1 Samuel 16:10

1 Samuel 16:10, in plain English

Jesse brings all seven of his sons before Samuel one by one, and Samuel tells Jesse that God hasn't chosen any of them.

Why it's here

Seven sons have now been presented and rejected. For Jesse, this must be baffling. He's brought his whole family before the prophet, and none of them are the chosen one. The finality of Samuel's statement—'any of these'—makes it clear they've all been evaluated and found to be not the one. Something's incomplete here.

Who's speaking

Samuel speaking to Jesse

Where it sits in the story

The number seven often represents completion in Scripture, but here seven isn't complete. There's an eighth—someone who isn't even in the room yet. This builds the suspense for David's entrance.

The scholarly reading

After Jesse presents all seven of his sons in succession, Samuel informs him that the LORD has not selected any of them.

Language and setting

The presentation of seven sons (a symbolically complete number in Israelite tradition, suggesting the fullness of Jesse's household) and their collective rejection is theologically significant. Jesse appears to have presented his entire viable lineage, yet none qualifies. The Hebrew construction כָּל־אֵלֶּה (all of these) emphasizes the totality of the rejection. This implies either that Jesse has concealed someone—which the next verse will confirm—or that the one God chooses lies outside Jesse's initial calculation of his own sons.

Voice

Samuel addresses Jesse with the divine judgment after examining each son.

Significance

The rejection of all seven sons creates the narrative opening for David's appearance. It establishes that kingship in God's design cannot be secured through patriarchal convention or dynastic expectation; it requires God's sovereign selection operating outside normal categories.

8Then Jesse called Abinadab and presented him to Samuel, who said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.”

9Next Jesse presented Shammah, but Samuel said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.”

10Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel told him, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.”

11And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?”

12So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.”

Read all of 1 Samuel 16 — God sends Samuel to a house in Bethlehem. Everyone expects the tall, strong son. God chooses the shepherd boy.