies that Shammah is presented before Samuel for inspection and consideration.

"He said, “Yahweh has not chosen this one, either.”" Samuel, guided by God, declares that Shammah is not the one God has chosen to be king. Samuel isn't choosing based on his own judgment, but rather on divine inspiration or revelation. He's receiving information directly from God that this is not the man.

In the broader context of the story:

Samuel is relying on divine guidance rather than outward appearance or earthly qualities when determining who God wants to be king.
The fact that Jesse presents multiple sons, and Samuel rejects them one by one, emphasizes that God's choice is unexpected and unique.
This verse highlights the theme that God sees beyond the surface and values qualities that are not always apparent to human judgment. The emphasis is not so much on what's outwardly impressive, but what's in the heart.

Ultimately, neither Eliab, Abinadab, Shammah, nor any of Jesse's other sons were chosen. The story concludes with David, Jesse's youngest son, being called in from tending the sheep and being anointed by Samuel as the future king of Israel.

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