1 Samuel 16 2

1 Samuel 16:2 kjv

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.

1 Samuel 16:2 nkjv

And Samuel said, "How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me." But the LORD said, "Take a heifer with you, and say, 'I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.'

1 Samuel 16:2 niv

But Samuel said, "How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me." The LORD said, "Take a heifer with you and say, 'I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.'

1 Samuel 16:2 esv

And Samuel said, "How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me." And the LORD said, "Take a heifer with you and say, 'I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.'

1 Samuel 16:2 nlt

But Samuel asked, "How can I do that? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me." "Take a heifer with you," the LORD replied, "and say that you have come to make a sacrifice to the LORD.

1 Samuel 16 verses

1 Samuel 16 2 Meaning

This verse reveals Samuel's profound human fear for his life in carrying out God's command to anoint a new king, given King Saul's volatile and increasingly tyrannical nature. In response, the Lord provides a divine strategy: Samuel is to take an animal for sacrifice, thereby providing a legitimate and public reason for his journey to Bethlehem, which would simultaneously mask his true mission of anointing Saul's successor. This highlights God's understanding of human weakness while simultaneously ensuring the execution of His divine will through a legitimate, though partial, truth.

1 Samuel 16 2 Context

This verse occurs at a critical juncture following God's irreversible rejection of Saul as king due to his persistent disobedience. Samuel, the aged prophet and judge, has already mourned extensively for Saul as commanded by God. The immediate divine instruction to Samuel is to cease mourning and anoint a new king from the house of Jesse in Bethlehem. However, Saul, who had already demonstrated erratic behavior and outbursts of rage, still held royal power and authority. Samuel's concern, "How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me," is a genuine reflection of the political danger and personal risk associated with defying or replacing a sitting monarch. The narrative subtly highlights the tension between God's sovereign decree and the precarious realities of human political power. The command to bring a heifer for sacrifice offers a legitimate, publicly acceptable reason for Samuel's journey to Bethlehem, allowing God's anointing plan to proceed without immediately provoking Saul's wrath. This serves to underscore God's practical wisdom in dealing with human fear and political complexities, avoiding unnecessary direct confrontation while His deeper purposes are enacted.

1 Samuel 16 2 Word analysis

• And Samuel said, How can I go?
  • "And Samuel said": Introduces Samuel's immediate, unprompted human reaction to God's command.
  • "How can I go?": Expresses doubt, trepidation, and a realistic assessment of the personal danger involved. This is not defiance, but an honest voicing of human fear. It reveals Samuel as a relatable figure, not immune to fear, despite his long service to God.
• if Saul hear it, he will kill me.
  • "if Saul hear it": Refers to the true mission – anointing a new king. This knowledge would provoke a severe reaction.
  • "he will kill me": Samuel's accurate understanding of Saul's escalating paranoia and potential for violence (cf. Saul's attempted spear attack on David, 1 Sam 18:11, and the priests of Nob, 1 Sam 22:18). This isn't exaggeration, but a genuine threat due to Saul's despotic power. It also indicates the high stakes of God's command.
• And the Lord said, Take an heifer with thee,
  • "And the Lord said": God's immediate response to Samuel's fear, demonstrating divine understanding and provision, not condemnation. It signifies divine authority overriding human limitation.
  • "Take an heifer": (ʿeḡlāh, עֶגְלָה - "heifer" or "young cow"). A female bovine suitable for a peace offering or burnt offering (Lev 3:1-5; 1:3-9). This was a common and legitimate practice, ensuring Samuel's journey would not appear suspicious.
  • "with thee": To accompany Samuel on his journey to Bethlehem.
• and say, I am come to sacrifice to the Lord.
  • "and say": A direct divine instruction on what words to use publicly.
  • "I am come to sacrifice": (Zābaḥ, זָבַח - to slaughter for sacrifice, to offer sacrifice). This statement is functionally true. Samuel would perform a sacrifice. The key here is that it's the truth, but not the whole truth of his mission. This divinely authorized statement acts as a legitimate cover or strategic concealment. It avoids an outright lie while protecting Samuel and ensuring the anointing of the new king. It exemplifies God's wisdom in navigating dangerous human contexts to achieve His purposes.

1 Samuel 16 2 Bonus section

This episode is sometimes used in theological discussions regarding the nature of "truth" and "deception" from a divine perspective. It's crucial to understand that God commanded a strategic use of truth here, not a lie. The sacrifice would take place, fulfilling the statement. The hidden element was the primary purpose, the anointing. This differs fundamentally from a simple human lie born out of fear or convenience. God's prerogative to command specific words for His sovereign purposes is unique. This narrative cautions against using this verse as a blanket justification for "pious lies" in ordinary human conduct, as God's command here is specific and exceptional, aimed at fulfilling His messianic plan for Israel. It serves to underscore God's active involvement and careful guidance in preparing for the true kingship, ultimately leading to Christ.

1 Samuel 16 2 Commentary

This verse beautifully illustrates the compassionate pragmatism of God. Samuel's fear of Saul was not unfounded; Saul's history of erratic and violent behavior made such a concern entirely rational. God did not rebuke Samuel for his fear but, rather, provided a strategic, divinely authorized solution. The instruction to "Take an heifer... and say, I am come to sacrifice to the Lord" provided a perfectly legitimate and widely accepted public reason for Samuel's travel to Bethlehem. This was not a command to lie, as Samuel genuinely would offer a sacrifice (1 Sam 16:3-5); it was a divine allowance for a partial truth to conceal a more sensitive mission (anointing the next king) from Saul, thereby protecting Samuel and ensuring the progression of God's plan. This demonstrates that God understands human limitations and concerns, working within the realities of the fallen world to advance His will. It is a reminder that God can provide a path even when the direct route seems impassable due to human obstacles. This episode also highlights that the Lord prioritizes the fulfillment of His divine agenda and provides wisdom for His servants to navigate complex and dangerous situations without compromising their integrity where commanded.