The obvious message in 1 Samuel 16:6-11 is that YHWH does not choose based on appearance, but based on the heart. We should strive to do the same. This is not to say that outside appearances don’t matter at all. They do. We should take care of ourselves. However, the most important value comes in the heart to submit to and love our Father. That means someone who chooses Him and His ways over their own desires and preferences. Let us strive to be the person after YHWH’s own heart and to draw near to others who do the same.
6When they entered, he looked at Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD’S anointed is before Him.” 7But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 8Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.” 9Next Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.” 10Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen these.” 11And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are these all the children?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he is tending the sheep.” Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.”