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
The Hebrew word for "peace" here is "shalom," which encompasses more than just the absence of conflict. It signifies completeness, welfare, and harmony. Samuel's assurance of peace is crucial, as his arrival could have been seen as a threat or a sign of judgment. In the biblical context, "shalom" is a reminder of God's covenantal promise to His people, offering them a holistic sense of well-being and divine favor.

I have come to sacrifice to the LORD
The act of sacrifice in ancient Israel was a central aspect of worship and covenant relationship with God. The Hebrew word for "sacrifice" is "zebach," which often involved the offering of animals as a means of atonement and thanksgiving. Sacrifices were a way to honor God, seek His favor, and maintain a right relationship with Him. Samuel's purpose in coming to Bethlehem was to perform a sacred act of worship, underscoring the seriousness and sanctity of his mission.

Consecrate yourselves
The term "consecrate" comes from the Hebrew word "qadash," meaning to set apart or make holy. In the Old Testament, consecration involved rituals of purification and dedication to God. This command to consecrate themselves indicates the need for spiritual preparation before approaching God in worship. It reflects the holiness of God and the requirement for His people to be spiritually clean and devoted to Him.

and come with me to the sacrifice
This invitation to join in the sacrifice highlights the communal aspect of worship in Israel. Sacrifices were not just personal acts but involved the community, fostering unity and shared devotion to God. Samuel's invitation to Jesse and his sons signifies their inclusion in God's unfolding plan, as the sacrifice was a precursor to the anointing of David, Israel's future king.

Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons
Samuel's act of consecrating Jesse and his sons underscores the importance of divine selection and preparation. By setting them apart, Samuel is acknowledging God's sovereign choice and preparing them for the significant role they will play in Israel's history. This consecration is a precursor to the anointing of David, symbolizing God's election and blessing.

and invited them to the sacrifice
The invitation to the sacrifice is both an honor and a divine appointment. It signifies God's gracious inclusion of Jesse's family in His redemptive plan. This moment foreshadows the anointing of David, who would become a man after God's own heart and a central figure in the lineage of Christ. The invitation is a reminder of God's providence and the unfolding of His purposes through chosen individuals.

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.