1 Samuel 16:6-7
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It’s easy to see Samuel’s mistake here, but notice he’s looking at Eliab's appearance and stature – the outward qualities that impress people. The real point is that God immediately corrects this by saying He looks on the heart, highlighting how easily we, like Samuel, can be fooled by what we see on the surface.
When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD’s anointed is before him.” But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Samuel has been sent by God to Bethlehem to anoint a new king from Jesse’s sons, as Saul’s reign has been rejected. He’s understandably nervous, expecting a sign of God’s choice to be obvious, and when he sees the impressive Eliab, he’s convinced this must be the one. This initial assumption, however, sets the stage for God to reveal that His ways and His chosen are not always what humans expect.
Eliab was tall, handsome, and impressive. He looked like a king. But God’s perspective is different.
The Human Gaze
When Samuel arrived to anoint the next king of Israel, his eyes immediately landed on Eliab. The Bible tells us Eliab was imposing – he was tall and had a striking presence. Samuel's first thought was, 'This must be him! Surely the Lord's chosen is standing right here.' This is such a human reaction, isn't it?
We tend to size people up based on what we see. We look at outward appearance, status, confidence, or strength. Eliab had all the 'right' qualities on the surface. He looked the part of royalty. It’s easy to see why Samuel, and likely anyone else, would be fooled.
God's Unseen Standard
But we know, don't we, that this wasn't the end of the story. Samuel's initial assessment was incorrect. This verse is a powerful reminder that God doesn't see as we see. Our benchmarks for leadership, worth, and 'anointed' status are often superficial. God looks deeper.
Eliab looked like the perfect king, but God was looking for something else entirely. What truly matters to Him?
Beyond Physical Traits
The immediate follow-up to Samuel’s misjudgment is crucial. God directly tells Samuel, 'I do not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart' (1 Samuel 16:7).
This is the core of the matter. Eliab had the outward appearance, but David, who would eventually be chosen, had a heart that was after God's own. This doesn't mean David was perfect – far from it! But his heart's orientation, his loyalty, his repentance, and his desire to please God were what God valued.
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A King's True Quality
What does it mean for God to look at the 'heart'? It speaks to our deepest motivations, our core values, our desires, and our relationship with Him. It's about where our ultimate allegiance lies. For a king, this meant ruling with justice, integrity, and faithfulness to God's covenant, even when no one else was looking.
This principle extends beyond kingship. It’s about the qualities God seeks in all His people – a devoted heart that trusts Him, seeks His will, and loves Him above all else.
Understand the original words
mashiyach · Hebrew Noun
A title denoting one set apart, sanctified, and consecrated for a specific divine office or purpose, particularly kings, priests, or prophets. It signifies that the individual belongs to God and is empowered by His Spirit for the task.
mar'eh · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the physical form, visage, or external presentation of a person. In Scripture, it is often contrasted with internal character or spiritual reality.
lebab · Hebrew Noun
The core of human personality, encompassing the mind, will, emotions, and moral character. It is the seat of decision-making and the true locus of a person's relationship with God, often invisible to others but fully known by Him.
ma'as · Hebrew Verb
In a covenant context, this refers to the act of God setting aside or refusing to select an individual for a specific role or blessing. It indicates that the person does not meet God's purpose or has failed to align with His requirements for that office.
This moment highlights the crucial difference between human perception of strength and godliness, and God's own discerning choice, which often looks beyond outward appearances.
c. 1070 BC
Saul Anointed King
Prophet Samuel reluctantly anoints Saul, the first king of Israel, according to the people's demand. This marks a significant shift from the era of judges.
c. 1050 BC
Saul's Disobedience
Saul disobeys the LORD's direct commands, particularly regarding the Amalekites. This act leads to God's rejection of his ongoing kingship.
c. 1050 BC
God Rejects Saul as King
The LORD tells Samuel that He has rejected Saul as king over Israel because Saul has turned back from following Him and has not performed His commands.
c. 1050 BC
Samuel Sent to Bethlehem
God instructs Samuel to go to Bethlehem and anoint a new king from the house of Jesse. He is told to offer a sacrifice and invite Jesse and his sons.
c. 1050 BC— this verse
Eliab Presented to Samuel
Samuel sees Jesse's eldest son, Eliab, a tall and impressive man, and immediately assumes he is the LORD's chosen. Eliab is presented before Samuel and the LORD.
c. 1050 BC
David Anointed King
After Eliab and other sons are passed over, David, the youngest, is sent for and anointed by Samuel, unbeknownst to Saul. He is described as handsome and a brave shepherd.
This passage immediately follows, highlighting the contrast between human perception (Eliab looking impressive) and God's perspective (looking at the heart).
1 Samuel 17:28Eliab's reaction to David after he volunteers to fight Goliath shows a similar misjudgment, demonstrating a pattern of looking at outward appearances.
Proverbs 16:2This proverb directly contrasts human judgment with God's scrutiny, reinforcing the idea that our evaluations are not the final word.
1 Corinthians 2:14This New Testament passage echoes the theme by explaining that natural or unspiritual people cannot discern spiritual realities, much like Eliab couldn't see God's choice.
It’s easy to see Samuel’s mistake here, but notice he’s looking at Eliab's appearance and stature – the outward qualities that impress people. The real point is that God immediately corrects this by saying He looks on the heart, highlighting how easily we, like Samuel, can be fooled by what we see on the surface.
Samuel has been sent by God to Bethlehem to anoint a new king from Jesse’s sons, as Saul’s reign has been rejected. He’s understandably nervous, expecting a sign of God’s choice to be obvious, and when he sees the impressive Eliab, he’s convinced this must be the one. This initial assumption, however, sets the stage for God to reveal that His ways and His chosen are not always what humans expect.
Samuel has been sent by God to Bethlehem to anoint a new king from Jesse’s sons, as Saul’s reign has been rejected. He’s understandably nervous, expecting a sign of God’s choice to be obvious, and when he sees the impressive Eliab, he’s convinced this must be the one. This initial assumption, however, sets the stage for God to reveal that His ways and His chosen are not always what humans expect.
"When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD’s anointed is before him.” But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as…" — It’s easy to see Samuel’s mistake here, but notice he’s looking at Eliab's appearance and stature – the outward qualities that impress people. The real point is that God immediately corrects th…
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Last reviewed October 2026
