But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Don't judge by his appearance or how tall he is, because I have rejected him. The LORD doesn't see the way people see—people look at the outside appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'
God is telling Samuel that He values what's in a person's heart far more than their physical appearance or impressive qualities that people can see.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs when the prophet Samuel was sent to Jesse's house to anoint the next king of Israel after God rejected King Saul. Samuel was impressed by Jesse's oldest son Eliab, who looked like king material, but God had to correct Samuel's human tendency to judge by appearances. This moment sets up the selection of David, the youngest and least likely son, as the future king.
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