Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 16:7. It's a really important and insightful passage about God’s perspective and how He sees things. Here’s a simplified explanation: Basically, it means God doesn't just look at people the way we do – we focus on their outward appearance. He has a different way of seeing everyone. Here’s a breakdown of what each part signifies: “But the LORD said unto Samuel…” : This establishes that Samuel is being addressed, and he’s receiving a message from God. “…Look not on his countenance…” : This is the core of the verse. God is telling Samuel not to fixate on Samuel himself. He's saying to stop looking at Samuel's appearance – his height, his beauty, anything that might make him seem special or impressive to us. “…or on the height of his stature…” : This reinforces the idea of not focusing on outward accomplishments. It’s about avoiding things that might draw attention to someone else. “Because I have refused him:” : This is where it gets really important. God is saying, "I've made a decision not to look at Samuel because He has already chosen him." The key takeaway: God sees people differently than we do. He doesn’t judge them by their looks or status. His judgment comes from His heart and understanding of who they truly are. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the idea that God values character over appearance. It's a reminder that true worth isn’t found in things we can see, but in who we are inside – our hearts and intentions. In short, it’s about trusting God’s judgment and recognizing that He sees everything with His perfect understanding. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this verse to a particular story or concept in the Bible? Give you a modern-day example of how this principle applies?