(6) В¶ And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD'S anointed is before him. (7) 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.
There is somewhat very interesting in this account of the review of Jesse's sons. The prophet is not acquainted on whom the Lord's lot will fall, but they are all to be brought before him. So is it in the ministry of the word. The commission of the gospel is; Go out to every creature. But, we are told, while many are called few are chosen. The minister, like Samuel, knows not when he goes forth, to whom it will prove the savor of life unto life, or of death unto death. 2 Corinthians 2:15-16. In the conclusion Samuel made in favor of Eliab, we see how apt men are, and even the wisest of men, to be taken with things outward. He had been deceived in this once before, in the case of Saul. And though indeed this was by God's appointment, yet the Reader should remember that the appointment of Saul was to gratify the people; not to please the Lord; whereas the choice to be made now, was to please himself. Dearest Jesus! do thou choose for me, and guide me in my all supposed choice of things, that I may behold thee in everything!