Samuel's arrival in Bethlehem is a significant event recorded in the First Book of Samuel, chapter 16, in the Old Testament. This event marks a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, as it leads to the anointing of David, who would become one of Israel's greatest kings and a central figure in biblical history.

Context and Background

The backdrop to Samuel's journey to Bethlehem is the divine rejection of Saul as king over Israel. Saul, the first king of Israel, had disobeyed God's commands, leading to God's decision to seek a new king. The prophet Samuel, who had anointed Saul, was deeply grieved by Saul's failure. However, God instructed Samuel to cease mourning for Saul and to proceed with anointing a new king from among the sons of Jesse in Bethlehem.

Divine Instruction

In 1 Samuel 16:1, the Lord speaks to Samuel, saying, "How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected a king for Myself from among his sons." This directive underscores God's sovereign choice and His plan to establish a king who would be after His own heart.

Samuel's Journey to Bethlehem

Samuel's journey to Bethlehem was not without apprehension. He feared Saul's reaction, knowing that the king might perceive this mission as a threat to his throne. In 1 Samuel 16:2, Samuel expresses his concern: "How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me." The Lord provides Samuel with a strategy to avoid arousing suspicion, instructing him to take a heifer and say, "I have come to sacrifice to the Lord."

Arrival and Sacrifice

Upon his arrival in Bethlehem, Samuel's presence causes the elders of the town to tremble, as recorded in 1 Samuel 16:4: "Do you come in peace?" they ask. Samuel reassures them, stating, "In peace; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice." This sacrificial act serves as a cover for his true mission and aligns with the religious practices of the time.

Anointing of David

At the sacrifice, Jesse presents his sons to Samuel. Initially, Samuel is impressed by Eliab, Jesse's eldest son, but the Lord instructs him otherwise, saying in 1 Samuel 16:7, "Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the Lord sees the heart." This divine insight leads Samuel to reject all of Jesse's sons present at the sacrifice.

Finally, David, the youngest son, who was tending sheep, is summoned. Upon seeing David, the Lord confirms His choice to Samuel: "Rise and anoint him, for he is the one" (1 Samuel 16:12). Samuel anoints David in the presence of his brothers, and "the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward" (1 Samuel 16:13).

Significance

Samuel's arrival in Bethlehem and the subsequent anointing of David signify God's providential guidance and His commitment to establishing a righteous leadership for His people. This event foreshadows the Davidic Covenant and the messianic lineage, as David becomes a central figure in the unfolding narrative of salvation history.