Have you ever walked into a room, glanced at someone, and instantly decided what they’re like based on their clothes, hairstyle, or demeanor? Maybe you thought, “They look so put-together—they must have it all figured out,” or “They don’t look like my kind of person.” I’ve done it too, and each time I’m proven wrong, it’s a humbling reminder of how flawed our human lens can be. We’re wired to judge by what we see, but God calls us to something higher—to see what He sees: the heart.
In 1 Samuel 16, we encounter a story that challenges our natural instincts. God sends the prophet Samuel to anoint a new king, and through this narrative, He reveals a truth that echoes through Scripture and into our lives today: “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7, ESV). This blog post will delve into the meaning of this verse, unpack its original language, and examine how it can transform the way we perceive others—and ourselves.
The Story of Samuel and David From a Divine Perspective
To understand 1 Samuel 16:7, we need to step into the scene. Israel’s first king, Saul, had disobeyed God, and his reign was crumbling. God tasked Samuel with anointing a new king from among the sons of Jesse, a man from Bethlehem. When Samuel arrives, Jesse proudly presents his eldest son, Eliab. Tall, strong, and handsome, Eliab looks like a king. Samuel is convinced: “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him” (1 Samuel 16:6, ESV).
But God stops Samuel in his tracks: “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7, ESV). One by one, Jesse parades seven of his sons before Samuel—Abinadab, Shammah, and the rest—but God rejects them all. Confused, Samuel asks, “Are these all the sons you have?” Jesse replies, “There is still the youngest… He is tending the sheep” (1 Samuel 16:11, ESV). David, the overlooked shepherd boy, is summoned, and God declares, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one” (1 Samuel 16:12, ESV).
This moment is striking. Even Samuel, a godly prophet, falls into the trap of judging by appearance. And Jesse, David’s own father, doesn’t even consider his youngest son worth mentioning. Yet God sees what they cannot: a heart devoted to Him.
Exegesis of 1 Samuel 16:7 - the Hebrew
Let’s break down this pivotal verse to uncover its richness, focusing on key phrases and their meanings in the original Hebrew.
“Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature”
The Hebrew word for “appearance” is mar’eh (מַרְאֶה), meaning the external form or what the eye perceives. “Height” and “stature” come from gobahh (גֹּבַהּ), which emphasizes physical tallness. In ancient Israel, these traits were prized in leaders—think of Saul, who stood head and shoulders above everyone (1 Samuel 9:2). But God tells Samuel to ignore these outward markers.
“Because I have rejected him”
“Rejected” translates ma’as (מָאַס), a strong term meaning to refuse or despise. Despite Eliab’s kingly look, God has ruled him out. External qualifications mean nothing if the heart isn’t right.
“For the Lord sees not as man sees”
The verb “sees” is ra’ah (רָאָה), meaning to look at, inspect, or perceive. This contrast is the heart of the verse: human sight is shallow, but God’s vision is profound.
“Man looks on the outward appearance”
“Outward appearance” is ayin (עַיִן), literally “eye,” symbolizing what is visible externally. It’s a natural human tendency—Samuel does it, we do it—but it’s incomplete.
“But the Lord looks on the heart”
“Heart” is leb (לֵב), a rich Hebrew term encompassing the inner self: emotions, will, intellect, and character. In biblical thought, the heart is the core of who we are, and it’s what God examines.
This exegesis reveals a radical truth: God’s standard of worth is the inner person, not the outer shell. Samuel nearly misses God’s choice because he’s distracted by Eliab’s impressive exterior. David, a mere shepherd, doesn’t fit the mold, but his heart aligns with God’s.
God’s Pattern of Seeing the Heart
This principle isn’t unique to David’s story—it weaves through Scripture, showing God’s consistent focus on the heart.
Moses: Called to lead Israel, Moses protested, “I am slow of speech and of tongue” (Exodus 4:10, ESV). His outward limitations didn’t impress, but God saw a heart willing to trust Him.
Gideon: From the weakest clan and the least in his family (Judges 6:15), Gideon seemed an unlikely hero. Yet God chose him because of his humble, obedient heart.
Jesus: The Messiah came not as a conquering king but as a baby in a manger. Isaiah 53:2 says He had “no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him” (ESV). People judged Him by His humble appearance and missed the Savior—yet His heart of perfect love changed the world.
The New Testament echoes this too. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their outward righteousness masking inner corruption (Matthew 23:27-28). And 1 Peter 3:3-4 urges us to value “the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious” (ESV). God’s vision always pierces the surface.
Applying God’s Vision To Relationships and Beyond
So, how does this truth shape our lives? In a culture obsessed with image, where social media filters and status symbols reign, it’s easy to judge others by what we see. But God invites us to see differently.
Overcoming Superficial Judgments
It’s so easy to assume we won’t have anything in common with those who differ from us—different race, class, style, or age. We think, “They’re not my type,” and don’t bother connecting. But what kind of beautiful relationship could God be offering if we opened our hearts? I’ve seen it in my own life: some of my deepest friendships began with people I initially misjudged. When we dismiss others based on appearance, we might miss God’s blessings.
Valuing the Image of God in Everyone
Every person is “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14, ESV), bearing God’s image (Genesis 1:27). That homeless man on the corner, the awkward coworker, the neighbor who doesn’t fit in—they all have inherent worth. James 2:1-4 warns against favoritism, urging us to treat all with love. When we focus on externals, we risk overlooking the heart God cherishes.
Reflecting on Our Own Hearts
Since God looks at the heart, we must ask: What does He see in us? Are we chasing outward approval—perfect looks, accolades, wealth—or cultivating a heart that loves Him? Proverbs 31:30 reminds us, “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (ESV). Our inner character matters most.
Seeking God’s Help
We can’t see hearts like God can, but we can rely on His Spirit for wisdom. When I’m tempted to judge, I’ve started praying, “Lord, help me see this person as You do.” It’s a game-changer—shifting my focus from their appearance to their potential in Christ.
Practical Steps to See as God Sees
Here are ways to live out this principle:
Listen First: Next time you meet someone, resist sizing them up. Ask about their story and really hear them.
Break Barriers: Befriend someone outside your usual circle. Their differences might stretch and bless you.
Check Yourself: When you judge, pause and ask, “Is this based on truth or just what I see?”
Pray: Ask God daily to give you His eyes for others.
The Church: A Mirror of God’s Heart
The Church should embody this vision. Imagine a community where no one is counted out—where the overlooked are embraced, and every heart is valued. Galatians 3:28 declares, “There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (ESV). When we live this way, we show the world a God who sees beyond the surface.
A Call to See the Heart
Samuel almost missed David. People missed Jesus. Let’s not make the same mistake. We don’t want to be judged by our own appearance, so let’s not judge others by theirs. Instead, may we see everyone as God does—worthy of love, full of potential, and made in His image. What heartbreak it would be to miss the connections God has for us because we stopped at the surface?
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