Ob and In:
1. Eliab caught the attention of Samuel and rejected by the LORD because of the same reason as Saul.
(EBC)Indeed, the divine response to Samuel’s musings (v.7) immediately eliminates Eliab as Israel’s future king. God rejects him (as he had rejected Saul, v.1), knowing that Samuel is impressed by Eliab’s physique (including especially his “height”—cf. the reference to Saul’s height in 9:2 and Samuel’s assumption that visible attributes of that kind are important in a king, 10:23–24). What Samuel “saw” externally (v.6) was Eliab’s “appearance” (v.7; the same Heb. word underlies both words), but what man “looks at” is not what God “looks at” (again the Heb. root is the same as that in “saw”; “looks at” is used three times in v.7)
Why man looks at outward appearance, namely, people's height? Probably because of the military power of the muscle. However, David being much smaller in size than Saul was used by God to fight Goliath.
What does God look at in man's heart? What kind of heart will please God? David was a man after God's own heart in 13:14 But now your kingdom will not continue. The LORD has sought out for himself a man who is loyal to him, and the LORD has appointed him to be leader over his people, for you have not obeyed what the LORD commanded you.” Saul have not obeyed God and God made a choice for one who is loyal to Him. Therefore God looks for a loyal obedient heart.
Reflection: Do I rely on human ability? Or do I rely on God?
Do I have a loyal obedient heart to God?
2. The change of Samuel
After the reminder in v.7, Samuel knew who was the chosen one by God, not Abinadab, Shammah or one of the 7 sons. He picked up quickly to know what to look for.
Reflection: Do I learn by changing my view to line up with God's?
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