1 Samuel 16:2

Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

لَكِنَّ صَمُوئِيلَ قَالَ: «إنْ ذَهَبْتُ، سَيَسْمَعُ شَاوُلُ بِالخَبَرِ فَيَقْتُلُنِي.» فَقَالَ اللهُ: «اذْهَبْ إلَى بَيْتِ لَحْمٍ. وَخُذْ مَعَكَ عِجلًا وَقُلْ لَهُمْ: ‹جِئتُ لِأُقَدِّمَ للهِ ذَبِيحَةً.›

What Does This Mean?

Samuel is worried about going to see Jesse because Saul might find out and kill him. God tells Samuel to take a heifer with him and say he is there to sacrifice to the Lord. This shows God's plan to protect Samuel as he seeks to find a new king.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're scared to go to a friend's house because you think a grumpy neighbor might see you. Your mom tells you to bring a toy to play with and say you're just visiting to share the toy. That's like what God told Samuel to do - take an offering and say he's there for that, not to worry about the grumpy neighbor.

Historical Background

The Book of 1 Samuel was likely compiled by multiple authors including Samuel, Nathan, and Gad. It was written around 931-722 BC. The text is addressing the Israelites, focusing on the transition from the period of judges to the monarchy, emphasizing the divine selection of kings.

Living It Out Today

In a modern scenario, a teacher might be afraid to approach a difficult student's parent, but with a plan and support from the principal, they can approach the situation confidently. This verse reminds us that God's plan can help us navigate fears and challenging situations.

Topics

• faith
• protection
• divine guidance
• fear
• sacrifice
• leadership

Related Verses

• 1 Samuel 3:17
• 2 Samuel 7:8
• Exodus 12:27
• John 15:13
• Matthew 22:37

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Saul so dangerous in this context?

Saul, the current king, is paranoid and has previously tried to kill David, whom God has chosen as the next king. This makes Samuel's mission risky.

What does God’s advice tell us about his character?

God’s advice shows his wisdom and care, providing a way for Samuel to fulfill his mission without compromising his safety.

How can this verse be applied in daily life?

This verse teaches that God provides guidance and protection, which can be applied when facing fears or difficult tasks, reminding us to trust in his plan.

What role does the heifer play in this story?

The heifer serves as a cover for Samuel’s real mission, acting as a believable pretext to avoid Saul’s suspicion and ensure the safety of his journey.