Contemplative Bible Reading

1 Samuel 16:7, 12 (New Living Translation)

7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

12 So Jesse sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes.
And the Lord said, “This is the one; anoint him.”

Is there a contradiction here? Is God flip flopping?

In verse 7, God tells the prophet Samuel that the LORD looks at the heart, not outward appearance.

In verse 12, David is described by outward appearance and receives the approval of the LORD.

How do we reckon this works? Is “dark and handsome with beautiful eyes” describing the heart David has towards God? Does that simply mean David was dark and handsome?

The simplest answer is that God described David, but the description given was not what God used to judge David. It was merely a way for people to identify David when they saw him.

And the more complicated answer is that God understands people. After all, God created people and understands us. God knows we identify with appearance. God warns us not to do so, but recognizes our failings.

See this handsome young David. People will like him as he is just that type of fella’. God, however, selects David by David’s heart. David had plenty of flops in his life. Still, David always looked to God. His failings were of the flesh. His victories were of the spirit. That’s pretty important. That’s something I try to live. Please God, help my in my failings.