1 Samuel 16:6
And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD'S anointed is before him.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֣י
H1961
וַיְהִ֣י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְּבוֹאָ֔ם
And it came to pass when they were come
H935
בְּבוֹאָ֔ם
And it came to pass when they were come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
2 of 10
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וַיַּ֖רְא
that he looked
H7200
וַיַּ֖רְא
that he looked
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
3 of 10
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אַ֛ךְ
H389
נֶ֥גֶד
H5048
נֶ֥גֶד
Strong's:
H5048
Word #:
8 of 10
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
Historical Context
Firstborn sons held special status in ancient Israelite society, receiving the double portion of inheritance and family leadership responsibilities. Eliab's impressive appearance followed the pattern of Saul, who 'from his shoulders and upward was higher than any of the people' (1 Samuel 9:2). Physical stature was prized as a sign of warrior capability.
Questions for Reflection
- What human criteria do you unconsciously use to evaluate spiritual leadership potential?
- How has God surprised you by choosing leaders who didn't match expected qualifications?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD'S anointed is before him.
Samuel's immediate assumption that Eliab was God's chosen reveals how deeply ingrained human criteria for leadership had become - even in a prophet. The Hebrew suggests Samuel was struck by Eliab's stature and appearance, much as Israel had been impressed by Saul's height. This moment of prophetic presumption becomes the occasion for one of Scripture's most important theological declarations about divine versus human evaluation.