1 Samuel 16:4

Contest thou peaceably? From the description given in ch. 9, it is clear that the feast for Saul’s anointing was held at the high place, in connection with a feast well known in advance. But Samuel’s coming to Bethlehem unannounced, leading a heifer, and summoning the elders to be present, would naturally lead to considerable speculation. The elders came in fear and trembling, wondering what terrible thing had happened. Such a reaction to the unexpected coming of an important official was entirely natural and, in fact, adds an authentic touch to the narrative.