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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:6-13

If the sons of Jesse were told that God would provide himself a king among them (as he had said, 1 Sam. 16:1), we may well suppose they all made the best appearance they could, and each hoped he should be the man; but here we are told, I. How all the elder sons, who stood fairest for the preferment, were passed by. 1. Eliab, the eldest, was privately presented first to Samuel, probably none being present but Jesse only, and Samuel thought he must needs be the man: Surely this is the Lord's... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:7

But the Lord said to Samuel ,.... By a secret impulse upon his mind, as if he had spoken with an articulate voice to him: look not on his countenance ; which was comely and majestic: or on the height of his stature ; which was like that of Saul's; and because the Lord had chosen him, who was superior to the people in this respect, Samuel thought he meant to have such an one now anointed king: because I have refused him ; or it is not my pleasure that he should be king; though Ben... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:8

Then Jesse called Abinadab ,.... His second son, 1 Samuel 17:13 . and made him pass before Samuel : that he might take a full view of him: and he said, neither hath the Lord chosen this ; which he knew by a private suggestion from him. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:9

Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by ,.... His third son, 1 Samuel 17:13 , sometimes called Shimma, and Shimeah, 1 Chronicles 2:13 . and he said, neither hath the Lord chosen this ; which he knew in the same way as before. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:10

Again Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel ,.... Not seven more, for he had but eight sons in all with David, 1 Samuel 17:12 but four more, which with the other three made seven; three of these four are mentioned by name, Nathanael, Raddai, and Ozem, 1 Chronicles 2:14 , but the fourth we nowhere read of; perhaps he died quickly after this, was an obscure person, and of no fame and note, or might be by another woman: and Samuel said unto Jesse, the Lord hath not chosen these... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:11

And Samuel said unto Jesse, are here all thy children ?.... For neither of these being the person God would have anointed king, and yet it was one of Jesse's sons that was to be anointed, he concluded he must have more, at least one more, and therefore puts this question to him: and he said, there remaineth yet the youngest ; or, "the little one" F3 תקטן "parvulus", V. L. ; not of a little diminutive stature, for he was a mighty man, a man of strength, courage, and valour, 1... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:12

And he sent and brought him in ,.... Sent messengers into the field and to the flock for him, and being come home Jesse introduced him into the room where Samuel was: now he was ruddy ; which some understand not of the ruddiness of his complexion, or of his cheeks, but of the redness of his hair; the former seems best: and withal of a beautiful countenance ; of comely features: or "beautiful eyes" F5 עם יפה עינים "simul pulcher oculis", Montanus; "cum pulchritudine... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 16:7

Man looketh on the outward appearance - And it is well he should, and confine his looks to that; for when he pretends to sound the heart, he usurps the prerogative of God. In what way were these communications made from God to Samuel? It must have been by direct inspirations into his heart. But what a state of holy familiarity does this argue between God and the prophet! I believe Moses himself was not more highly favored than Samuel. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 16:10

Seven of his sons - This certainly was not done publicly; Samuel, Jesse, and his children, must have been in a private apartment, previously to the public feast on the sacrifice; for Samuel says, 1 Samuel 16:11 , We will not sit down till he (David) come. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 16:12

He was ruddy - I believe the word here means red-haired, he had golden locks. Hair of this kind is ever associated with a delicate skin and florid complexion. read more

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