1 Samuel 16:8
Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקְרָ֤א
called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֤א
called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
1 of 13
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
וַיַּֽעֲבִרֵ֖הוּ
and made him pass
H5674
וַיַּֽעֲבִרֵ֖הוּ
and made him pass
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
5 of 13
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
6 of 13
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
בָּזֶ֖ה
H2088
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Jesse's sons appear in different numbers across biblical texts - eight here, but seven in 1 Chronicles 2:13-16. Some scholars suggest one son may have died young or been a stepson. The sons likely ranged in age from late teens to thirties, all of military age and potential leadership material by human standards.
Questions for Reflection
- How do repeated 'no' answers from God prepare us for the right 'yes'?
- What family credentials or background have you relied upon that God may be setting aside?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.
The parade of sons before Samuel mirrors ancient processes of selection and elimination. Abinadab, whose name means 'my father is noble/generous,' represented family honor and lineage. Yet noble ancestry could not substitute for divine election. The repeated rejection of externally qualified candidates emphasized that God's choice would transcend human logic and social expectations.