1 Samuel 16:4
1 Samuel 16:4 in Multiple Translations
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?”
And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Beth-lehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?
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?
And Samuel did as the Lord said and came to Beth-lehem. And the responsible men of the town came out to him in fear and said, Do you come in peace?
Samuel did what the Lord had told him to and went to Bethlehem. When the town elders met him, they were afraid and asked him, “Do you come in peace?”
So Samuel did that the Lord bade him, and came to Beth-lehem, and the Elders of the towne were astonied at his comming, and sayd, Commest thou peaceablie?
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?'
Samuel did that which the LORD spoke, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, “Do you come peaceably?”
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?
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?
Samuel did what Yahweh told him to do. He went to Bethlehem. When the town leaders came to him, they trembled, because they were worried that Samuel had come to rebuke them about something. One of them asked him, “Have you come to speak peacefully to us?”
Samuel listened to God, and he went to Bethlehem. After he got there, the elders of the town came to meet him. They were really afraid. They were so frightened that they shook, and they asked, “Did you come with good news? Or are you angry with us?”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 16:4
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 16:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֣עַשׂ
שְׁמוּאֵ֗ל
אֵ֚ת
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
דִּבֶּ֣ר
יְהוָ֔ה
וַ/יָּבֹ֖א
בֵּ֣ית
לָ֑חֶם
וַ/יֶּחֶרְד֞וּ
זִקְנֵ֤י
הָ/עִיר֙
לִ/קְרָאת֔/וֹ
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
שָׁלֹ֥ם
בּוֹאֶֽ/ךָ
וַ/יַּ֣עַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שְׁמוּאֵ֗ל
Shᵉmûwʼêl
H8050
Shemuel
N-proper
אֵ֚ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
דִּבֶּ֣ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וַ/יָּבֹ֖א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בֵּ֣ית
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
Bethlehem
N-proper
לָ֑חֶם
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
Bethlehem
N-proper
וַ/יֶּחֶרְד֞וּ
chârad
H2729
to tremble
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
זִקְנֵ֤י
zâqên
H2205
old
Adj
הָ/עִיר֙
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
לִ/קְרָאת֔/וֹ
qârâʼ
H7122
to encounter
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁלֹ֥ם
shâlôwm
H7965
Peace
N-ms
בּוֹאֶֽ/ךָ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 16:4
וַ/יַּ֣עַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
שְׁמוּאֵ֗ל
Shᵉmûwʼêl
H8050
"Shemuel"
N-proper
Shemuel was the name of three Israelites, including a judge and prophet of Israel during the time of King Saul and King David. His name means his name is El and he was the son of Elkanah and Hannah.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Issachar living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.2; son of: Tola (H8439); brother of: Uzzi (H5813H), Rephaiah (H7509I), Jeriel (H3400), Jahmai (H3181) and Ibsam (H3005) § Samuel = "his name is El" 1) son of Elkanah by his wife Hannah and judge or prophet of Israel during the days of Saul and David 2) son Ammihud and the prince of the tribe of Simeon who was chosen to divide the land of Canaan between the tribes. Spelled 'Shemuel' 3) son of Tola and grandson of Issachar. Spelled 'Shemuel'
Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: Samuel, Shemuel. See also: Numbers 34:20; 1 Samuel 12:1; Psalms 99:6.
אֵ֚ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
דִּבֶּ֣ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וַ/יָּבֹ֖א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
בֵּ֣ית
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
"Bethlehem"
N-proper
Beth-lehem means house of bread, a place in Zebulun. The name describes a location known for its food production, later becoming famous as Jesus' birthplace in the New Testament.
Definition: § Beth-lehem = "house of bread (food)" a place in Zebulun
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Bethlehem. See also: Genesis 35:19; 1 Samuel 17:15; Jeremiah 41:17.
לָ֑חֶם
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
"Bethlehem"
N-proper
Beth-lehem means house of bread, a place in Zebulun. The name describes a location known for its food production, later becoming famous as Jesus' birthplace in the New Testament.
Definition: § Beth-lehem = "house of bread (food)" a place in Zebulun
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Bethlehem. See also: Genesis 35:19; 1 Samuel 17:15; Jeremiah 41:17.
וַ/יֶּחֶרְד֞וּ
chârad
H2729
"to tremble"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to tremble with fear or anxiety, like when the Israelites trembled at Mount Sinai. It can also mean to hasten or be careful. In the Bible, it appears in Exodus and other books.
Definition: 1) to tremble, quake, move about, be afraid, be startled, be terrified 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tremble, quake (of a mountain) 1a2) to tremble (of people) 1a3) to be anxiously careful 1a4) to go or come trembling (with prep) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to tremble 1b2) to drive in terror, rout (an army)
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: be (make) afraid, be careful, discomfit, fray (away), quake, tremble. See also: Genesis 27:33; Isaiah 17:2; Isaiah 10:29.
זִקְנֵ֤י
zâqên
H2205
"old"
Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
הָ/עִיר֙
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
לִ/קְרָאת֔/וֹ
qârâʼ
H7122
"to encounter"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This word means to encounter or meet someone, either by chance or on purpose. It can describe a friendly meeting or a hostile one. In Exodus, the Israelites encountered God on Mount Sinai.
Definition: : meet 1) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to meet, meet unexpectedly 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: befall, (by) chance, (cause to) come (upon), fall out, happen, meet. See also: Genesis 42:4; 1 Samuel 17:48; Isaiah 51:19.
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
שָׁלֹ֥ם
shâlôwm
H7965
"Peace"
N-ms
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.
בּוֹאֶֽ/ךָ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 16:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 16:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 16:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 16:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:4
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:4
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 16:4
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 16:4
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:4
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 16:4
Context — Samuel Anoints David
2“How can I go?” Samuel asked. “Saul will hear of it and kill me!” The LORD answered, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’
3Then 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.”
4So 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?”
5“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. 6When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and said, “Surely here before the LORD is His anointed.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 2:13 | Now Adonijah son of Haggith went to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, and she asked, “Do you come in peace?” “Yes, in peace,” he replied. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 12:17–18 | And David went out to meet them, saying, “If you have come to me in peace to help me, my heart will be united with you; but if you have come to betray me to my enemies when my hands are free of violence, may the God of our fathers see it and judge you.” Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, the chief of the Thirty, and he said: “We are yours, O David! We are with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers, for your God helps you.” So David received them and made them leaders of his troops. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 21:1 | Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And when Ahimelech met David, he trembled and asked him, “Why are you alone? Why is no one with you?” |
| 4 | Luke 5:8 | When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees. “Go away from me, Lord,” he said, “for I am a sinful man.” |
| 5 | 2 Kings 9:22 | When Joram saw Jehu, he asked, “Have you come in peace, Jehu?” “How can there be peace,” he replied, “as long as the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?” |
| 6 | 1 Kings 17:18 | “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?” |
| 7 | Genesis 48:7 | Now as for me, when I was returning from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died along the way in the land of Canaan, some distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem). |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 6:9 | That day David feared the LORD and asked, “How can the ark of the LORD ever come to me?” |
| 9 | Luke 8:37 | Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to depart from them, because great fear had taken hold of them. So He got into the boat and started back. |
| 10 | Hosea 6:5 | Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of My mouth, and My judgments go forth like lightning. |
1 Samuel 16:4 Summary
[In this verse, we see Samuel obeying the Lord's instructions and going to Bethlehem to anoint a new king. The elders of the town were nervous and asked if he came in peace, which shows they respected Samuel as a prophet of the Lord. This story teaches us the importance of obedience and respect for those who serve God, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:1 and Proverbs 22:1. By following Samuel's example, we can learn to trust in the Lord's sovereignty and show reverence to those who serve Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the elders of Bethlehem tremble when they met Samuel?
The elders trembled because they recognized Samuel as a prophet of the Lord and were likely aware of his role in anointing kings, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:1, and were unsure of his intentions, which is why they asked if he came in peace.
What was the purpose of Samuel's visit to Bethlehem?
The purpose of Samuel's visit was to anoint a new king from among the sons of Jesse, as instructed by the Lord in 1 Samuel 16:3, and to offer a sacrifice to the Lord.
How did the elders know to ask if Samuel came in peace?
The elders asked if Samuel came in peace because it was a common greeting in those times, as seen in Judges 19:20, and they wanted to know if his visit was for a friendly or hostile purpose.
What can we learn from the elders' reaction to Samuel's visit?
We can learn the importance of humility and reverence when encountering God's servants, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:4, and the need to be mindful of our actions and intentions, as taught in Proverbs 22:1.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show reverence and respect to those who serve the Lord, just like the elders of Bethlehem did?
- How can I apply the principle of seeking peace, as seen in this verse, to my daily interactions with others?
- What are some times in my life when I have felt a sense of uncertainty or fear, like the elders of Bethlehem, and how did I respond?
- How can I trust in the Lord's sovereignty, just like Samuel did, when faced with uncertain or challenging situations?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 16:4
And Samuel did that which the Lord spake,.... He filled a horn of oil, and took an heifer with him: and came to Bethlehem; where Jesse and his family lived, which, according to Bunting (y), was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 16:4
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? The elders of the town trembled at his coming.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:4
The elders of the town trembled at his coming; partly because it was strange and unexpected to them, this being but an obscure town, , and remote from Samuel, and therefore they justly thought there was some extraordinary reason for it; and their guilty consciences made them fear that he came to denounce some dreadful and particular judgment of God upon them; and partly lest Saul, whose heart was estranged from and incensed against Samuel, should upon this occasion conceive a jealousy of them, and a displeasure against them. Peaceably, Heb. in or with peace; either, first, To thyself. Comest thou voluntarily, or to flee from the rage of Saul? Or, secondly, To us. Comest thou with no evil tidings to us, either from God or from Saul? The Hebrew phrase, Comest thou in peace? being as much as to say, (in our phrase,) Is all well?
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:4
1 Samuel 16:4 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?Ver. 4. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming.] Not because they feared him, but themselves, lest guilty of some great sin, or in danger of some grievous judgment, which he came to denounce. They well knew that Samuel was no gadder abroad, and that such a guest came not to them for familiarity. Coming also so unexpectedly and so privately, they might well fear he had fled from Saul, and that evil would befall them for his sake, as it afterwards did to Nob for David’ s sake. Comest thou peaceably?] It is a good thing to stand in awe of God’ s messengers, and to hold good terms with them upon all occasions. Zedekiah is blamed for not humbling himself before Jeremiah the prophet, speaking from the mouth of the Lord.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:4
(4) Trembled at his coming.—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?
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:4
Verse 4. The elders of the town trembled at his coming] They knew he was a prophet of the Lord, and they were afraid that he was now come to denounce some judgments of the Most High against their city.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 16:4
4. the elders of the town, &c.] The elders of the city (see note on 1 Samuel 8:4) came to meet him trembling. Perhaps Samuel’s visits were often made with the view of rebuking sin and correcting abuses, and hence their alarm: or the breach between him and Saul may have made the elders afraid of incurring the royal displeasure by welcoming him.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 16:4
Trembled - There was evidently something unusual in Samuel’s coming to Bethlehem; and the elders, knowing that Samuel was no longer at friendship with Saul, foreboded some evil.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:4
4. The elders of the town trembled at his coming — For what reason we are not told; but probably from suspicion or fear that his coming was for the purpose of punishing some sin among them, or of denouncing some bitter judgment.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 16:4
| Sermon | Description | |
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Judges and Jesters by Scott Hynds | In this sermon, the preacher highlights various concerning practices and beliefs within the church. He mentions instances of people claiming to have encounters with angels and supe |
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(Men God Made) David by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David from the Bible. He starts by mentioning Samuel and how he did what the Lord commanded him to do. The speaker then talks abo |
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David Protected by the Priest by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of David and his interactions with Saul and Jonathan. David is hiding from Saul, who is seeking to kill him, and seeks refuge |
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David (2.9.1986) by Peter Maiden | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the unexpected nature of falling into sin. He shares a personal story of an elder from a committed church who recently left his family for a y |
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Sense of the Holy by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the challenge of expressing and understanding the divine. He emphasizes that what Isaiah saw and experienced was beyond human comprehension a |
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Finishing the Course - 03 the Ministry of the Holy Spirit by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being free from the opinions of men and instead being open to the influence of the Holy Spirit. He highlights how in the Ol |
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The Touch of God - Slovakia Conference 2003 (Slovakian/english) by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a man of prayer and brokenness. He shares his own journey of spiritual laziness and how he had to make a decision to |