שמואל א, פרק ט״ז, פסוק ה׳

Samuel’s sudden arrival at the city sparks immediate anxiety among the local elders, prompting him to quickly defuse the tension. To mask his true, secret mission, he presents a completely routine and public reason for his visit. He assures the elders that he comes in peace and harbors no harmful intentions, explaining that his sole purpose for traveling there is to offer a sacrifice to God [מצודת דוד, אברבנאל, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Following these reassuring words, Samuel instructs the attendees to prepare themselves. The commentators agree that his call is not a demand for spiritual holiness, but rather a practical invitation to get ready and join him for the sacrifice [רד"ק, מצודת ציון].

Samuel then focuses his attention on Jesse and his sons. On a surface level, he invites Jesse and tells him to prepare because Jesse is recognized as one of the prominent elders of the city [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, this specific interaction serves a hidden agenda. Samuel needs to conceal the fact that Jesse's family is the actual reason for his journey. To do this, he first issues a broad general invitation to all the elders. Only after making this public announcement does he personally invite and prepare Jesse and his sons to join the rest of the guests. By embedding them within the larger group, Samuel guarantees their presence at the event without drawing any attention, arousing suspicion, or giving away his true objective [מלבי"ם, אלשיך].