The direction that the monarchical institution was destined to take in Israel is subtly foreshadowed in 13:14 and 15:28; thus, this account serves to confirm that announcement. The Lord has specifically chosen David. Through the literary device of anticipation, the anointing, which likely legitimizes a process already in motion, occurs during David’s early youth or adolescence, at the beginning of his story. The Lord takes the initiative; Samuel is the official executor, and the people’s input is disregarded. In revealing the chosen one, the author employs the well-known motif of the younger brother being placed before his siblings, a common theme in Hebrew folklore that aims to demonstrate that God does not think like humans because He does not focus on appearances.