The term "goodliest" is an archaic English adjective that denotes something or someone possessing the highest degree of goodness, beauty, or excellence. In the context of the Bible, "goodliest" is often used to describe individuals, objects, or attributes that are considered to be of exceptional quality or value in the eyes of God or man.

Biblical Usage:

The word "goodliest" appears in several passages throughout the Bible, often highlighting the exceptional nature of a person or thing. It is used to convey a sense of surpassing beauty or worthiness, often in a manner that underscores divine favor or blessing.

1. Physical Appearance:
In 1 Samuel 9:2, Saul, the first king of Israel, is described as "a choice and handsome young man; there was not a man among the Israelites more handsome than he, being a head taller than any of the people." While the Berean Standard Bible does not use the term "goodliest," the description aligns with the concept, emphasizing Saul's exceptional physical appearance, which made him stand out among his peers.

2. Divine Favor:
The term can also be associated with divine favor or selection. In the context of God's choices, what is deemed "goodliest" is often what aligns with His purposes and plans. For instance, David, though not the eldest or most physically imposing of Jesse's sons, was chosen by God to be king because of his heart (1 Samuel 16:7). This selection underscores the idea that what is "goodliest" in God's eyes may differ from human standards.

3. Moral and Spiritual Excellence:
The concept of "goodliest" extends beyond physical attributes to encompass moral and spiritual qualities. Proverbs 31:29 praises the virtuous woman, stating, "Many daughters have done nobly, but you surpass them all." This passage highlights the surpassing excellence of character and virtue, which can be considered "goodliest" in the biblical sense.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the notion of "goodliest" reflects the biblical theme that true worth and beauty are found in alignment with God's will and character. While human standards often prioritize outward appearance or material success, Scripture consistently points to the heart and one's relationship with God as the ultimate measures of goodness and excellence.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israelite culture, physical appearance and stature were often associated with leadership and favor. However, the biblical narrative frequently subverts these expectations by emphasizing inner qualities and divine election. This is evident in the accounts of figures like David and Joseph, who, despite initial appearances or circumstances, were chosen by God for significant roles due to their faithfulness and character.

Application for Believers:

For contemporary believers, the concept of "goodliest" serves as a reminder to seek qualities that are pleasing to God rather than conforming to worldly standards. It encourages the pursuit of spiritual growth, moral integrity, and a heart aligned with God's purposes, recognizing that these are the attributes that hold eternal value in the kingdom of God.

Absolute Surrender
... of Israel into the city, and said unto him, Thus saith Ben-hadad, Thy silver and
thy gold is mine; thy wives also and thy children, even the goodliest, are mine ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/absolute surrender/absolute surrender.htm

Greek and Jew
... blue of the sky. Below on three lesser mounts and overflowing the vales
between was the goodliest city in all Asia. About it and ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter viii greek and jew.htm

'Make us a King'
... And he will take your men-servants, and your maid-servants, and your goodliest
young men, and your asses, and put them to his work.17. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/make us a king.htm

The First Kings.
... of your vineyards, and give them to his officers, and to his servants; and he will
take your men-servants, and your maid-servants, and your goodliest young men ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

The Promise.
... Canaan's sons settled themselves in that goodliest of all lands which bore his name;
and Mizraim's children obtained the rich and beautiful valley of the Nile ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson i the promise.htm

To those who had Invited Him, and not Come to Receive Him.
... To Thee, I think, are fitting those words, "The lot is fallen unto Thee in a fair
ground: yea Thou hast the goodliest heritage." [2925] Nor will I allow that ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration iii to those who.htm

The End
... name immortal; there was never a city whose children clung to her with a more
passionate affection; yet, like a mad mother, she tore the very goodliest of them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stalker/the life of st paul/chapter x the end.htm

The Goodness of the Son of God is Proved from his Works...
... saying: "Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth; for thy breasts are better
than wine;" [1938] and again: "And thy throat is like the goodliest wine." Of ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ii the goodness of.htm

Introduction.
... Let us set the bravest face on our condition, and play the heroes as artfully as
we can, yet see here the issue which attends the goodliest life upon earth! ...
/.../introduction.htm

The New Garment Bent
... never fruited, in a sharper, more striking form than the life of the wise king of
Israel, who 'in his latter days' was 'a fool.' The goodliest vessel may be ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the new garment bent.htm

Goodliest (3 Occurrences)
...Goodliest (3 Occurrences). ... (KJV JPS ASV). 1 Kings 20:3 Thy silver and thy gold is
mine; thy wives also and thy children, even the goodliest, are mine. ...
/g/goodliest.htm - 7k

Goodliness (2 Occurrences)

/g/goodliness.htm - 7k

Goodlier (1 Occurrence)

/g/goodlier.htm - 6k

Goodly (46 Occurrences)
... Apocrypha, 1 Esdras 4:18; Judith 8:7 (horaios); 2 Maccabees 9:16, "goodly gifts,"
kallistos, the Revised Version (British and American) "goodliest." WL Walker. ...
/g/goodly.htm - 25k

Maid-servants (25 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 8:16 And he will take your men-servants, and your maid-servants, and your
goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work. ...
/m/maid-servants.htm - 14k

Men-servants (22 Occurrences)
... (BBE YLT). 1 Samuel 8:16 And he will take your men-servants, and your maid-servants,
and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work. ...
/m/men-servants.htm - 13k

Menservants (19 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). 1 Samuel 8:16 And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants,
and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work. ...
/m/menservants.htm - 12k

Maidservants (28 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 8:16 And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your
goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work. (KJV RSV NIV). ...
/m/maidservants.htm - 15k

Asses (68 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 8:16 And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your
goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work. ...
/a/asses.htm - 29k

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