Trembling before Samuel the prophet

So Samuel did what the LORD said, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the city came trembling to meet him and said, “Do you come in peace?” (1 Samuel 16:4)

Commenting on this verse, Matthew Henry states, “Samuel went accordingly to Bethlehem, not in pomp, or with any retinue, only a servant to lead the heifer which he was to sacrifice; yet the elders of Bethlehem trembled at his coming, fearing it was an indication of God’s displeasure against them and that he came to denounce some judgment for the iniquities of the place. Guilt causes fear. Yet indeed it becomes us to stand in awe of God’s messengers, and to tremble at his word.” [1]

Source Notes:
1. Matthew Henry, Commentary on 1 Samuel 16, http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/1Sa/1Sa_016.cfm?a=252004