Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Samuel 16:6-13

"And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely Jehovah`s anointed is before him. But Jehovah said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him: for [Jehovah seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looketh on the heart. Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath Jehovah chosen this. Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath Jehovah chosen this. And Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Jehovah hath not chosen these. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he is keeping the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him; for we will not sit down till he come hither. And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look upon. And Jehovah said, Arise, anoint him; for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah." — 1 Samuel 16:6-13 (ASV)

It was strange that Samuel, who had been so disappointed in Saul, whose appearance and stature recommended him, should judge another man by that rule. We can tell how men look, but God can tell what they are. He judges men by the heart. We often form a mistaken judgment of characters; but the Lord values only the faith, fear, and love, which are planted in the heart, beyond human discernment.

And God does not favour our children according to our fond partiality, but often most honours and blesses those who have been least regarded. David was eventually chosen. He was the youngest of the sons of Jesse; his name signifies Beloved; he was a type of God's beloved Son. It seems David was least valued of all the sons of Jesse.

But the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. His anointing was not an empty ceremony; a Divine power went with that instituted sign. He found himself advanced in wisdom and courage, with all the qualifications of a prince, though not advanced in his outward circumstances. This would satisfy him that his election was of God.

The best evidence of our being predestined to the kingdom of glory is our being sealed with the Spirit of promise, and experience of a work of grace in our hearts.