The LORD Looketh on the Heart (1 Samuel 16:7)

2023-09-30

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)

When Samuel was appointed to anoint a new king, the prophet saw Eliab and thought that he might be a good king. That was why Saul appealed to many. This first king was taller than everybody. He looked like a warrior. His father Kish also was “a mighty man of power” (1 Samuel 9:1). His resume for kingship looked pretty good! But that was the first error; the first king was the kind of king most of the people wanted. This new king God would appoint as Saul’s successor was “a man after his own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). This, of course, was David.

God can see beyond all the presumption and appearance. He sees the hearts and reins. We cannot fool Him; He knows everything about us.

However, this judging after appearance is something we do because we cannot look on the heart. We need to remember that people will judge after appearance and act accordingly. We can offend by our actions. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:6). The appearance and the heart should match.