No monarch would be excited about attempts to anoint a rival (see also Matthew 2:1–17).1 To anoint David Samuel had to travel from Ramah to Bethlehem. The road from Ramah to Bethlehem also took Samuel right through Gibeah, Saul’s hometown (1 Samuel 15:34).2 When he travelled this road to Bethlehem, there may very well be questions, and he needs to have an answer that will stand up to scrutiny.
2 And Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.” And the LORD said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’