What does 1 Samuel 16:10 mean?
"Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these." - 1 Samuel 16:10

The Bible verse 1 Samuel 16:10 from the King James Version (KJV) states, "Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these." This verse comes from the Old Testament and is part of the story of the anointing of David as the future king of Israel.
In the context of this verse, the prophet Samuel has been instructed by God to go to the house of Jesse in Bethlehem to anoint the next king of Israel. When Samuel arrives, he asks Jesse to present his sons, as one of them is to be chosen by God as the new king. Jesse presents his seven eldest sons to Samuel, but God does not choose any of them. This verse marks the moment when Samuel realizes that God's chosen king is not among the sons presented to him, and there must be another son that Jesse has not brought before him.
The story of the anointing of David as king is significant in biblical and historical context. It illustrates the importance of obedience to God's will and the fact that God's choices often go against human expectations. It also shows how God looks at the heart, rather than outward appearances, when choosing his servants. In this case, God sees something in David that He does not see in his older brothers, despite their impressive appearances.
One of the major themes of 1 Samuel 16:10 is the notion of chosenness and divine selection. The verse illustrates God's direct involvement in the affairs of human history, specifically in the selection of leaders. It also reinforces the idea that God's ways are not always understood or accepted by humans, and that His choices may seem unexpected or contrary to human wisdom. This theme of God's sovereignty and mysterious ways is a recurring motif in the Bible, and it challenges believers to trust in God's plan even when it goes against their own expectations.
Another significant theme in this verse is the concept of the underdog or the unexpected hero. David, the youngest son of Jesse, is eventually revealed to be God's chosen king despite initially being overlooked by his own father and Samuel. This theme is powerful and resonant, as it demonstrates that God often chooses those who are least expected to fulfill His purposes. It is a reminder that no one is insignificant in God's eyes, and His plans can elevate those who are considered unimportant by human standards.
The symbolism in this verse is deeply rooted in the idea of divine insight and discernment. While Jesse and Samuel initially judge David based on outward appearances and assumptions about birth order, God sees something different. This contrasts human judgment with divine knowledge and perception. The application of this symbolism to our own lives is clear: we should not judge others or ourselves based solely on outward appearances, but should recognize that God's perspective is deeper and more perceptive.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 16:10 from the King James Version of the Bible is a rich and multi-layered verse that carries significant themes, context, and symbolism. Its message of chosenness, divine insight, and the unexpected hero is timeless and relevant in the lives of believers. It challenges us to trust in God's plan, to recognize the value of every individual, and to look beyond outward appearances in our interactions with others. The verse ultimately points to the sovereignty and wisdom of God, and the ways in which His plan unfolds in unexpected and remarkable ways.
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1 Samuel 16:10 - "Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these."
"Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these." - 1 Samuel 16:10
1 Samuel 10:16 - "And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not."
1 Samuel 10:1 Samuel anoniting Saul
1 Samuel 16:1–13
1 Samuel 3:16 - "Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I."
1 Samuel 15:10 - "¶ Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying,"
1 Samuel 10:17 - "¶ And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh;"
1 Samuel 3:10 - "And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth."
1 Samuel 3:1-10
1 Samuel 8:10 - "¶ And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king."
1 Samuel 16:8 - "Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this."
1 Samuel 10:20 - "And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken."
1 Samuel 1:10 - "And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore."
"And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not." - 1 Samuel 10:16
1 Samuel 21:10-15
1 Samuel 28:16 - "Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?"
1 Samuel 10:15 - "And Saul's uncle said, Tell me, I pray thee, what Samuel said unto you."
Psalm 10:16-18
2 Samuel 10:16 - "And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the river: and they came to Helam; and Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them."
1 Samuel 16:4 - "And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Beth-lehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?"
1 Samuel 10:1 - "Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?"
1 Samuel 16:13 - "Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah."
Mark 10:13–16
1 Samuel 10:25 - "Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house."
1 Samuel 15:16 - "Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on."
1 Samuel 17:16 - "And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days."
1 Samuel 6:16 - "And when the five lords of the Philistines had seen it, they returned to Ekron the same day."
"¶ Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying," - 1 Samuel 15:10
1 Samuel 16:14 - "¶ But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him."