1 Samuel 16:2

Take an heifer with thee, &c. For David's safety no less than his own it was necessary that the purpose of Samuel's errand should not be known. "Concealment of a good purpose for a good purpose is clearly justifiable." It was perfectly legitimate for Samuel to conceal the primary intention and mention only the secondary object of his visit.

It may be inferred from the command, that Samuel was in the habit of holding religious gatherings in different provincial towns from time to time.