1 Samuel 16:10
Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּֽעֲבֵ֥ר
to pass
H5674
וַיַּֽעֲבֵ֥ר
to pass
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
1 of 14
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
made seven
H7651
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
made seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
3 of 14
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
בָּנָ֖יו
of his sons
H1121
בָּנָ֖יו
of his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
5 of 14
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בָחַ֥ר
hath not chosen
H977
בָחַ֥ר
hath not chosen
Strong's:
H977
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
Historical Context
Seven sons represented an ideally complete family in Israelite culture (Ruth 4:15; Job 1:2). Jesse's wealth of sons marked him as blessed, yet this abundance could not produce what only God could provide. The scene recalls other biblical moments when God's choice defied expectations: Jacob over Esau, Joseph over his brothers.
Questions for Reflection
- When have apparent dead ends in seeking God's will led to unexpected discoveries?
- How does exhausting human options prepare us to recognize divine intervention?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these.
The presentation of seven sons without divine approval created a theological crisis - had Samuel misunderstood God's direction? The Hebrew emphasizes completeness: seven sons, the number of perfection, yet none chosen. This apparent failure of the mission forced the question that would reveal God's unconventional choice. Divine plans often seem to fail before their surprising fulfillment.