1 Samuel 16:9

1 Samuel 16:9, in plain English

Jesse presents his third son, Shammah, and again Samuel says this isn't the one either.

Why it's here

The pattern continues. Three sons down, and none of them fit what God is looking for. Samuel isn't rushing. He's waiting for God's direction with each presentation. There's no frustration in his response—just the simple, repeated message that God hasn't chosen this one.

Who's speaking

Samuel speaking to Jesse

Where it sits in the story

As the rejections pile up, the question becomes louder: If not these, then who? The answer is coming, but it's being withheld. God is building the tension deliberately.

The scholarly reading

Jesse's third son, Shammah, is similarly rejected by Samuel as not God's choice.

Language and setting

The third rejection continues the pattern without variation or elaboration. The author maintains narrative momentum through repetition, a technique common in Hebrew storytelling (seen also in the multiple temptations in 1 Samuel 15 or the recurring rejections in Judges). This systematic elimination heightens anticipation while establishing that God's selection cannot be rushed or assumed—the entire household must be examined.

Voice

Samuel again announces divine rejection through the same formulaic statement.

Significance

The cumulative effect of repeated rejections directs reader attention toward whoever will finally be chosen. The narrative is constructing suspense theologically—building toward a revelation that will overturn expectation.

7But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”

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?”

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.