1 Samuel 16:1 - Meaning and Application

Samuel had gone back to his own house in Ramah, intending to step away from public affairs. He wanted instead to devote himself fully to teaching and training the sons of the prophets, over whom he led as we see later (1 Samuel 19:20). He seems to have found more joy in young prophets than in young princes. From that time until his death, God did not call him again to public work for the nation, except here, when he was sent to anoint David.

God first corrects Samuel for grieving too long over Saul’s rejection. He does not rebuke him for mourning at all, but for going too far in it: “How long will you mourn for Saul?” (1 Samuel 16:1). Samuel is not shown mourning for the loss of his own family position or for his sons being set aside, but he grieves deeply for Saul and Saul’s line. That difference matters, because his own family’s fall came through the people’s foolish dissatisfaction, while Saul’s rejection came from God’s righteous judgment.

Samuel must not keep mourning forever. Since God has rejected Saul, Samuel should accept God’s justice and stop clinging to Saul out of affection. If God is glorified in Saul’s fall, Samuel should be content with that. Also, tears cannot reverse what God has already decided. The decree has already gone out, and his prayers cannot change it (2 Samuel 12:22-23).

He must also remember that Israel will not be left worse off. Samuel should put the good of the whole nation above his private love for Saul. God says, in effect, “Do not mourn for Saul, because I have provided a king for myself.” The people chose a king for themselves, and he turned out badly. Now God will provide a king after his own heart, one who will fit his purpose better (Psalm 89:20; Acts 13:22). Even if Saul is rejected, Israel will not be left like sheep without a shepherd. God already has another man ready for them, and Samuel should let the joy of that future king outweigh his grief for the old one.

Then God sends Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse’s sons. Jesse was likely not a stranger to Samuel. Samuel is told to fill his horn with oil. Saul had been anointed from a small glass flask, which was fragile and held little oil. David is anointed from a horn, which held more oil and lasted longer. That fits the “horn of salvation” God would raise up in the house of his servant David (Luke 1:69).

Samuel then raises a fair concern. If Saul hears about this, he may kill him (1 Samuel 16:2). This shows, first, how evil and violent Saul had become since his rejection. Samuel would not have mentioned the danger if it were not real. It also shows that Samuel’s faith was not as strong as it might have been. If God had sent him, would God not protect him? Even so, the best people are not perfect in faith, and fear is not completely gone from this life. Samuel’s words may also show that he wanted God’s guidance on how to handle the matter wisely, without exposing himself or others more than needed.

God tells him to cover his purpose under the appearance of a sacrifice. He is to say, “I have come to sacrifice,” and that would be true, because he really did come to sacrifice, as was proper when he came to anoint a king (1 Samuel 11:15). As a prophet, Samuel could offer sacrifice wherever and whenever God appointed. So he was not speaking falsely, even though he was also hiding another purpose that he did not need to reveal. God tells him to invite Jesse, who was probably the leading man in the town, and his family to the sacrifice. Then God promises, “I will show you what you shall do.” Those who serve God in God’s way will be guided step by step when they do not know what comes next.

Samuel obeys and goes to Bethlehem, but he does so quietly. He takes no display with him, only a servant to lead the heifer for sacrifice. Still, the elders of Bethlehem tremble when they see him. They fear he has come because God is angry with them and has sent Samuel to announce judgment for the town’s sins. Guilt makes people afraid. It is right, too, that people should feel awe before God’s messengers and tremble at his word. They may also have feared Saul’s anger, since they likely knew how much Saul hated Samuel and thought Saul might blame them for welcoming him.

They ask, “Do you come in peace?” They want to know whether Samuel is safe, whether he is fleeing Saul, and whether he brings no message of judgment against them. We should all want to be on good terms with God’s prophets and fear having God’s word, or their prayers, against us. When the Son of David was born as king of the Jews, all Jerusalem was troubled (Matthew 2:3). Samuel’s coming was unusual, since he stayed at home so much, so the people naturally expected something serious. He quiets them by saying he comes peaceably, because he comes to sacrifice, not to bring wrath, but peace and reconciliation. So they need not fear him, but should sanctify themselves and prepare to join in the sacrifice.

Before solemn worship, there must be solemn preparation. When we come to offer spiritual sacrifices, we should set ourselves apart from the world and renew our dedication to God. When the Lord Jesus came into the world, people had reason to fear judgment, yet he made it clear that he came peaceably, because he came to sacrifice, and he brought his offering with him: “A body you prepared for me.” We should sanctify ourselves so that we may share in his sacrifice. Those who come to sacrifice should come peaceably, because worship should not be rushed or noisy.

Samuel also gives special attention to Jesse and his sons, because his private errand has to do with them. He likely explained the matter to Jesse when he first arrived and stayed in his house. He told the elders to sanctify themselves, but he sanctified Jesse and his sons by praying with them and instructing them. He may have already known them, and their later sacrifices show that this was a devout family (1 Samuel 20:29). Samuel helped them prepare at home for the public sacrifice. It is even possible that he chose David and anointed him during these family preparations, before the public sacrifice was offered or the sacred meal was shared. When special blessings are coming to a family, they too should sanctify themselves.