1 Samuel 16:9
Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּֽעֲבֵ֥ר
to pass by
H5674
וַיַּֽעֲבֵ֥ר
to pass by
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
1 of 9
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
שַׁמָּ֑ה
made Shammah
H8048
שַׁמָּ֑ה
made Shammah
Strong's:
H8048
Word #:
3 of 9
shammah, the name of an edomite and four israelites
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
בָּזֶ֖ה
H2088
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Shammah would later distinguish himself defending a field of lentils against Philistine raiders. The brothers' presence at the selection ceremony suggests Jesse had gathered his family for what he understood as a significant religious occasion, though the full purpose remained concealed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's rejection of qualified candidates challenge our understanding of merit-based selection?
- What genuine strengths might you possess that are still insufficient for God's particular calling?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.
Shammah (meaning 'astonishment' or 'desolation') was the third son presented. His later appearance among David's mighty men (2 Samuel 23:11-12) shows he possessed genuine valor, yet valor alone did not qualify him for kingship. The systematic rejection of each son built dramatic tension while teaching that God's choice cannot be predicted or manipulated through human qualifications.