1 Samuel 16:5

"In peace," he replied. "I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice." Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

Study Bible

“In peace,” he replied.
Samuel's response indicates his peaceful intentions upon arriving in Bethlehem. In the ancient Near East, the arrival of a prophet could be alarming, as prophets often brought messages of judgment. Samuel's assurance of peace would have been comforting to the elders of Bethlehem. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's messengers bringing peace, as seen in Isaiah 52:7, which speaks of those who proclaim peace and salvation.

“I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.”
Sacrifices were central to Israelite worship, serving as a means of atonement and fellowship with God. Samuel's purpose was to offer a sacrifice, which was a common practice for seeking God's favor or guidance. This act also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself for the sins of humanity, as described in Hebrews 10:10.

Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.”
Consecration involved purification rituals, such as washing and abstaining from certain activities, to prepare oneself for worship. This reflects the holiness required to approach God, a theme echoed in Exodus 19:10-11 when the Israelites prepared to meet God at Mount Sinai. The call to consecration underscores the importance of spiritual readiness and purity.

Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons
Samuel's act of consecrating Jesse and his sons highlights the significance of their participation in the sacrifice. This preparation was necessary for them to be in the presence of God. Jesse's family, particularly David, plays a crucial role in God's plan, as David is anointed king in this chapter. David's lineage is significant in biblical prophecy, leading to the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, as noted in Matthew 1:1-17.

and invited them to the sacrifice.
The invitation to the sacrifice signifies inclusion in a significant religious event. It also sets the stage for David's anointing, a pivotal moment in Israel's history. This invitation mirrors the broader biblical narrative of God inviting humanity into a covenant relationship with Him, ultimately fulfilled through Jesus Christ, who invites all to partake in the new covenant through His sacrifice, as seen in Luke 22:20.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samuel
A prophet of the Lord, tasked with anointing the next king of Israel. He is a central figure in this passage, acting under God's direction.

2. Jesse
The father of David, residing in Bethlehem. He is invited by Samuel to the sacrifice, indicating his family's significance in God's plan.

3. Bethlehem
A small town in Judah, significant as the birthplace of David and later, Jesus Christ. It is the setting for this event.

4. Consecration
The act of making oneself holy or set apart for God. Samuel instructs Jesse and his sons to consecrate themselves, highlighting the sacredness of the occasion.

5. Sacrifice
A ritual act of worship to God, central to the religious life of Israel. Samuel's visit to Bethlehem is under the guise of performing a sacrifice, which is a pivotal event leading to David's anointing.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
Samuel's obedience to God's command, despite potential danger from Saul, teaches us the importance of following God's will even when it is challenging.

Consecration as Preparation
Just as Jesse and his sons were consecrated, we must prepare our hearts and lives to be used by God. This involves setting ourselves apart from sin and dedicating ourselves to His service.

God's Sovereign Choice
The invitation to Jesse's family highlights God's sovereign choice in His plans. We are reminded that God often chooses the unlikely to fulfill His purposes.

Worship in Spirit and Truth
The act of sacrifice is a form of worship, reminding us that true worship involves sincerity and a heart aligned with God's will.

The Role of Community in Worship
Samuel's invitation to Jesse and his sons to join the sacrifice underscores the communal aspect of worship, encouraging us to engage in worship with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Samuel's obedience to God's command in this passage challenge us in our own walk with God?

2. In what ways can we consecrate ourselves today to be prepared for God's work in our lives?

3. How does the setting of Bethlehem in this passage connect to the broader account of the Bible, particularly in the New Testament?

4. What does this passage teach us about God's criteria for choosing individuals for His purposes?

5. How can we incorporate the principles of worship and sacrifice from this passage into our daily lives and community worship?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 19:10-11
This passage describes the consecration of the Israelites before meeting God at Mount Sinai, paralleling the consecration of Jesse and his sons before the sacrifice.

Psalm 51:17
Highlights the importance of a contrite heart in worship, which aligns with the act of consecration and sacrifice in 1 Samuel 16:5.

Matthew 2:1-6
Bethlehem's significance is underscored as the birthplace of Jesus, connecting the anointing of David to the lineage of Christ.