Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
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 16:11

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 16:12

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:6-13

Human and Divine judgments contrasted. The facts are— 1 . Samuel, being impressed with the appearance of Eliab, concludes that he is the coming king. 2 . An intimation is given that Eliab is not the man, and the reason assigned for the imperfect judgment of Samuel is, that man looks on the outward appearance, but God on the heart. 3 . It being found that the other sons were not chosen of God, inquiry is made concerning the absent one. 4 . On the youngest being brought,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:11-12

Are here all thy children? The word literally is lads, na'arim. The elder sons must have been nearly or quite grown up, but David was probably a mere boy, and as such had not been thought worthy of an invitation, but had been left with the servants keeping the sheep. The prophet now orders him to be summoned, and marks his value in God's sight by saying, We will not sit down till he come hither. The verb literally means, we will not surround, i.e. the table, though at this time the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:12-13

The coming king. The facts are— 1 . The personal appearance of David is pleasing. 2 . Samuel is instructed to anoint him as the chosen of God. 3 . Subsequent to the anointing the Spirit of God rests on David. 4 . Samuel, having performed this important duty, retires to Ramah. Samuel, like many a servant of God in public affairs, carried in his heart a great secret. He sought the coming king, but not a word was said to indicate to the family of Jesse the specific object of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:12-13

The chosen one. The Lord is never without resource. If Saul fail, the God of Israel has another and a better man in training for the post which Saul discredited. This new personage now appears on the page of history, and he will occupy many pages. It is David, the hero, the musician, the poet, the warrior, the ruler, a many-sided man, a star of the first magnitude. 1 . Not chosen according to the thoughts of men. Samuel, who at first hesitated to go to Bethlehem on so dangerous an... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 16:11

We will not sit down ... - . literally, we will not turn round to sit at the table. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 16:11

1 Samuel 16:11. Behold, he keepeth sheep And consequently is the most unfit of all my sons for that high employment. Either, therefore, he did not understand David’s wisdom and valour, or he judged him unfit, by reason of his mean education. And God so ordered it by his providence, that the choice of David might plainly appear to be God’s work, and not Samuel’s or Jesse’s. David signifies beloved; a fit name for so eminent a type of God’s beloved Son. It is supposed David was now about... read more

Group of Brands