Divine selection does not rely on outward signs of beauty or physical power, but rather penetrates the depths of the human soul and character. In a dramatic moment of choosing a new king, a profound gap is revealed between limited human perception and God's providence, which examines the innermost thoughts and heart.
When Samuel evaluates David’s older brother, Eliab, he is immediately struck by his impressive exterior. However, God halts him, instructing him not to focus on physical beauty or tall stature [רש"י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The primary approach among commentators is that Eliab was indeed handsome and physically suited for royalty, but God rejected him because his inner nature did not match his outward appearance. He lacked the necessary moral qualities, particularly due to a tendency toward anger, a trait that disqualifies a person from greatness [רש"י, אברבנאל].
While the primary view understands this rejection as directed at Eliab himself, other perspectives suggest God was rejecting the very concept of a tall, impressive king. In the past, when the people demanded a monarch, a tall figure was needed to find favor in their eyes. Now, God clarifies that He has abandoned this model, as the previous king, Saul, who was famously tall, had strayed from the proper path [מלבי"ם, אברבנאל]. A contrasting and surprising interpretation proposes that Eliab was actually physically unattractive. According to this view, upon seeing him, Samuel compared him to the handsome Saul and asked God not to replace the current king with someone physically inferior. In response, God tells Samuel to stop looking at Saul's appearance and height, for God has already rejected Saul himself [רד"ק, אברבנאל].
God continues by pointing out the limitations of human sight, delivering a gentle critique of Samuel, who was accustomed to calling himself "the Seer." God informs him that despite this title, his vision is restricted and he does not see the absolute truth [רש"י, אברבנאל]. Nevertheless, some defend Samuel's initial instinct, explaining that he was not entirely mistaken. Through divine inspiration, he foresaw that royalty would eventually emerge from Eliab's lineage—specifically through a daughter who would later marry Rehoboam, King of Judah—even though he incorrectly identified the immediate king [אברבנאל].
A sharp contrast is drawn between human and Divine judgment. People evaluate reality through their external senses, primarily their eyes. They define beauty and perfection by height and outward appearance, even if a person's inner soul is filled with flaws and negative traits. God, on the other hand, does not base His choices on these superficial markers. He looks exclusively at the heart, seeking inner purity, integrity, and good character. A person may be short in stature and lack physical beauty, but if his heart is pure and good, he is truly beautiful and chosen in God's eyes [מלבי"ם, מצודת דוד, אברבנאל].