1 Samuel 16:4 net — Samuel did what the LORD told him. When he arrived in Bethlehem, the elders of the city were afraid to meet him. They s…

NET Bible

"Samuel did what the LORD told him. When he arrived in Bethlehem, the elders of the city were afraid to meet him. They said,“Do you come in peace?”"

— 1 Samuel 16:4, NET Bible

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1 Samuel 16:4 in Other Translations

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1 Samuel 16 — Context

1

Samuel Anoints David as King The LORD said to Samuel,“How long do you intend to mourn for Saul? I have rejected him as king over Israel. Fill your horn with olive oil and go! I am sending you to Jesse in Bethlehem, for I have selected a king for myself from among his sons.”

2

Samuel replied,“How can I go? Saul will hear about it and kill me!” But the LORD said,“Take a heifer with you and say,‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’

3

Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you should do. You will anoint for me the one I point out to you.”

4

Samuel did what the LORD told him. When he arrived in Bethlehem, the elders of the city were afraid to meet him. They said,“Do you come in peace?”

5

He replied,“Yes, in peace. I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” So he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

6

When they arrived, Samuel noticed Eliab and said to himself,“Surely, here before the LORD stands his chosen king!”

7

But the LORD said to Samuel,“Don’t be impressed by his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. God does not view things the way men do. People look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Samuel 16:4 say?
1 Samuel 16:4 in the NET Bible reads: “Samuel did what the LORD told him. When he arrived in Bethlehem, the elders of the city were afraid to meet him. They said,“Do you come in peace?””
Where is 1 Samuel 16:4 in the Bible?
1 Samuel 16:4 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 16, verse 4.
Who wrote 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Samuel, Nathan, and Gad). It was written c. 930–722 BC.
What is the book of 1 Samuel about?
1 Samuel marks Israel's transition from judges to kings. It traces the births and ministries of the prophet Samuel, the rise and tragic fall of Saul as Israel's first king, and the anointing of the shepherd boy David, whose faith makes him a man after God's own heart.
What are the major themes of 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel explores themes including Kingship, Prophet, Faith vs. Fear, God's Sovereign Choice, Anointing. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Samuel 16:4.
What translation should I read 1 Samuel 16:4 in?
1 Samuel 16:4 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Samuel 16:4?
1 Samuel 16:4 reads (NET): “Samuel did what the LORD told him. When he arrived in Bethlehem, the elders of the city were afraid to meet him. They said,“Do you come in peace?”” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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