Definition: Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, [that is] cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD [is] with him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 16:18. It’s a really interesting and significant passage about God’s choosing a young man named Jesse. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is saying: “God has chosen this young man, Jesse, to be important and influential.” Let’s unpack the details: "Then answered one of the servants..." : This suggests someone was observing Jesse and noticing something special about him. It's like a watchful eye on a potential leader. "...and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite..." : “Behold” means "look closely." This tells us God has seen Jesse – specifically, he’s seen a young man who is from Bethlehem. Bethlehem is a place in Israel, so it's a very important location for the Israelites. "...that is cunning in playing..." : This is a bit tricky. “Cunning” means clever or skilled at something. This suggests Jesse has a sharp mind and good at games – perhaps he’s a strategist. "...and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters..." : "Mighty valiant" means brave and strong, and "prudent in matters" means wise and thoughtful. He seems to be capable of making good decisions and understanding important things. "...and a comely person..." : “Comely” means attractive or pleasing to the eye. This is a really significant detail – it highlights that God sees Jesse as someone worthy of favor and attention. "...and the LORD [is] with him." : This is the most important part. "The LORD" refers to God himself. The phrase “the Lord is with him” means that God is actively supporting and guiding Jesse, putting him in a position where he can make good choices and be successful. So, what’s the big takeaway? This verse paints a picture of God choosing someone who has potential for leadership and influence – someone who is not just physically strong but also intelligent, brave, and wise. It's a sign that God wants to use Jesse in a significant way. Why is this important? This story is often seen as a foreshadowing of David’s rise to power and his role as King of Israel. It shows that God doesn’t just choose people; He actively works through them. It also highlights that God's plan isn't always obvious – sometimes, it takes time for God to work in our lives. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Provide a more biblical context (like where this verse appears in the Bible)? Talk about what this story might symbolize?