Homilist 1 Samuel 16:12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and with of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said… I. THE SHORTSIGHTEDNESS OF EVEN THE BEST OF MEN. Even Samuel was taken by the fair face and imposing stature of Eliab. Yet he knew nothing of Eliab's inner man. Human nature must be estimated simply by external observation. Hence it is only natural that he should make mistakes. II. THE INSCRUTABLE PURPOSES OF GOD. He overrules all the estimates of men, and His estimates are very different to those of men. The servants of Jesse had not even thought it worth while to call David in. This is only reasonable. For, 1. He must know the nature of man. 2. Because He has no selfish purposes to accomplish. 3. Because He is actuated by the most benign of motives to all. III. THE VALUABLE INSTRUCTION TO BE DERIVED. 1. Moral worth is the truest beauty. 2. We should seek to form our standard of excellence by the character of God. 3. We must not be rash in our judgment of any one's character. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. |
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