1 Samuel 16:6 Meaning and Explanation
“And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD’s anointed is before him.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Seeing Jesse's impressive eldest son Eliab, Samuel assumes he must be the LORD's chosen king.
What Does 1 Samuel 16:6 Mean?
As the sons come forward, Samuel's eyes fall on Eliab, the firstborn. Tall and striking, he looks every inch a king, and Samuel is sure: 'Surely the LORD's anointed is before him.' The prophet judges by what is plainly seen.
Even a man of God can be swayed by appearances. Eliab carries the marks the world prizes -- height, bearing, the dignity of the eldest -- and Samuel reads them as God's choice. The verse sets up a gentle correction about to come, reminding us that our surest assumptions still need to be tested against the LORD's word. What looks like the obvious answer is not always God's answer.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 16:6
What does 1 Samuel 16:6 mean?
Seeing Jesse's impressive eldest son Eliab, Samuel assumes he must be the LORD's chosen king.