1)

Why did Hashem say not to look at his appearance?

1.

Rashi: Do not look at Eliav's beautiful form [and infer that he will be king].

2.

Radak, Malbim: Do not look at Sha'ul's appearance and height, and think that because they are better than Eliav's 1 , Sha'ul will continue to be king. Malbim - before, I chose a king due to the nation's desire. I chose a tall man, who would find grace in the eyes of the nation. Now I choose a king who will be pleasing to Me; I do not look at the appearance, only at the internal.


1

How could Shmuel think so before seeing all Yishai's sons? Perhaps one of them is beautiful and tall like Sha'ul! (PF)

2)

Why did Hashem despise Eliav?

1.

Rashi: He had an angry temperament - "va'Yichar Af Eli'av b'David" (17:28). Refer to 16:8:2:1.

3)

Why did Hashem say that man sees only appearance?

1.

Rashi (from Sifri Devarim 17): You said "I am the seer" (9:19). Here I inform you, you do not see!

2.

Radak: His appearance is proper for kingship, but I see hearts and kidneys 1 ; his heart is not straight.

3.

Malbim: What people think is beautiful, it can be that really, it is ugly and despised, or vice-versa. Man's senses detect only external appearances, but not the internal.


1

Vayikra Rabah 4:4: The kidneys deliberate, and the heart makes the final decision. Lev Eliyahu (Bereishis p.124) - "Hashem Choker Lev Bochen Kelayos" (Yirmeyah 17:10) - i.e. He sees leaning to a Midah.

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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