And Samuel did that which Jehovah spake, and came to Beth-lehem. And the elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, Comest thou peaceably?
The elders trembled because Samuel seldom ventured abroad, and they knew a prophet's errand was never trivial. They feared he came bearing judgment, or worse, that his presence would draw Saul's vengeance upon their town.
AI summary
And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably? (c) Afraid, lest some grievous crime had been committed, because the prophet was not wont to come there.
Samuel grieves too long for a man God has discarded. The decree is fixed; tears cannot alter it. Let him take comfort: Israel loses nothing, for God Himself has found a king after His own heart to fill the breach.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 Samuel 16:1-5