1 Samuel 16:5

KJV

And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Peaceably {H7965}: I am come {H935} to sacrifice {H2076} unto the LORD {H3068}: sanctify {H6942} yourselves, and come {H935} with me to the sacrifice {H2077}. And he sanctified {H6942} Jesse {H3448} and his sons {H1121}, and called {H7121} them to the sacrifice {H2077}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He answered, "In peace. I have come to sacrifice to ADONAI. Consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice." He consecrated Yishai and his sons and summoned them to the sacrifice.

Berean Standard Bible

“In peace,” he replied. “I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

American Standard Version

And he said, Peaceably; I am come to sacrifice unto Jehovah: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 16:5, the prophet Samuel arrives in Bethlehem, addressing the fearful elders by declaring his peaceful intent to offer a sacrifice to the LORD. He then commands the townspeople to sanctify themselves for the sacred event. Crucially, Samuel personally oversees the sanctification of Jesse and his sons, subtly preparing them for the divinely appointed, yet veiled, purpose of anointing Israel's next king, a mission known only to Samuel and God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment following God's rejection of King Saul and His command to Samuel to anoint a new king from Jesse's house in Bethlehem ([1 Samuel 16:1](/1_samuel/16-1 "1 Samuel 16:1 - God's Command to Samuel")). Samuel's initial fear of Saul's reprisal ([1 Samuel 16:2](/1_samuel/16-2 "1 Samuel 16:2 - Samuel's Fear")) is addressed by God, who instructs him to use a sacrifice as a legitimate cover for his true mission. Upon Samuel's arrival in Bethlehem, the town elders meet him with apprehension, asking, "Comest thou peaceably?" ([1 Samuel 16:4](/1_samuel/16-4 "1 Samuel 16:4 - The Elders' Apprehension")). Verse 5 is Samuel's reassuring response, establishing the public reason for his visit while simultaneously initiating the process that will lead to David's anointing. The command to "sanctify yourselves" is a necessary step for participation in a holy ritual, but its specific application to Jesse and his sons foreshadows their central role in the unfolding divine drama.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Israel during the period of the monarchy's early establishment, specifically following Saul's disobedience and rejection as king ([1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Disobedience")). Samuel, as a prominent prophet and judge, held significant spiritual and political authority, and his unannounced arrival in a small town like Bethlehem would naturally cause alarm, given his past pronouncements of judgment. Sacrifice was a central act of worship in Israelite religion, serving purposes of atonement, thanksgiving, and communion with God. Such events often involved communal participation and required ritual purity, or "sanctification," which typically included washing, changing clothes, and abstaining from certain activities, as seen in instances like the preparation for the giving of the Law at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-10 "Exodus 19:10 - Preparation for God's Presence at Sinai"). This public sacrifice provided a culturally acceptable and divinely sanctioned pretext for Samuel's private, clandestine mission to anoint the next king, allowing God's sovereign plan to unfold discreetly amidst ordinary religious practice.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Hidden Purpose**. God's plan to replace Saul is unfolding, but not through overt political maneuvering; rather, it is veiled within a seemingly routine religious act. Samuel's obedience to God's specific, even deceptive, instructions highlights the theme of **Obedience to Divine Command**, even when the full scope of the plan is not publicly revealed. The command to "sanctify yourselves" underscores the enduring biblical principle of **Ritual Purity and Holiness** required for approaching God, whether in worship or in preparation for a divine encounter. This concept is foundational to Israelite law and worship, emphasizing that God is holy and demands a corresponding holiness from those who draw near to Him, as seen in the instructions given in [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"). Finally, the narrative subtly introduces the theme of **God's Choice of the Unlikely**, as the focus shifts to Jesse's household, from which the future king, David, will emerge, demonstrating God's ability to work through humble and unexpected means to achieve His grand purposes, a truth echoed in [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Foolish and Weak").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peaceably (Hebrew, _shalom'_):** The Hebrew word שָׁלוֹם (_shalom_) is far richer than the English "peaceably." It denotes not merely the absence of conflict but encompasses completeness, wholeness, well-being, prosperity, health, and harmony. When Samuel declares "Peaceably," he is offering a comprehensive assurance of good intent, that his presence brings no harm, judgment, or disruption, but rather a state of wholeness and rightness, despite the underlying, unrevealed divine agenda.
* **Sacrifice (Hebrew, _zevach'_):** The term זֶבַח (_zevach_) refers to a communal sacrifice, often involving the eating of the sacrificial meat by the participants. This distinguishes it from other types of offerings (like burnt offerings that were entirely consumed). Samuel's declaration of coming to "sacrifice unto the LORD" indicates a legitimate, public, and communal act of worship, providing a perfect cover for his true mission while also serving as a genuine act of devotion.
* **Sanctify (Hebrew, _qadash'_):** The verb קָדַשׁ (_qadash_) means "to set apart," "to consecrate," or "to make holy." In a ritual context, it involved a process of purification—often including washing, changing clothes, and abstaining from certain activities—to prepare individuals to enter God's presence or participate in sacred acts. Samuel's command to "sanctify yourselves" was a standard requirement for anyone participating in a communal sacrifice, ensuring ritual purity and reverence before approaching the holy God. His personal sanctification of Jesse and his sons highlights their specific, divinely ordained role in the unfolding events.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Peaceably:"** Samuel's immediate response to the fearful elders of Bethlehem, assuring them that his arrival is not for judgment or harm, but for benevolent purposes. This declaration of _shalom_ serves to calm their apprehension and open the way for his mission.
* **"I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD:"** This statement provides the legitimate, public, and religiously acceptable reason for Samuel's presence in Bethlehem. While true in itself, it also functions as a divinely sanctioned cover for his secret task of anointing a new king, demonstrating God's sovereign ability to work through ordinary means to accomplish extraordinary ends.
* **"sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice."** This is a command for ritual purification, a necessary prerequisite for anyone participating in or even observing a holy sacrifice in ancient Israel. It signifies preparation and reverence for approaching God. The invitation to "come with me" implies a communal aspect to the sacrifice, drawing the townspeople into the event.
* **"And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice."** This clause reveals the specific focus of Samuel's actions. While the general command was for all to sanctify themselves, Samuel personally ensures the purification of Jesse and his sons. This direct involvement highlights their particular importance to the divine plan, setting them apart, even unknowingly, for the imminent revelation of God's chosen king.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several key literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Samuel's stated purpose for visiting Bethlehem—to offer a sacrifice—is true, yet simultaneously serves as a divinely orchestrated ruse to conceal his primary mission of anointing David. The outward act of communal worship masks the profound, hidden act of transferring divine kingship. **Foreshadowing** is evident in Samuel's specific sanctification of Jesse and his sons; this ritual preparation for a sacrifice subtly prefigures the anointing of one of them as king, a far more significant consecration. The act of **Symbolism** is also at play, with the sacrifice itself symbolizing legitimate religious activity and a means of communion with God, thereby providing a credible context for Samuel's presence and actions, while also representing the deeper spiritual cleansing required for divine encounter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The narrative in 1 Samuel 16:5 underscores profound theological truths about God's sovereignty, His methods, and the nature of human interaction with the divine. God's purposes are often veiled, unfolding not always through dramatic displays of power, but through seemingly ordinary events and human obedience. Samuel's obedience to God's instruction to use a sacrifice as a cover demonstrates that God's ways are not always our ways, and His wisdom far surpasses human understanding. The emphasis on sanctification reminds us that approaching a holy God, whether in ancient Israelite sacrifice or contemporary worship, requires a setting apart, a purification of heart and life. This preparation is not merely ritualistic but points to an inner posture of reverence and readiness for divine encounter, highlighting that God values not just the act of worship, but the state of the worshiper.

* [Exodus 19:10-11](/exodus/19-10 "Exodus 19:10-11 - Preparation for God's Presence at Sinai")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher")
* [Romans 11:33](/romans/11-33 "Romans 11:33 - The Unsearchable Riches of God's Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 16:5 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us that God often works in ways we don't immediately perceive, using ordinary circumstances to accomplish extraordinary divine purposes. We are called to trust His sovereign hand, even when His plans are veiled or seem counterintuitive. Our task is to remain obedient and faithful, understanding that our seemingly small acts of obedience can be part of a much larger, divine tapestry. Secondly, the command to "sanctify yourselves" remains a crucial principle. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the call to spiritual preparation and holiness when approaching God is timeless. True worship and effective service flow from a heart that is set apart for God, cleansed by His grace, and dedicated to His will. This involves a continuous process of repentance, seeking purity, and aligning our lives with His character, ensuring that our outward acts of devotion are matched by an inward state of consecration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be working in "hidden" ways, using ordinary circumstances to achieve His greater purposes?**
* **How does the concept of "sanctification" (setting yourself apart for God) apply to your daily life and worship today?**
* **What steps can you take to cultivate a heart of greater purity and readiness to encounter God in your spiritual disciplines?**
* **How does Samuel's obedience, even when the full plan was not public, challenge or encourage your own walk of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why did Samuel need to "sanctify" Jesse and his sons specifically, beyond the general command?**

Answer: While Samuel commanded all the townspeople to sanctify themselves for the communal sacrifice, his personal oversight and specific sanctification of Jesse and his sons was a crucial, divinely guided act that narrowed the focus of his mission. This specific sanctification was a preparatory step for the anointing of the new king. Although the purpose was not revealed to Jesse or his sons at this point, it set them apart ritually, ensuring that the chosen individual would be in a state of purity for the momentous divine appointment that was about to occur. It underscored that God's choice would come from this particular household, making them central to the unfolding of His sovereign plan for Israel's future leadership. This specific act highlights God's meticulous attention to detail in preparing His chosen instruments.

**What was the significance of Samuel using a "sacrifice" as a cover for his true mission?**

Answer: The use of a "sacrifice" was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it provided a legitimate and culturally acceptable public reason for Samuel's presence in Bethlehem. As a prophet, Samuel frequently officiated at such events, so his arrival for a sacrifice would not raise undue suspicion, especially from King Saul's watchful eye ([1 Samuel 16:2](/1_samuel/16-2 "1 Samuel 16:2 - Samuel's Fear of Saul")). Secondly, it allowed Samuel to gather Jesse and his sons without drawing attention to the true, confidential nature of his visit. The sacrifice served as a natural and unobtrusive way to bring the candidates for kingship into his presence. Thirdly, it demonstrated God's sovereign wisdom in orchestrating His plans. God did not need to perform a public miracle or send Samuel with an overt political declaration; instead, He used an ordinary, religious act to veil His extraordinary purpose, showing that His work often unfolds subtly within the fabric of daily life. This allowed the divine selection of David to occur under the radar, protecting Samuel and the future king from Saul's immediate wrath.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 16:5, with its themes of veiled divine purpose, preparation, and sacrifice, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Samuel's arrival to anoint a king, hidden beneath the guise of a sacrifice, foreshadows God's ultimate plan for a new King, Jesus, whose kingdom was established not through overt political power, but through the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the true and final sacrifice that sanctifies His people once for all ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Sacrifice")). The command to "sanctify yourselves" for the sacrifice points to the spiritual cleansing and setting apart that believers receive through Christ's atoning work. We are made holy and consecrated not by ritual washing, but by the blood of Christ, enabling us to approach God with confidence ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")). Just as David was chosen from an unlikely family in Bethlehem, Jesus, the Son of David, came in humility, born in that very town, establishing a spiritual kingdom that was initially hidden from the world's view but ultimately reigns supreme ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). This passage reminds us that God's greatest work often unfolds in unassuming ways, culminating in Christ, our King and High Priest, who sanctifies us and calls us into His eternal sacrifice and reign ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Holy Priesthood") and [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

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

Exodus 19:10

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes,

Leviticus 20:7

Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I [am] the LORD your God.

Leviticus 20:8

And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I [am] the LORD which sanctify you.

Joshua 3:5

And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you.

Joshua 7:13

Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, [There is] an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.

1 Corinthians 11:28

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of [that] bread, and drink of [that] cup.

Exodus 19:14

And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes.