Samuel did what the LORD commanded and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling and said, “Do you come peaceably?” And he said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
(1 Samuel 16:4-5 ESV)
Samuel had been afraid to make this trip, because he had to pass through the capital city of Saul. He knew how unstable Saul could be. But when Samuel trusts and obeys God, notice who is fearful of whom: everyone is afraid of Samuel, the prophet who cut Agag to pieces. They wanted to make sure Samuel came in peace, not to cut anyone in pieces. Often we fear so many people and situations where we should not. If we will fear God, and follow Him, they will instead fear God (and sometimes even us???) What these people feared might be a slaughter instead became a sacrifice to God and celebration of joy.
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