“And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD.”
Context:To understand the significance of 1 Samuel 16:2, it’s important to look at the context of the verse. The book of 1 Samuel records the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. Saul was the first king of Israel, but due to his disobedience, God rejected him as king. In 1 Samuel 15, Samuel delivers God’s message of rejection to Saul and goes on to anoint David as the future king of Israel. In 1 Samuel 16:2, God instructs Samuel to go to Bethlehem and anoint one of Jesse’s sons as the next king.
The meaning of 1 Samuel 16:2:The verse states, “And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hears it, he will kill me. And the Lord said, Take a heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the Lord.” Here, Samuel expresses concern about going to Bethlehem because he fears Saul’s reaction. Samuel was well aware that Saul’s jealousy and insecurity might lead him to harm anyone he perceived as a threat to his kingship. However, God provides Samuel with a cover story, instructing him to say that he has come to sacrifice to the Lord.
Trusting in God’s guidance:1 Samuel 16:2 highlights Samuel’s trust in God’s guidance and protection. Despite his fear, Samuel is willing to obey God’s command and go to Bethlehem. He knows that God’s plans are greater than his own concerns. Samuel’s faith in God’s ability to protect him ultimately allows him to fulfil his role as God’s prophet and anoint David as the future king.
God’s sovereignty and human obedience:This verse also illustrates God’s sovereignty and the importance of human obedience. God had rejected Saul as king, and He chose David to be the next ruler of Israel. Samuel, as God’s prophet, played a vital role in carrying out God’s plan by anointing David. Despite the potential dangers, Samuel’s obedience to God’s command was crucial in bringing about the fulfilment of God’s purposes.
God’s wisdom in using unexpected individuals:Another significant aspect of this verse is God’s wisdom in choosing David. Jesse’s family might not have been considered the most likely source for a king, but God’s ways are higher than human ways. God looks at the heart, and David, though young and seemingly insignificant, possessed the qualities that made him suitable for kingship.
Application:The story of Samuel anointing David reminds us of the importance of trusting in God’s guidance and obeying His commands, even in challenging circumstances. It encourages us to have faith that God’s plans are perfect, and He can use unexpected individuals to accomplish great things. It also reminds us to focus on the condition of our hearts, as God values inner qualities like faith, obedience, and humility.
Overall, 1 Samuel 16:2 teaches us about trust, obedience, God’s sovereignty, and His wisdom in choosing individuals for His purposes. It encourages us to seek God’s guidance, obey His commands, and trust in His plans, even when faced with difficulties or uncertainties.
