A moment of confusion and sudden revelation unfolds during the meeting between God's prophet and Jesse's family. After all the present sons pass by and none are chosen, a conversation reveals the existence of another, hidden son whose presence is absolutely essential for the event to continue. Samuel asks if the line of boys is complete. This question does not stem from any doubt in God. Rather, Samuel asks out of wonder, as he knows with certainty that not all the sons have arrived [מלבי״ם].
Jesse responds by explaining that the youngest still remains. The phrasing of his answer suggests an active choice rather than a passive circumstance, explaining the boy's absence [רד״ק]. One perspective suggests that because he was the youngest, the family did not consider him worthy to stand among the honored guests invited to the sacrifice, and therefore left him behind to tend the sheep [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Conversely, other commentators explain that Jesse is actually apologizing. He clarifies that David was not excluded out of disrespect, but rather stayed behind by his own personal choice. This was either due to his extreme humility or because he was so dedicated to his work that he could not bring himself to abandon the flock [מלבי״ם, אלשיך].
Hearing this, Samuel urgently commands Jesse to send a messenger to fetch the boy. The instruction is pressing: even if David is concerned for the sheep and refuses to come, Jesse must bring him by any means necessary, even if it requires fetching the boy himself [אלשיך].
Samuel justifies this urgency by declaring that no one will sit down to eat until the youngest son arrives. At this time, it was customary to recline during a meal. Jesse, his sons, and the city elders have already offered the peace offerings and prepared themselves for the shared ceremonial feast. Despite this, Samuel insists that they will not sit to eat, nor will they even move from their places [ביאור שטיינזלץ], until the boy arrives. This ensures that he can be anointed before the feast begins [רד״ק].