CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 16:4 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?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/16-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/09_1Sa_16_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 16:4 - Samuel Anoints David" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/16-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/16-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/16.htm">Chapter 16</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/16-3.htm" title="1 Samuel 16:3">◄</a> 1 Samuel 16:4 <a href="/1_samuel/16-5.htm" title="1 Samuel 16:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/16.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/16.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Samuel did what the LORD said. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled when they met him. They asked, &#8220Do you come in peace?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/16.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So Samuel did as the LORD instructed. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town came trembling to meet him. “What’s wrong?” they asked. “Do you come in peace?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Samuel did what the LORD commanded and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling and said, “Do you come peaceably?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So Samuel did what the LORD said, and went to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, “Do you come peaceably?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Samuel did what the LORD told <i>him,</i> and he came to Bethlehem. Then the elders of the city came trembling to meet him and said, “Do you come in peace?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So Samuel did what the LORD said, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the city came trembling to meet him and said, &#8220Do you come in peace?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So Samuel did what the LORD said, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the city came trembling to meet him and said, “Do you come in peace?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So Samuel did what Yahweh said and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the city came trembling to meet him and said, “Do you come in peace?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So Samuel did what the LORD said, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the city came trembling to meet him and said, “Do you come in peace?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Samuel did what the LORD directed and went to Bethlehem. When the elders of the town met him, they trembled and asked, “Do you come in peace? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Samuel did what the LORD directed and went to Bethlehem. When the elders of the town met him, they trembled and asked, &#8220Do you come in peace?&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Samuel did what the LORD told him and went to Bethlehem. The town leaders went to meet him, but they were terribly afraid and asked, "Is this a friendly visit?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Beth-lehem. And the elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, Comest thou peaceably?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Samuel did what the LORD told him. When he came to Bethlehem, the leaders of the city, trembling with fear, greeted him and said, "May peace be with you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Samuel did what the LORD told him to do and went to Bethlehem, where the city leaders came trembling to meet him and asked, "Is this a peaceful visit, seer?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Samuel did what the LORD said and went to Bethlehem. The elders of the town came out to meet him trembling, and said, "May your coming be in peace."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Samuel did what the LORD told him. When he arrived in Bethlehem, the elders of the city were afraid to meet him. They said, "Do you come in peace?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And Samuel did what the LORD said, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the city came to meet him trembling. And they said, "Is your visit peaceful, seer?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Samuel did that which the LORD spoke, and came to Beth-lehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Samuel did that which Yahweh spoke, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, “Do you come peaceably?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Samuel does that which YHWH has spoken, and comes to Beth-Lehem, and [the] elderly of the city tremble to meet him, and [one] says, “Is your coming peace?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Samuel doth that which Jehovah hath spoken, and cometh in to Beth-Lehem, and the elders of the city tremble to meet him, and one saith, 'Is thy coming peace?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Samuel will do what Jehovah spake, and he will go to the House of Bread. And the old men of the city will tremble to meet him, and say, Thy coming peace?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Then Samuel did as the Lord had said to him. And he came to Bethlehem, and the ancients of the city wondered, and meeting him, they said: Is thy coming hither peaceable? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, Samuel did just as the Lord told him. And he went to Bethlehem, and the elders of the city wondered. And meeting him, they said, “Is your arrival peaceful?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Samuel did as the LORD had commanded him. When he entered Bethlehem, the elders of the city came trembling to meet him and asked, “Is your visit peaceful, O seer?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Samuel did what the LORD commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, “Do you come peaceably?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Samuel did as the LORD had commanded him, and came to Bethlehem of Judah. And the elders of the town went out to meet him, and said, Is your coming peaceable?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Shemueil did as LORD JEHOVAH commanded him and came to Bayth Lekhem of Yehuda, and the Elders of the city went out to meet him, and they said: “Do you come in peace?”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Samuel did that which the LORD spoke, and came to Beth-lehem. And the elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said: 'Comest thou peaceably?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Samuel did all that the Lord told him; and he came to Bethleem: and the elders of the city were amazed at meeting him, and said, Dost thou come peaceably, thou Seer?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/16-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=4411" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/16.htm">Samuel Anoints David</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you are to do. You are to anoint for Me the one I indicate.” <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8050.htm" title="8050: šə·mū·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- Name of God, a prophet of Isr. From the passive participle of shama' and 'el; heard of God; Shemuel, the name of three Israelites.">So Samuel</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: way·ya·‘aś (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">did</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">what</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dib·ber (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">had said</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">and went</a> <a href="/hebrew/1035.htm" title="1035: bêṯ (Prep) -- From bayith and lechem; house of bread; Beth- Lechem, a place in Palestine."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1035.htm" title="1035: lā·ḥem (N-proper-fs) -- From bayith and lechem; house of bread; Beth- Lechem, a place in Palestine.">to Bethlehem.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2205.htm" title="2205: ziq·nê (Adj-mpc) -- Old. From zaqen; old.">When the elders</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: hā·‘îr (Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">of the town</a> <a href="/hebrew/7122.htm" title="7122: liq·rā·ṯōw (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3ms) -- To encounter, befall. A primitive root: to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner.">met him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2729.htm" title="2729: way·ye·ḥer·ḏū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To tremble, be terrified. A primitive root; to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten.">they trembled</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and asked,</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bō·w·’e·ḵā (V-Qal-Inf:: 2ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">“Do you come</a> <a href="/hebrew/7965.htm" title="7965: šā·lōm (N-ms) -- Or shalom; from shalam; safe, i.e. well, happy, friendly; also welfare, i.e. Health, prosperity, peace.">in peace?”</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>“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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/17-18.htm">1 Kings 17:18</a></span><br />“O man of God,” said the woman to Elijah, “what have you done to me? Have you come to remind me of my iniquity and cause the death of my son?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/18-7.htm">1 Kings 18:7-8</a></span><br />Now as Obadiah went on his way, Elijah suddenly met him. When Obadiah recognized him, he fell facedown and said, “Is it you, my lord Elijah?” / “It is I,” he answered. “Go tell your master, ‘Elijah is here!’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-9.htm">2 Kings 4:9</a></span><br />Then the woman said to her husband, “Behold, now I know that the one who often comes our way is a holy man of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-13.htm">2 Kings 4:13</a></span><br />and Elisha said to Gehazi, “Now tell her, ‘Look, you have gone to all this trouble for us. What can we do for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’” “I have a home among my own people,” she replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/9-18.htm">2 Kings 9:18-19</a></span><br />So a horseman rode off to meet Jehu and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” And the watchman reported, “The messenger reached them, but he is not coming back.” / So the king sent out a second horseman, who went to them and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/9-31.htm">2 Kings 9:31</a></span><br />And as Jehu entered the gate, she asked, “Have you come in peace, O Zimri, murderer of your master?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/10-4.htm">2 Kings 10:4</a></span><br />But they were terrified and reasoned, “If two kings could not stand against him, how can we?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/10-16.htm">2 Kings 10:16</a></span><br />saying, “Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD!” So he had him ride in his chariot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/10-23.htm">2 Kings 10:23</a></span><br />Next, Jehu and Jehonadab son of Rechab entered the temple of Baal, and Jehu said to the servants of Baal, “Look around to see that there are no servants of the LORD here among you—only servants of Baal.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/10-25.htm">2 Kings 10:25</a></span><br />When he had finished making the burnt offering, Jehu said to the guards and officers, “Go in and kill them. Do not let anyone out.” So the guards and officers put them to the sword, threw the bodies out, and went into the inner room of the temple of Baal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-10.htm">Matthew 21:10-11</a></span><br />When Jesus had entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” / The crowds replied, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-46.htm">Matthew 21:46</a></span><br />Although they wanted to arrest Him, they were afraid of the crowds, because the people regarded Him as a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/1-27.htm">Mark 1:27</a></span><br />All the people were amazed and began to ask one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/6-14.htm">Mark 6:14-16</a></span><br />Now King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” / Others were saying, “He is Elijah,” and still others, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” / But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has risen from the dead!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/11-18.htm">Mark 11:18</a></span><br />When the chief priests and scribes heard this, they looked for a way to kill Him. For they were afraid of Him, because the whole crowd was astonished at His teaching.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Samuel did that which the LORD spoke, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Come you peaceably?</p><p class="hdg">trembled</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/21-1.htm">1 Samuel 21:1</a></b></br> Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why <i>art</i> thou alone, and no man with thee?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/6-9.htm">2 Samuel 6:9</a></b></br> And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/17-18.htm">1 Kings 17:18</a></b></br> 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?</p><p class="hdg">coming [heb] meeting </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/2-13.htm">1 Kings 2:13</a></b></br> And Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/9-22.htm">2 Kings 9:22</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, <i>Is it</i> peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts <i>are so</i> many?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/12-17.htm">1 Chronicles 12:17,18</a></b></br> 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 <i>ye be come</i> to betray me to mine enemies, seeing <i>there is</i> no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look <i>thereon</i>, and rebuke <i>it</i>… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/13-10.htm">Arrived</a> <a href="/ruth/4-11.htm">Bethlehem</a> <a href="/ruth/4-11.htm">Beth-Lehem</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-5.htm">City</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-28.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-30.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-12.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-10.htm">Met</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-9.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/judges/21-13.htm">Peaceably</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-3.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-2.htm">Samuel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-6.htm">Tremble</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-15.htm">Trembled</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-15.htm">Trembling</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/16-6.htm">Arrived</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-12.htm">Bethlehem</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-12.htm">Beth-Lehem</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-6.htm">City</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-20.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-26.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-21.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-30.htm">Met</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-5.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-5.htm">Peaceably</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-16.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-5.htm">Samuel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-2.htm">Tremble</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-1.htm">Trembled</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-1.htm">Trembling</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 16</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/16-1.htm">Samuel sent by God, under pretense of a sacrifice, comes to Bethlehem</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/16-6.htm">His human judgment is reproved</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/16-11.htm">He anoints David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/16-15.htm">Saul sends for David to quiet his evil spirit</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So Samuel did what the LORD had said</b><br>Samuel's obedience to God's command is a key theme in this passage. As a prophet, Samuel's role was to listen to and act upon God's instructions. This obedience is reminiscent of other biblical figures like Abraham, who also followed God's directives without hesitation. Samuel's actions demonstrate his faithfulness and trust in God's plan, even when the full picture was not revealed to him. This obedience is a model for believers, emphasizing the importance of following God's will.<p><b>and went to Bethlehem</b><br>Bethlehem, a small town in Judah, holds significant biblical importance. It is the birthplace of King David, whom Samuel is about to anoint, and later becomes the birthplace of Jesus Christ, fulfilling the prophecy in <a href="/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2</a>. The town's name means "house of bread," which is symbolically significant as Jesus, the "bread of life," was born there. Bethlehem's role in biblical history underscores God's sovereign plan and the unfolding of His promises through seemingly humble beginnings.<p><b>When the elders of the town met him</b><br>The elders were the leaders and decision-makers in the town, responsible for maintaining order and justice. Their meeting with Samuel indicates the respect and authority he commanded as a prophet. In ancient Israel, elders played a crucial role in community life, often serving as judges and advisors. Their involvement in this narrative highlights the communal aspect of Israelite society and the importance of leadership in guiding the people according to God's laws.<p><b>they trembled and asked</b><br>The elders' trembling suggests a sense of fear or reverence. Prophets often brought messages of judgment or correction, so Samuel's unexpected visit could have been perceived as a sign of impending divine intervention. This reaction reflects the seriousness with which the Israelites regarded prophetic authority and the potential consequences of disobedience to God's commands. The fear of the Lord is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing the awe and respect due to God's power and holiness.<p><b>“Do you come in peace?”</b><br>This question reveals the elders' concern about the nature of Samuel's visit. In a time when prophets could deliver messages of both blessing and judgment, the inquiry reflects their desire for reassurance. The concept of peace, or "shalom," in Hebrew, encompasses not only the absence of conflict but also the presence of wholeness and well-being. This greeting underscores the hope for God's favor and the desire for harmony within the community. Samuel's peaceful mission to anoint David as king foreshadows the ultimate peace brought by Jesus, the Prince of Peace.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel</a></b><br>A prophet and judge of Israel, Samuel is obedient to God's command to anoint a new king, demonstrating his faithfulness and dedication to God's will.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>God, who directs Samuel to go to Bethlehem to anoint David as the future king of Israel, showing His sovereign plan and choice.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/bethlehem.htm">Bethlehem</a></b><br>A small town in Judah, significant as the birthplace of David and later Jesus, highlighting its importance in biblical history.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/elders_of_the_city.htm">Elders of the City</a></b><br>The leaders of Bethlehem who are initially fearful of Samuel's visit, indicating the weight and authority of Samuel's presence as a prophet.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/e/event_of_anointing.htm">Event of Anointing</a></b><br>This event sets the stage for David's anointing as king, a pivotal moment in Israel's history that aligns with God's plan for His people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_command.htm">Obedience to God's Command</a></b><br>Samuel's immediate action upon God's instruction teaches us the importance of obedience and trust in God's plan, even when the outcome is uncertain.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>The choice of Bethlehem and David illustrates God's sovereign control over history and His ability to use humble beginnings for great purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/fear_and_reverence.htm">Fear and Reverence</a></b><br>The elders' reaction to Samuel's arrival reminds us of the reverence due to God's messengers and the seriousness of God's work.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_leadership.htm">Preparation for Leadership</a></b><br>David's anointing, though not immediate in its fulfillment, shows that God prepares His chosen leaders in His timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/peaceful_intentions.htm">Peaceful Intentions</a></b><br>Samuel's assurance of peace upon his arrival encourages us to approach others with peace and clarity of purpose in our interactions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 16</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_tell_samuel_to_deceive_saul.htm">In 1 Samuel 16:1-3, why does God instruct Samuel to conceal his true purpose from Saul, seemingly endorsing deception?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_david_anointed_again_in_2_samuel.htm">In 2 Samuel 2:4, why is David anointed again when he was already anointed in 1 Samuel 16:13?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_david_justify_punishing_killers.htm">2 Samuel 4:8-11 - How can David both punish the men for killing Ishbosheth and still claim God's hand in his rise to power without contradiction?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_1_sam_9_15-17_conflict_with_other_texts.htm">Does 1 Samuel 9:15-17, describing God's direct revelation to Samuel about Saul, conflict with other biblical texts suggesting a more gradual or indirect selection of leaders?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">Trembled at his coming.</span>--The appearance of the aged seer, with the heifer and the long horn of holy oil, at first terrified the villagers of the quiet, secluded Bethlehem. The name and appearance of the old seer was well known in all the coasts of Israel. Why had he come thus suddenly among them? Had their still remote township then been the scene of some unknown and grave crime? What was happening in Israel, which brought Samuel the seer to little Bethlehem?<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/16-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So Samuel</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁמוּאֵ֗ל</span> <span class="translit">(šə·mū·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8050.htm">Strong's 8050: </a> </span><span class="str2">Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">did</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֣עַשׂ</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘aś)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had said</span><br /><span class="heb">דִּבֶּ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(dib·ber)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and went</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּבֹ֖א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḇō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to Bethlehem.</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֑חֶם</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḥem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1035.htm">Strong's 1035: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bethlehem -- 'place of bread', a city in Judah, also a city in Zebulun</span><br /><br /><span class="word">When the elders</span><br /><span class="heb">זִקְנֵ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(ziq·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2205.htm">Strong's 2205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Old</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the town</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעִיר֙</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘îr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">met him,</span><br /><span class="heb">לִקְרָאת֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(liq·rā·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7122.htm">Strong's 7122: </a> </span><span class="str2">To encounter, befall</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they trembled</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֶּחֶרְד֞וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·ye·ḥer·ḏū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2729.htm">Strong's 2729: </a> </span><span class="str2">To shudder with terror, to fear, to hasten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and asked,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֖אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Do you come</span><br /><span class="heb">בּוֹאֶֽךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(bō·w·’e·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in peace?”</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁלֹ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(šā·lōm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7965.htm">Strong's 7965: </a> </span><span class="str2">Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/16-4.htm">1 Samuel 16:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/16-4.htm">1 Samuel 16:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/16-4.htm">1 Samuel 16:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/16-4.htm">1 Samuel 16:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/16-4.htm">1 Samuel 16:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/16-4.htm">1 Samuel 16:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/16-4.htm">1 Samuel 16:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/16-4.htm">1 Samuel 16:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/16-4.htm">1 Samuel 16:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/16-4.htm">1 Samuel 16:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/16-4.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 16:4 Samuel did that which Yahweh spoke (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/16-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 16:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 16:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/16-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 16:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 16:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>