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.
Samuel said, 'How can I go? If Saul finds out, he will kill me.' The LORD said, 'Take a young cow with you, and say, I have come to offer a sacrifice to the LORD.'
Samuel is afraid that King Saul will kill him if he discovers Samuel's real mission, so God gives him a cover story about offering a sacrifice.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative, God had rejected King Saul for his disobedience and instructed the prophet Samuel to anoint a new king from the sons of Jesse in Bethlehem, as part of His plan to establish a new leader for Israel. Samuel was hesitant because Saul, known for his jealousy and violent temper, had previously shown a willingness to eliminate threats to his throne, making Samuel fear for his life if the secret mission was discovered. To address this, God provided a practical cover by directing Samuel to take a heifer and claim he was going to offer a sacrifice, allowing the visit to appear as a routine religious act rather than a covert anointing.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.