It seems as if Samuel was impressed with Eliab’s general stature and appearance.1 On the surface he looked to be a promising candidate for kingship.2 Quite possibly he had a similar physique to that of Saul (see 1 Samuel 9:2). Where the Lord had previously accommodated himself to the people’s standard in a choice of a king, he would now choose according to his own standard.3 Likewise when it comes to the Messiah, he is not outwardly impressive (Isaiah 53:1–3), but he reflects and models God’s character by promoting justice (Isaiah 11:1–5) and reaching out to those in need (Isaiah 42:1–4, Isaiah 42:7; Isaiah 61:1–3; cf. Luke 4:16–21).4
6 Lorsqu'ils entrèrent, il se dit, en voyant Eliab: Certainement, l'oint de l'Eternel est ici devant lui.