But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him — God rejects Samuel's assumption, instructing him not to judge by appearance ('to'ar, form) or stature ('gobah). for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart — this statement establishes a fundamental theological principle: human judgment focuses on externals, but God 'looks on the heart' ('levav, the heart, the center of will and intention'). The principle directly contradicts the earlier description of Saul, who was selected partly for his impressive physical appearance (9:2). David's election will be based on his inner character.

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