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In 1 Samuel 16, David is described as reddish in appearance, a rare term that appears elsewhere only in Genesis 25, where it describes Esau at birth. While Esau’s reddishness is linked to his coarse and rugged nature, David’s is paired with attractiveness and favor.
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Genesis 25:25
Hebrew Bible
24 When the time came for Rebekah to give birth, there were twins in her womb. 25 The first came out reddish all over, like a hairy garment, so they named him Esau. 26 When his brother came out with his hand clutching Esau’s heel, they named him Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when they were born. 27 When the boys grew up, Esau became a skilled hunter, a man of the open fields, but Jacob was an even-tempered man, living in tents.
Date: 5th Century B.C.E. (Final composition) (based on scholarly estimates)
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1 Samuel 16:12
Hebrew Bible
10 Jesse presented seven of his sons to Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” 11 Then Samuel asked Jesse, “Is that all the young men?” Jesse replied, “There is still the youngest one, but he’s taking care of the flock.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we cannot turn our attention to other things until he comes here.” 12 So Jesse had him brought in. Now he was ruddy, with attractive eyes and a handsome appearance. The Lord said, “Go and anoint him. This is the one.” 13 So Samuel took the horn full of olive oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers. The Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day onward. Then Samuel got up and went to Ramah.
Date: 6th Century B.C.E. (Final composition) (based on scholarly estimates)
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Notes and References
"... David's 'beautiful eyes' seem simple enough, as does the generic reference to his 'good appearance' generally. But what about the adjective admoni, 'ruddy' or 'reddish'? We may recall the use of a similar bodily adjective from our study of Jacob and Esau in Chapter 2 of this book, where Esau was admoni in Genesis 25:25 - though combined (as I assume it is) for Esau with the term that follows, kullo, 'all of him,' the picture here is one who is entirely 'red,' possibly covered in thick red hair. Admoniappears nowhere else in the Bible, however, except for describing these two men ..."
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