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    1 Samuel 16 (KJV)

    Read 1 Samuel chapter 16 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    1 Samuel 16

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    1 Samuel 16:7

    "But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, …"

    Popular Verses in 1 Samuel 16

    Most searched verses from this chapter, with KJV text and context.

    1 Samuel 16:7 KJV

    Old Testament Foundations

    1 Samuel 16:7 KJV

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    Commentary

    1 Samuel 16:7 Commentary

    In-depth study • God's Character

    1 Samuel 16 Summary

    First Samuel 16 records the anointing of David — the shepherd boy who would become Israel's greatest king. God sends Samuel to Jesse's house in Bethlehem, instructing him to anoint one of Jesse's sons. When the impressive eldest son Eliab stands before him, Samuel assumes he's the one, but God corrects him with a foundational principle of divine selection.

    Seven sons pass before Samuel, and none is chosen. Finally, the youngest — David, tending sheep — is brought in. 'Arise, anoint him: for this is he.' Samuel anoints David, and 'the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward.' Meanwhile, the Spirit departs from Saul, and David enters Saul's service as a harpist, unwittingly positioned for his future role.

    Key Themes

    God Looks at the HeartGod's Unexpected ChoicesAnointingPreparation in Obscurity

    Key Verses in 1 Samuel 16

    "The LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."

    — 1 Samuel 16:7

    The Bible's definitive statement on God's criteria for choosing leaders — character over charisma.

    "Arise, anoint him: for this is he."

    — 1 Samuel 16:12

    God's choice falls on the overlooked youngest son — confirming that He delights in surprising selections.

    "And the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward."

    — 1 Samuel 16:13

    The Spirit's empowerment marks the true beginning of David's calling — anointing precedes reigning.

    Life Application

    God looks at your heart, not your résumé. David was overlooked by his own family yet chosen by God. If you feel unseen and undervalued, take heart: God may be preparing you in the sheep fields for a throne you can't yet imagine. Faithfulness in obscurity qualifies you for visibility.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why did God reject Saul and choose David?

    Saul repeatedly disobeyed God's specific commands (1 Samuel 13, 15). God sought 'a man after his own heart' (1 Samuel 13:14). David wasn't perfect, but his heart was oriented toward God — he repented when confronted, and his deepest desire was to please God.

    How old was David when anointed?

    The text doesn't give David's exact age, but he was young enough to still be tending sheep and not invited to the sacrifice. Estimates place him between 10 and 15 years old. He would reign as king roughly 15 years later, after a long period of preparation and persecution.

    Read the full summary of 1 Samuel

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