Lesson 81: 1 Samuel 16:7
Lesson 81: 1 Samuel 16:7
1 Samuel 16:7
The Blueprint — The Verse
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
Memorization Practice
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The Context — The History
Samuel anointed kings in an era when Israel demanded a monarchy like surrounding nations. Jesse's family gathered for sacrifice in Bethlehem while Saul's failed kingship left the nation searching for new leadership.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
God sent Samuel to anoint one of Jesse's sons. Eliab impressed by stature, but God rejected him. The LORD teaches Samuel that royal choice depends on inner character, not outward impressiveness.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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1 Samuel 16:6
When they had come, he looked at Eliab, and said, “Surely Yahweh’s anointed is before him.”
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately before this lesson (1 Samuel 16:6) to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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1 Samuel 16:8
Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Yahweh has not chosen this one, either.”
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (1 Samuel 16:8) to continue the passage.
Discussion
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How do you evaluate people differently from God?
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Why does the heart matter more than appearance?
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What does God see in you that others might miss?
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