1 samuel 16:4 - 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?”
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What does "1 samuel 16:4" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 16:4 is a key moment in the story of David's anointing. Let's break it down:
"Samuel did that which Yahweh spoke, and came to Bethlehem." This establishes that Samuel is acting under direct instruction from God (Yahweh). He's traveling to Bethlehem as divinely ordered, likely for a specific purpose he hasn't yet disclosed.
"The elders of the city came to meet him trembling..." The elders were the leading men of Bethlehem, responsible for the town's welfare and governance. Their "trembling" indicates fear and apprehension. This is because:
Samuel was a powerful and respected prophet and judge. His presence in a town was significant and often associated with a serious purpose, perhaps a judgment or a political matter.
The elders likely feared they had done something wrong or that Samuel's visit signaled displeasure from God.
Samuel had previously been involved in anointing Saul as King, so the potential for political unrest was there.
"...and said, “Do you come peaceably?”" This question is a direct inquiry about Samuel's intentions. "Peaceably" (Shalom in Hebrew) isn't just asking if he comes in a non-violent way. It encompasses a much wider meaning:
Well-being and Safety: Are things going to be okay for the town?
Harmony: Is this visit meant to disrupt the community's peace and order?
Blessing, not Curse: Is Samuel bringing a positive outcome or something detrimental?
In essence, the verse depicts a scene where a powerful prophet arrives in a town, causing the leaders to fear his purpose. They nervously inquire if his visit signifies good or ill for their community. This sets the stage for the next verses, where Samuel reveals his true mission: to anoint a new king chosen by God. The elders' fear highlights the gravity of the situation and the potential ramifications for their town.
1 samuel 16:4 - 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?”
What does "1 samuel 16:4" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 16:4 is a key moment in the story of David's anointing. Let's break it down:
"Samuel did that which Yahweh spoke, and came to Bethlehem." This establishes that Samuel is acting under direct instruction from God (Yahweh). He's traveling to Bethlehem as divinely ordered, likely for a specific purpose he hasn't yet disclosed.
"The elders of the city came to meet him trembling..." The elders were the leading men of Bethlehem, responsible for the town's welfare and governance. Their "trembling" indicates fear and apprehension. This is because:
Samuel was a powerful and respected prophet and judge. His presence in a town was significant and often associated with a serious purpose, perhaps a judgment or a political matter.
The elders likely feared they had done something wrong or that Samuel's visit signaled displeasure from God.
Samuel had previously been involved in anointing Saul as King, so the potential for political unrest was there.
"...and said, “Do you come peaceably?”" This question is a direct inquiry about Samuel's intentions. "Peaceably" (Shalom in Hebrew) isn't just asking if he comes in a non-violent way. It encompasses a much wider meaning:
Well-being and Safety: Are things going to be okay for the town?
Harmony: Is this visit meant to disrupt the community's peace and order?
Blessing, not Curse: Is Samuel bringing a positive outcome or something detrimental?
In essence, the verse depicts a scene where a powerful prophet arrives in a town, causing the leaders to fear his purpose. They nervously inquire if his visit signifies good or ill for their community. This sets the stage for the next verses, where Samuel reveals his true mission: to anoint a new king chosen by God. The elders' fear highlights the gravity of the situation and the potential ramifications for their town.