What does 1 Samuel 16:12 mean?

The prophet Samuel is in Bethlehem to anoint a new king for Israel from among the sons of Jesse (1 Samuel 16:1). He is also overseeing a sacrifice and feast, to which he has invited the town elders, Jesse, and Jesse's sons (1 Samuel 16:2–5). Samuel does not know which of Jesse's sons the Lord has chosen. Before the feast, seven sons have passed before Samuel, and each has been rejected (1 Samuel 16:6–10). It is unclear whether the prophet was also consecrating the men for the feast at this time (1 Samuel 16:5). It is also unclear whether Jesse, or they, knew what the anointing was for (1 Samuel 16:10, 13).

The eighth son was missing from all of this. After the Lord's rejection of the men present, Samuel asked Jesse if there were any more sons. The youngest, or smallest, was in the fields watching the sheep (1 Samuel 16:11). It is uncertain whether he was informed about Samuel's presence or the feast, but it is evident his father did not expect the boy to attend. Samuel told Jesse to send for the boy urgently; they would not begin without him.

Now, the boy has arrived. The Lord has made it clear to Samuel that He doesn't judge people by their outward appearances. He determines character based on a person's heart and not how he or she looks to others (1 Samuel 16:7). But this doesn't mean a person with a good heart cannot also be good looking.

The boy is described as having a "ruddy" complexion, meaning that his skin is reddish brown. Something similar was said of Esau (Genesis 25:25). In addition, he has beautiful eyes and is handsome. It's possible that the phrase translated as "beautiful eyes" could mean something like "good-looking." In short, Jesse's youngest son was an attractive man with a good heart. Joseph was described in similar terms (Genesis 39:1–6).

Finally, the Lord tells Samuel what he has been waiting to hear. This is the son he is to anoint as Israel's next king.