1 Samuel 16:5 Meaning and Explanation
“And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Samuel assures the elders he comes in peace, calls them to consecrate themselves, and sets apart Jesse and his sons for the sacrifice.
What Does 1 Samuel 16:5 Mean?
Samuel calms the elders' fear: he comes in peace, to worship. He tells them to sanctify themselves -- to prepare in heart and body to draw near to God -- and he personally consecrates Jesse and his sons. The household that will give Israel its king is gathered first around an altar.
Before the great work of choosing a king, there is worship and preparation. Approaching the LORD asks for clean hands and a ready heart. It is fitting that David's story begins not with a crown but with consecration, for the kingdom that endures is the one that bows before God. Those who would be used by the LORD are first set apart for Him.
1 Samuel 16:5 in the Original Language
qadash (קָדַשׁ), 'sanctify' -- to set apart from common use and make ready for the holy presence of God.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 16:5
What does 1 Samuel 16:5 mean?
Samuel assures the elders he comes in peace, calls them to consecrate themselves, and sets apart Jesse and his sons for the sacrifice.