Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.

1 SAMUEL 16:9KJV
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1 Samuel 16:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 16:9 mean?

1 Samuel 16:9 describes how Jesse brought his son Shammah before Samuel, but Samuel said that the LORD had not chosen Shammah either. This verse shows that, like Jesse’s other sons, Shammah was not selected by God to be king.

In this scene, Samuel is following God’s instruction to find and anoint the next king of Israel from among Jesse’s sons. As each son passes by, Samuel listens for God’s guidance. The verse highlights that God’s choice is not based on outward appearance or family order, but on God’s own criteria, which will soon be revealed.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 16:9

  • שַׁמָּה (Shammah): This is the Hebrew name of Jesse’s son. The mention of Shammah by name emphasizes that each son is being considered individually, not just as a group.
  • בָּחַר (bachar): This Hebrew word means “chosen.” The verse uses it to make clear that God’s selection is deliberate and specific, not random or based on human expectations.
  • יְהוָה (YHWH, often pronounced “Adonai” or “the LORD”): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, underscoring that the decision comes directly from God, not from Samuel or Jesse.

Why 1 Samuel 16:9 matters

  • The verse makes it clear that God’s choices do not always match human assumptions about who is important or worthy; even those who seem likely candidates can be passed over.
  • This moment builds suspense and anticipation, showing that God’s chosen king is not among the obvious choices, which sets up the surprising selection of David, Jesse’s youngest son.
  • The verse highlights the careful, step-by-step process Samuel follows, listening for God’s voice with each son, which models patience and obedience in seeking God’s will.

Where else these words appear

“Shammah” Hebrew H8048 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 36:13 And these are the sons of Reuel; Nahath, and Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah: these were the sons of Bashemath Esau's wife.
  • 1 Samuel 17:13 And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.
  • 2 Samuel 23:25 Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite,

“Jesse” Hebrew H3448 · used in 39 verses

  • Ruth 4:17 And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.
  • 1 Samuel 17:12 Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul.
  • 2 Samuel 20:1 And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.