1 The Lord Looks at the Heart

1 The Lord Looks at the Heart I Samuel 16:1-13 In the book Selling of the President, author Joe McGinniss emphasized that in politics, image is everything. A candidate must exude confidence, charm and good looks. Never mind the real issues of the campaign. A broad smile, a warm handshake, and the ability to look good on camera are much more important for selling the political product to the ultimate consumer-the registered voter. Israel's first king, Saul, was the ideal candidate-tall, handsome and impressive. Unfortunately, he was also foolish and disobedient. As Israel's second king is chosen, the Lord rejects worldly standards of leadership and selects David, a man after his own heart.
  1. How does a person's appearance affect your initial opinion of him or her?


  2. Read 1 Samuel 16:1 13. What specific instructions does the Lord give Samuel for anointing a new king (vv. 1 3)?


  3. Why did Samuel suppose that Eliab was the Lord's anointed (vv. 6-7; see 17:13)?


  4. According to verse 7, how does God's judgment differ from ours?


  5. The Lord tells Samuel, "Man looks at the outward appearance" (v. 7). What sorts of "outward" things do we tend to look at in people?


  6. How does our culture reinforce our emphasis on appearance?


  7. Why are outward qualities an unreliable way to judge a person?


  8. If you had been given the job of finding the next king of Israel, why would David have been an unlikely choice?

    In what sense was he also a good choice (see v. 18)?


  9. Why do you think the Lord has Samuel look at each of Jesse's sons before revealing that he has chosen David (vv. 6 12)?


  10. When the Lord looks at our hearts, what specific qualities do you think he values most? Explain.


    Take time to pray, asking the Lord to develop those qualities within you.
.