1 Samuel 16:4

KJV

And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?

KJV (with Strong's)

And Samuel {H8050} did {H6213} that which the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696}, and came {H935} to Bethlehem {H1035}. And the elders {H2205} of the town {H5892} trembled {H2729} at his coming {H7125}, and said {H559}, Comest {H935} thou peaceably {H7965}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Sh'mu'el did what ADONAI said and arrived at Beit-Lechem. The leaders of the city came trembling to meet him and asked, "Are you coming in peace?"

Berean Standard Bible

So Samuel did what the LORD had said and went to Bethlehem. When the elders of the town met him, they trembled and asked, “Do you come in peace?”

American Standard Version

And Samuel did that which Jehovah spake, and came to Beth-lehem. And the elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, Comest thou peaceably?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Samuel's arrival in Bethlehem, as recorded in 1 Samuel 16:4, records the immediate and faithful obedience of the prophet Samuel to the Lord's command to journey to Bethlehem. Upon his unexpected arrival, the elders of the town are seized with profound fear and apprehension, questioning the very nature of his visit and whether it portends peace or judgment. This pivotal moment not only highlights Samuel's unwavering commitment to divine instruction but also underscores the awe and trepidation inspired by a prophet of God, all while setting the stage for the sovereign and often concealed unfolding of God's redemptive plan to anoint a new king for Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct continuation of the narrative flow initiated by God's definitive rejection of King Saul due to his persistent disobedience, particularly his failure to carry out the divine command regarding the Amalekites [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection for Disobedience"). Following this, the Lord instructs a grieving Samuel to cease mourning for Saul and instead to prepare for a new mission: to go to Bethlehem with a horn of oil, for God has chosen a king from among Jesse's sons [1 Samuel 16:1](/1_samuel/16-1 "1 Samuel 16:1 - God Commands Samuel to Anoint a New King"). Samuel expresses a very real fear of Saul's violent reaction should he discover the true purpose of the journey. In response, God provides a strategic cover story, instructing Samuel to take a heifer for a sacrifice and to invite Jesse and his sons to it [1 Samuel 16:2-3](/1_samuel/16-2-3 "1 Samuel 16:2-3 - God's Provision for Samuel's Safety"). Verse 4 then depicts Samuel's immediate and unwavering obedience to this divine directive, marking the physical commencement of his journey to Bethlehem and setting the stage for the dramatic anointing of David.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, prophets like Samuel wielded immense spiritual, moral, and often political authority, serving as God's direct spokespersons. Their unannounced arrival in a town was rarely a casual event; it typically signaled a momentous divine message, which could be one of blessing, instruction, or, more frequently, a pronouncement of judgment for communal or individual sin. This inherent uncertainty naturally generated significant apprehension among the populace, as a prophet's visit often carried profound implications for the community's well-being. Bethlehem, a relatively small Judean town, was not a major administrative or religious center at this time, making Samuel's presence there particularly unusual and attention-grabbing. The town's elders, as the local civic and spiritual leaders, would have been acutely aware of the spiritual weight of a prophet's presence and the potential for divine reckoning, hence their trembling. This setting also subtly foreshadows Bethlehem's future significance as the hometown of King David [Ruth 4:17](/ruth/4-17 "Ruth 4:17 - Bethlehem, David's Hometown") and, centuries later, as the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Birth in Bethlehem").

* **Key Themes:** Several profound themes emerge from this verse and its immediate context. **Divine Obedience** stands paramount, as Samuel, despite his initial and understandable fear of King Saul, immediately "did that which the LORD spake," demonstrating an unwavering commitment to God's will above personal safety. This highlights the critical importance of obedience, even when the path is uncertain or fraught with danger. The **Prophetic Authority and Awe** surrounding Samuel is vividly portrayed in the elders' "trembling," signifying the deep respect, reverence, and even fear associated with a prophet of his stature, whose very presence implied a significant divine intervention. Furthermore, the elders' anxious question, "Comest thou peaceably?" reveals a deep-seated **Fear of Judgment**, as prophets were often the bearers of divine wrath or calls to communal repentance for sin. Finally, the **Hidden Purpose** of Samuel's visit—to anoint Israel's future king, David [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing by Samuel")—remains entirely concealed from the elders, underscoring God's sovereign and often mysterious ways of working behind the scenes to accomplish His redemptive plans, often through humble and unexpected means.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trembled (Hebrew, _chârad'_):** The Hebrew verb חָרַד (_chârad_) denotes a profound, inward fear, anxiety, or dread, frequently accompanied by physical trembling or agitation. It conveys a stronger sense than mere surprise or apprehension, suggesting the elders were deeply disturbed and genuinely terrified. In this context, it indicates that Samuel's unexpected and unannounced arrival portended something momentous and potentially ominous, likely a message of judgment or impending calamity, rather than a benign visit.
* **Peaceably (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** The Hebrew word שָׁלֹום (_shâlôwm_), here used adverbially as "in peace" (בְּשָׁלֹום), is far more than a simple greeting. It represents a comprehensive state of well-being, wholeness, prosperity, and reconciliation. The elders' question is a profound inquiry into the nature and intent of Samuel's mission: does his visit signify divine favor, health, and harmonious relations, or does it herald conflict, judgment, or trouble? It reflects their acute awareness that a prophet's visit could bring either blessing or curse, and their immediate concern was to ascertain the purpose of his presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Samuel did that which the LORD spake":** This opening clause immediately establishes Samuel's unwavering faithfulness and prompt obedience to God's specific and potentially dangerous instructions outlined in [1 Samuel 16:1-3](/1_samuel/16-1-3 "1 Samuel 16:1-3 - God's Command to Samuel"). Despite his initial apprehension regarding King Saul's reaction, Samuel prioritizes divine command over personal fear, demonstrating a foundational characteristic of a true servant of God.
* **"and came to Bethlehem.":** This concise statement marks the physical culmination of Samuel's journey and the precise geographical location where God's sovereign plan for a new king would begin to unfold. Bethlehem, a seemingly insignificant Judean town, is divinely chosen as the stage for a pivotal moment in Israelite history, highlighting God's consistent pattern of working through humble and often overlooked beginnings.
* **"And the elders of the town trembled at his coming":** The visceral reaction of Bethlehem's elders underscores the immense spiritual authority and the potential for direct divine intervention associated with a prophet of Samuel's stature. Their "trembling" (from _chârad_) signifies a deep-seated fear and apprehension, indicating that they immediately perceived his arrival as a momentous, potentially ominous, event rather than a routine or casual visit.
* **"and said, Comest thou peaceably?":** This direct question, posed by the fearful elders, reveals their primary concern: the very nature and intent of Samuel's mission. They are not merely inquiring about his physical well-being, but whether his presence signifies a message of peace, blessing, and divine favor, or one of judgment, conflict, and trouble. It reflects the common understanding in ancient Israel that a prophet's visit often brought a divine reckoning or a call to account.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominently featured in the specific choice of Bethlehem, a relatively small and unassuming town that would later gain immense historical and theological significance as the birthplace of both Israel's greatest king, David, and ultimately, the Messiah. The elders' palpable fear, while rooted in their immediate socio-religious context, also subtly **foreshadows** the awe, apprehension, and often mixed reactions that God's messengers and divine interventions frequently evoke throughout biblical history. There is a strong element of **Irony** present: Samuel comes not to bring judgment or calamity (as the elders fear), but to initiate the anointing of a king who will usher in an era of blessing, stability, and divine favor for Israel, though this profound, redemptive purpose is entirely hidden from the elders at this moment. The elders' question, "Comest thou peaceably?", also functions as a form of **Rhetorical Question**, designed not merely for information but to elicit a specific reassurance, thereby highlighting their profound anxiety and the perceived gravity of Samuel's unexpected presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illustrates the tension between human fear and divine sovereignty, serving as a powerful testament to God's orchestrating hand in history. Samuel's immediate and faithful obedience, even in the face of genuine fear, serves as a compelling model for all believers, calling us to trust and act upon God's word regardless of perceived risks or personal discomfort. The elders' trembling underscores the appropriate awe and reverence due to God's messengers and, by extension, to God Himself, reminding us of the gravity of His holiness and authority. Their anxious question about "peace" reflects a universal human desire for security, well-being, and blessing, particularly when confronted with the unknown or the manifest presence of the divine. The hidden nature of Samuel's true mission—to anoint a king—reminds us that God often works in ways that are not immediately discernible or understandable to human eyes, orchestrating events behind the scenes to fulfill His greater redemptive purposes. This divine mystery cultivates humility and profound dependence on God's perfect timing and unfathomable wisdom.

* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher")
* [Hebrews 11:8](/hebrews/11-8 "Hebrews 11:8 - Abraham's Obedience of Faith")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Bethlehem challenges us to deeply consider our own responses when God's sovereign hand moves in unexpected or seemingly unsettling ways in our lives. Like Samuel, are we willing to step out in courageous obedience to God's directives, even when they involve personal risk, uncertainty, or require us to move beyond our comfort zones? His unwavering faithfulness, despite his genuine fear of Saul, serves as a powerful model for trusting God's provision and protection when called to difficult or counter-intuitive tasks. Furthermore, the elders' apprehension invites us to reflect on our own posture before the living God. Do we approach His presence with a healthy reverence and awe, recognizing the gravity of His holiness and the transformative potential of His work in our lives? Or do we, perhaps, take His presence for granted, or only seek Him when we desire comfort? This narrative also profoundly encourages us to trust in God's sovereign and often veiled plan, even when its full scope and ultimate purpose are hidden from our immediate understanding. Just as Bethlehem's elders were entirely unaware of the world-changing purpose behind Samuel's visit, we too may not always grasp the deeper meaning or ultimate outcome of God's work in our personal lives or in the broader world. Our call is to remain obedient, watchful, and to trust implicitly that God is always working for His glory and our ultimate good, often in ways far grander and more intricate than we can possibly imagine.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where might God be calling me to obey Him, even if it involves personal fear or uncertainty, much like Samuel's journey to Bethlehem?**
* **How does my understanding of God's sovereignty influence my response when I encounter unexpected or seemingly unsettling circumstances in life?**
* **In what ways do I, like the elders of Bethlehem, primarily seek reassurance that God's presence in my life is "peaceable" rather than a call to account, repentance, or transformative change?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of awe and profound reverence for God's active presence, even when His purposes are not immediately clear or His ways seem mysterious?**

### FAQ
**Why were the elders of Bethlehem so afraid of Samuel's arrival?**

Answer: The elders' profound fear stemmed directly from the significant role and immense authority of prophets in ancient Israel. Prophets were not merely religious figures; they were understood to be direct, authoritative messengers of God, often tasked with delivering messages of judgment, rebuke, or a call to national repentance. Samuel, in particular, was a highly respected, powerful, and long-serving prophet who had judged Israel for decades and had been instrumental in anointing and later rejecting King Saul. His unexpected and unannounced arrival in a relatively small town like Bethlehem, without a clear public purpose, would naturally lead the elders to assume he was there to address some specific sin or to pronounce divine judgment upon their community. Their anxious question, "Comest thou peaceably?" [1 Samuel 16:4](/1_samuel/16-4 "1 Samuel 16:4 - Samuel's Arrival in Bethlehem"), highlights their immediate and pressing concern about the true nature of his mission—was it for blessing and peace, or for condemnation and trouble?

**Why did God instruct Samuel to use a "cover story" about a sacrifice?**

Answer: God instructed Samuel to take a heifer for a sacrifice and to invite Jesse and his sons to the sacrifice as a strategic and divinely provided measure to protect Samuel from King Saul. Samuel had expressed a legitimate fear, stating, "If Saul hear it, he will kill me" [1 Samuel 16:2](/1_samuel/16-2 "1 Samuel 16:2 - Samuel's Fear of Saul"). King Saul was by this point consumed by increasing paranoia, jealousy, and a volatile temperament, especially after his rejection by God. If he were to discover that Samuel was on a mission to anoint a new king, he would undoubtedly seek to eliminate both Samuel and the chosen successor. The instruction to offer a sacrifice provided a legitimate, common, and entirely plausible reason for a prophet to visit a town, thereby diverting suspicion and allowing God's sovereign plan for the anointing of David to unfold discreetly and safely. This demonstrates God's practical care for His servant and His meticulous orchestration of events to achieve His purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Samuel's fearful yet obedient journey to Bethlehem, culminating in the hidden anointing of David, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Bethlehem, the seemingly insignificant town where Israel's greatest king was chosen, becomes the prophesied birthplace of the ultimate King, the Messiah [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Birth in Bethlehem"). Just as Samuel's true, world-altering mission was veiled from the elders, Jesus' first coming was marked by profound humility and relative obscurity, His divine kingship hidden from the world's powerful, arriving not with fanfare or earthly might but as a vulnerable baby in a manger [Luke 2:7](/luke/2-7 "Luke 2:7 - Jesus Born in a Manger"). The elders' anxious question, "Comest thou peaceably?", resonates deeply with the reality of Jesus' arrival: He indeed came "peaceably," not to condemn the world but to save it [John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Jesus Came to Save the World"), bringing the ultimate and eternal peace between a holy God and sinful humanity through His atoning sacrifice on the cross [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Peace Through Christ's Blood"). Yet, His presence also brought a spiritual division and judgment for those who rejected Him [Luke 12:51](/luke/12-51 "Luke 12:51 - Jesus Brings Division"), fulfilling the prophetic dual nature of a divine messenger. Ultimately, the anointing of David in Bethlehem by Samuel foreshadows the anointing of Jesus, the true Son of David, by the Holy Spirit, who is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), establishing an eternal kingdom of righteousness and everlasting peace that will never end.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 2:13

And Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably.

1 Chronicles 12:17

And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if [ye be come] to betray me to mine enemies, seeing [there is] no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look [thereon], and rebuke [it].

1 Chronicles 12:18

Then the spirit came upon Amasai, [who was] chief of the captains, [and he said], Thine [are we], David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace [be] unto thee, and peace [be] to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.

Luke 5:8

When Simon Peter saw [it], he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

2 Kings 9:22

And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, [Is it] peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts [are so] many?

1 Samuel 21:1

¶ Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why [art] thou alone, and no man with thee?

1 Kings 17:18

And she said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son?