1 Samuel 16:4
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?
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ
did
H6213
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ
did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֵ֚ת
H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֣ר
spake
H1696
דִּבֶּ֣ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
5 of 16
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֔ה
that which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
that which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיֶּֽחֶרְד֞וּ
trembled
H2729
וַיֶּֽחֶרְד֞וּ
trembled
Strong's:
H2729
Word #:
10 of 16
to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)
הָעִיר֙
of the town
H5892
הָעִיר֙
of the town
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
12 of 16
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
לִקְרָאת֔וֹ
H7122
לִקְרָאת֔וֹ
Strong's:
H7122
Word #:
13 of 16
to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner
Cross References
1 Kings 2:13And Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bath-sheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably.Luke 5:8When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.2 Kings 9:22And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?1 Samuel 21:1Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee?1 Kings 17:18And 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?
Historical Context
Local elders served as civic and judicial leaders in Israelite towns. Samuel's previous circuit as judge (1 Samuel 7:16-17) had established his authority throughout the region. The memory of his role in Saul's coronation and subsequent confrontations heightened awareness of his prophetic power.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the elders' fear teach about the weightiness of genuine encounters with God's messengers?
- How should awareness of God's holiness shape our approach to worship and spiritual leaders?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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?
The elders' trembling at Samuel's arrival reflects the prophet's reputation as bearer of divine judgment. Their question 'Comest thou peaceably?' (shalom) acknowledges that prophetic visitations often accompanied divine displeasure. Samuel's presence reminded them of God's sovereign oversight of their community. The fear of holy men was characteristic of Israel's awareness that proximity to the divine carried both blessing and danger.