1 Samuel 16:9: “Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, ‘Nor has the Lord chosen this one.'”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the process of presenting Jesse’s sons to Samuel continues. Shammah, Jesse’s third son, is brought before Samuel, but once again, God reveals that this is not the one He has chosen to be the next king of Israel. The scene highlights the ongoing rejection of each of Jesse’s sons, one after another, as Samuel listens closely to God’s guidance. This verse reinforces a key theme: God’s choice is not based on human expectations or physical appearance, but on something deeper. While Shammah, like his brothers, may have seemed a suitable candidate by external standards, God had someone else in mind for this important role.
Historical Context
At this point in the story, Israel is in a transitional phase. Saul, the first king of Israel, has been rejected by God due to his disobedience. Samuel, the prophet, is tasked with finding and anointing a new king, who will come from the family of Jesse in Bethlehem. Jesse presents each of his sons, starting with the eldest, but God rejects them all. This would have been surprising in a culture where the eldest sons typically held positions of prominence and responsibility. The process of elimination, with each son being passed over, underscores the idea that God’s plans often diverge from human expectations and traditions.
Theological Implications
This verse, like the ones before it, emphasizes God’s sovereignty and His unique perspective. While humans often look to outward appearances, God sees the heart. The rejection of Shammah further illustrates that God’s criteria for leadership are spiritual, not physical or societal. Theologically, this challenges the human tendency to value things like birth order, strength, or attractiveness when assessing a person’s worth or potential. God’s choices are not influenced by external factors but are based on His understanding of a person’s character and inner life. This points to the broader theme in Scripture that God often works through unexpected people to accomplish His purposes.
Literary Analysis
The literary structure of this verse continues the pattern of anticipation and rejection. Each of Jesse’s sons is presented in turn, and each is rejected by God, creating a sense of suspense. The repeated phrase, “Nor has the Lord chosen this one,” serves to heighten the reader’s curiosity about who will ultimately be chosen. This deliberate pacing builds towards the climax, where the least likely candidate, David, will be revealed as God’s choice. The verse also reflects the theme of reversal, where human expectations are overturned by divine wisdom.
Biblical Cross-References
One relevant cross-reference is 1 Samuel 2:7-8, where Hannah’s song celebrates how God lifts up the humble and brings down the proud. This reflects the idea that God often chooses those whom society overlooks. Another cross-reference is Acts 13:22, where Paul speaks of David as “a man after God’s own heart.” This underscores that God’s selection of David, rather than his older brothers, was based on his heart and not his outward appearance. The theme of God’s unconventional choices is also echoed in passages like 1 Corinthians 1:27, where God chooses “the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For modern Christians, 1 Samuel 16:9 serves as a reminder that God’s ways are not always aligned with human expectations. We often judge others—and ourselves—based on external criteria like success, appearance, or social standing. However, this verse teaches that God’s assessment goes far deeper. God values what is in a person’s heart, and His choices may surprise us. It encourages believers to trust in God’s wisdom, even when His plans don’t follow conventional logic. It also challenges Christians to focus less on outward appearances and more on cultivating a heart that seeks to honor God.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s love in the way He is deeply invested in the details of His plans for His people. His rejection of Shammah is not a reflection of Shammah’s worth or value, but rather a part of God’s larger purpose for Israel. God’s love is evident in His careful selection of a king who will lead His people according to His heart. This verse also reminds us that God’s love is not based on human standards of success or achievement, but on His intimate knowledge of who we are at the core. God looks beyond the surface and chooses those who align with His purposes, showing His personal and loving involvement in our lives.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ by pointing to the theme of God choosing unlikely individuals to carry out His greatest plans. Just as Shammah and his brothers were passed over in favor of David, who seemed the least likely candidate, Jesus was not what people expected in a Messiah. He was born in humble circumstances, lived a life of service, and did not fit the worldly image of a king. Yet, Jesus was God’s chosen one, sent to bring salvation to the world. In Isaiah 53:2-3, Jesus is described as having “no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,” yet He fulfilled God’s ultimate plan of redemption.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you tend to judge others or yourself based on outward appearances or worldly standards? How can you shift your focus to see people as God does?
- What does this verse teach you about trusting God’s choices and His plans, even when they don’t align with your own expectations?
- How does the pattern of God choosing the humble and unexpected in this passage encourage you to trust in His wisdom for your own life? How can Jesus’ example of humble leadership shape the way you view greatness?