Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Now Saul’s uncle asked him and his servant, “Where have you been?” “Looking for the donkeys,” he said. “But when we saw they were not to be found, we went to Samuel.” New Living Translation “Where have you been?” Saul’s uncle asked him and his servant. “We were looking for the donkeys,” Saul replied, “but we couldn’t find them. So we went to Samuel to ask him where they were.” English Standard Version Saul’s uncle said to him and to his servant, “Where did you go?” And he said, “To seek the donkeys. And when we saw they were not to be found, we went to Samuel.” Berean Standard Bible Now Saul’s uncle asked him and his servant, “Where did you go?” “To look for the donkeys,” Saul replied. “When we saw they were not to be found, we went to Samuel.” Berean Literal Bible And the uncle of Saul said to him and his servant, “Where did you⁺ go?” And he said, “To look for the donkeys. And we saw that they were not, and we went to Samuel.” King James Bible And Saul's uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye? And he said, To seek the asses: and when we saw that they were no where, we came to Samuel. New King James Version Then Saul’s uncle said to him and his servant, “Where did you go?” So he said, “To look for the donkeys. When we saw that they were nowhere to be found, we went to Samuel.” New American Standard Bible Now Saul’s uncle said to him and his servant, “Where did you go?” And he said, “To look for the donkeys. When we saw that they were nowhere to be found, we went to Samuel.” NASB 1995 Now Saul’s uncle said to him and his servant, “Where did you go?” And he said, “To look for the donkeys. When we saw that they could not be found, we went to Samuel.” NASB 1977 Now Saul’s uncle said to him and his servant, “Where did you go?” And he said, “To look for the donkeys. When we saw that they could not be found, we went to Samuel.” Legacy Standard Bible Now Saul’s uncle said to him and his young man, “Where did you go?” And he said, “To look for the donkeys. And we saw that they were not anywhere, so we went to Samuel.” Amplified Bible Saul’s uncle said to him and to his servant, “Where did you go?” And Saul said, “To look for the donkeys. And when we saw that they were nowhere to be found, we went to Samuel [for help].” Berean Annotated Bible Now Saul’s (desired) uncle asked him and his servant, “Where did you⁺ go?” “To look for the donkeys, Saul replied. “When we saw they were not to be found, we went to Samuel (his name is El).” Christian Standard Bible Saul’s uncle asked him and his servant, “Where did you go? ” “To look for the donkeys,” Saul answered. “When we saw they weren’t there, we went to Samuel.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Saul’s uncle asked him and his attendant, “Where did you go?” “To look for the donkeys,” Saul answered. “When we saw they weren’t there, we went to Samuel.” American Standard Version And Saul's uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye? And he said, To seek the asses; and when we saw that they were not found, we came to Samuel. Contemporary English Version Later, Saul's uncle asked him, "Where have you been?" Saul answered, "Looking for the donkeys. We couldn't find them, so we went to talk with Samuel." English Revised Version And Saul's uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye? And he said, To seek the asses: and when we saw that they were not found, we came to Samuel. GOD'S WORD® Translation Saul's uncle asked him and his servant, "Where did you go?" Saul answered, "To look for the donkeys, and when we couldn't find them, we went to Samuel." Good News Translation Saul's uncle saw him and the servant, and he asked them, "Where have you been?" "Looking for the donkeys," Saul answered. "When we couldn't find them, we went to see Samuel." International Standard Version Saul's uncle told him and to his young man, "Where did you go?" He said, "To look for the donkeys, and when we saw that they couldn't be found, we went to Samuel." NET Bible Saul's uncle asked him and his servant, "Where did you go?" Saul replied, "To look for the donkeys. But when we realized they were lost, we went to Samuel." New Heart English Bible then his uncle said to him and to his servant, "Where did you go?" And he said, "To seek the donkeys. When we saw that they were not found, we went to Samuel." Webster's Bible Translation And Saul's uncle said to him and to his servant, Whither went ye? And he said, To seek the asses: and when we saw that they were no where, we came to Samuel. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow Saul’s uncle asked him and his servant, “Where did you go?” “To look for the donkeys,” Saul replied. “When we saw they were not to be found, we went to Samuel.” World English Bible Saul’s uncle said to him and to his servant, “Where did you go?” He said, “To seek the donkeys. When we saw that they were not found, we came to Samuel.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the uncle of Saul says to him, and to his young man, “To where did you go?” And he says, “To seek the donkeys; and we see that they are not, and we come to Samuel.” Berean Literal Bible And the uncle of Saul said to him and his servant, “Where did you⁺ go?” And he said, “To look for the donkeys. And we saw that they were not, and we went to Samuel.” Young's Literal Translation and the uncle of Saul saith unto him, and unto his young man, 'Whither went ye?' and he saith, 'To seek the asses; and we see that they are not, and we come in unto Samuel.' Smith's Literal Translation And Saul's friend will say to him and to his boy, Whither went ye? And he will say, To seek the asses; and we shall see that nothing, and we shall go to Samuel. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Saul's uncle said to him, and to his servant: Whither went you? They answered: To seek the asses: and not finding them we went to Samuel. Catholic Public Domain Version And the uncle of Saul said to him, and to his servant, “Where did you go?” And they responded: “To seek the donkeys. But when we did not find them, we went to Samuel.” New American Bible Saul’s uncle asked him and his servant, “Where have you been?” Saul replied, “Looking for the donkeys. When we could not find them, we went to Samuel.” New Revised Standard Version Saul’s uncle said to him and to the boy, “Where did you go?” And he replied, “To seek the donkeys; and when we saw they were not to be found, we went to Samuel.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Saul's uncle said to him and to his servant, Where did you go? And they said, To seek the asses; and when we found them nowhere, we went to Samuel. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And his paternal uncle said to Shaul and to his boy: “Where did you go?” And he said, “To seek the donkeys, and we saw that they were not, and we came to Shemueil” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Saul's uncle said unto him and to his servant: 'Whither went ye?' And he said: 'To seek the asses; and when we saw that they were not found, we came to Samuel.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And his kinsman said to him and to his servant, Whither went ye? and they said, To seek the asses; and we saw that they were lost, and we went in to Samuel. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Samuel's Signs Fulfilled…13And when Saul had finished prophesying, he went up to the high place. 14Now Saul’s uncle asked him and his servant, “Where did you go?” “To look for the donkeys,” Saul replied. “When we saw they were not to be found, we went to Samuel.” 15“Tell me,” Saul’s uncle asked, “what did Samuel say to you?”… Cross References Now Saul’s uncle asked him and his servant, “Where did you go?” Genesis 16:8 “Hagar, servant of Sarai,” he said, “where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I am running away from my mistress Sarai,” she replied. 2 Kings 5:25 When Gehazi went in and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Gehazi, where have you been?” “Your servant did not go anywhere,” he replied. 1 Kings 19:9 There Elijah entered a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” “To look for the donkeys,” Saul replied. 1 Samuel 9:3-5 One day the donkeys of Saul’s father Kish wandered off, and Kish said to his son Saul, “Take one of the servants and go look for the donkeys.” / So Saul passed through the hill country of Ephraim and then through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find the donkeys. He and the servant went through the region of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then they went through the land of Benjamin, and still they did not find them. / When they reached the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant, “Come, let us go back, or my father will stop worrying about the donkeys and start worrying about us.” 1 Samuel 9:20-21 As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, do not worry about them, for they have been found. And upon whom is all the desire of Israel, if not upon you and all your father’s house?” / Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin? So why would you say such a thing to me?” Luke 15:4-6 “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? / And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, / comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’ “When we saw they were not to be found, we went to Samuel.” 1 Samuel 9:6-10 “Look,” said the servant, “in this city there is a man of God who is highly respected; everything he says surely comes to pass. Let us go there now. Perhaps he will tell us which way to go.” / “If we do go,” Saul replied, “what can we give the man? For the bread in our packs is gone, and there is no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?” / The servant answered him again. “Look,” he said, “I have here in my hand a quarter shekel of silver. I will give it to the man of God, and he will tell us our way.” … 1 Kings 22:7-8 But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?” / The king of Israel answered, “There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good for me, but only bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king should not say that!” Jehoshaphat replied. 2 Kings 3:11 But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.” Judges 6:29 “Who did this?” they said to one another. And after they had investigated thoroughly, they were told, “Gideon son of Joash did it.” 1 Samuel 17:55-58 As Saul had watched David going out to confront the Philistine, he said to Abner the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this young man?” “As surely as you live, O king,” Abner replied, “I do not know.” / “Find out whose son this young man is!” said the king. / So when David returned from killing the Philistine, still holding his head in his hand, Abner took him and brought him before Saul. … 1 Samuel 19:22-24 Finally, Saul himself left for Ramah and came to the large cistern at Secu, where he asked, “Where are Samuel and David?” “At Naioth in Ramah,” he was told. / So Saul went to Naioth in Ramah. But the Spirit of God came upon even Saul, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth in Ramah. / Then Saul stripped off his robes and also prophesied before Samuel. And he collapsed and lay naked all that day and night. That is why it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” 1 Samuel 20:27-29 But on the day after the New Moon, the second day, David’s place was still empty, and Saul asked his son Jonathan, “Why hasn’t the son of Jesse come to the meal either yesterday or today?” / Jonathan answered, “David urgently requested my permission to go to Bethlehem, / saying, ‘Please let me go, because our clan is holding a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has told me to be there. So now, if I have found favor in your eyes, please let me go and see my brothers.’ That is why he has not come to the king’s table.” 1 Samuel 21:1-2 Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And when Ahimelech met David, he trembled and asked him, “Why are you alone? Why is no one with you?” / “The king has given me a mission,” David replied. “He told me no one is to know about the mission on which I am sending you. And I have directed my young men to meet me at a certain place. 1 Samuel 22:12-15 “Listen now, son of Ahitub,” said Saul. “Here I am, my lord,” he replied. / And Saul asked him, “Why have you and the son of Jesse conspired against me? You gave him bread and a sword and inquired of God for him so that he could rise up against me to lie in wait, as he is doing today.” / Ahimelech answered the king, “Who among all your servants is as faithful as David, the king’s son-in-law, the captain of your bodyguard and honored in your house? … 2 Kings 4:1-7 Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!” / “How can I help you?” asked Elisha. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” She answered, “Your servant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.” / “Go,” said Elisha, “borrow empty jars from all your neighbors. Do not gather just a few. … Treasury of Scripture And Saul's uncle said to him and to his servant, Where went you? And he said, To seek the asses: and when we saw that they were no where, we came to Samuel. And he said 1 Samuel 9:3-10 And the asses of Kish Saul's father were lost. And Kish said to Saul his son, Take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek the asses… no where 2 Kings 5:25 But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither. Jump to Previous Asses Donkeys Nowhere Samuel Saul's Searching Seek Servant Sign Uncle Whither YoungJump to Next Asses Donkeys Nowhere Samuel Saul's Searching Seek Servant Sign Uncle Whither Young1 Samuel 10 1. Samuel anoints Saul2. He confirms him by prediction of three signs 9. Saul's heart is changed, and he prophesies 14. He conceals the matter of the kingdom from his uncle 17. Saul is chosen at Mizpeh by lot 26. The different affections of his subjects Now Saul’s uncle asked him and his servant, “Where did you go?” This interaction occurs after Saul's anointing by Samuel, a pivotal moment in Israel's transition from a theocracy to a monarchy. Saul's uncle, likely Abner, who later becomes a significant military leader, inquires about their journey. This question reflects the cultural norm of familial accountability and the importance of kinship ties in ancient Israel. The inquiry also sets the stage for revealing Saul's encounter with Samuel, a prophet and judge, highlighting the divine orchestration in Saul's rise to kingship. “To look for the donkeys,” Saul replied. “When we saw they were not to be found, we went to Samuel.” Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, chosen by God and anointed by the prophet Samuel. At this point in the account, Saul is still a young man, not yet publicly recognized as king. 2. Saul's Uncle A relative of Saul who inquires about Saul's recent activities. His questioning provides insight into Saul's initial reluctance to disclose his encounter with Samuel and his anointing as king. 3. Samuel The last judge of Israel, a prophet, and the one who anoints Saul as king. Samuel plays a crucial role in transitioning Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy. 4. The Donkeys The lost donkeys belonging to Saul's father, Kish, which set the stage for Saul's encounter with Samuel. This seemingly mundane event is used by God to bring about His divine purpose. 5. Ramah The place where Samuel resides and where Saul goes to seek guidance after failing to find the donkeys. Teaching Points Divine Providence in Daily LifeGod often uses ordinary circumstances to fulfill His extraordinary plans. We should remain attentive to how God might be working through our daily activities. Humility and Reluctance Saul's initial reluctance to share his anointing as king can be seen as humility. We should consider how humility plays a role in our own lives and leadership. Seeking Godly Counsel Saul's decision to go to Samuel for guidance highlights the importance of seeking wisdom from godly individuals. We should prioritize seeking counsel from those who are spiritually mature. God's Timing and Revelation Saul's journey shows that God's timing is perfect, and He reveals His plans at the right moment. Trusting in God's timing is crucial for our faith journey. The Role of Family and Community Saul's interaction with his uncle reminds us of the importance of family and community in our spiritual journey. Engaging with those around us can provide support and accountability. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 10:14?2. How does 1 Samuel 10:14 demonstrate God's sovereignty in Saul's journey? 3. What can we learn from Saul's response to his uncle's inquiry? 4. How does 1 Samuel 10:14 connect with God's guidance in Proverbs 3:5-6? 5. How should we respond when questioned about God's work in our lives? 6. What does Saul's interaction with his uncle teach about discretion and wisdom? 7. What is the significance of Saul hiding in 1 Samuel 10:14? 8. How does 1 Samuel 10:14 reflect on Saul's character? 9. Why does 1 Samuel 10:14 mention Saul's uncle questioning him? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 10? 11. Is there any archaeological or extra-biblical evidence confirming the battle site and the events described in 1 Samuel 14? 12. Is Saul counted among the prophets? 13. How did King Saul die? (1 Samuel 31:4-6 vs. 2 Samuel 1:8-10) 14. How could Jonathan and his armor-bearer realistically defeat twenty Philistine warriors in such a small area (1 Samuel 14:12-14)? What Does 1 Samuel 10:14 Mean Now Saul’s uncle asked him and his servant• With Saul just back from his three-day search (1 Samuel 9:20), family members naturally want an update. • The uncle—likely Ner, father of Abner (1 Samuel 14:50)—represents Saul’s immediate circle, emphasizing that the Lord’s call on Saul’s life begins in an ordinary setting before it becomes public (compare 1 Samuel 16:6-7, where David’s call also starts in family surroundings). • God often uses simple conversations to advance His purposes; here, the uncle’s curiosity becomes the backdrop for revealing—or in this case concealing—God’s recent act of anointing Saul (1 Samuel 10:1). “Where did you go?” • A straightforward question, yet it presses Saul to decide how much to disclose. • Scripture shows similar moments when God’s chosen ones are asked probing questions that test obedience and timing (Genesis 32:27; John 18:21). • Saul faces a choice: speak openly about Samuel’s prophetic word or keep it quiet until God’s appointed time (cf. Ecclesiastes 3:7). “To look for the donkeys,” Saul replied • Saul answers honestly regarding his original mission (1 Samuel 9:3-4). Truthfulness about small matters lays groundwork for larger responsibilities (Luke 16:10). • The mention of “donkeys” recalls how God used an everyday problem to steer Saul toward destiny—much as He later guides David through tending sheep (1 Samuel 17:34-35). • Humility surfaces: Saul does not rush to announce kingship; he identifies himself by a servant’s task (compare 1 Samuel 9:21). “When we saw they were not to be found, we went to Samuel.” • Saul acknowledges visiting the prophet but omits the anointing details (confirmed in 1 Samuel 10:16). • This selective disclosure shows prudence and respect for God’s unfolding plan, similar to Jesus telling healed individuals to “tell no one” until the proper moment (Mark 1:44). • The reference to Samuel subtly elevates the prophet’s role as God’s mouthpiece (1 Samuel 3:19-20) while hinting that something significant happened there, setting up anticipation for the narrative ahead (1 Samuel 11:15). summary 1 Samuel 10:14 captures Saul at the threshold of kingship, back in everyday life but carrying a hidden anointing. His uncle’s simple inquiry draws out a measured response: truthful about lost donkeys, discreet about royal destiny. The verse highlights God’s pattern of weaving monumental callings into ordinary circumstances, teaching that wisdom sometimes means waiting to reveal what the Lord has done until He opens the door. (14) Saul's uncle.--Most probably, this uncle was the subsequently famous Abner--so Ewald, Josephus, and others. Kish, the father of Saul, a quiet, plain man, evidently was quite content that his beasts were found, and that his son had returned in safety and so asks no curious questions about his son's journey. Not so Abner, who was a restless, ambitious man, and who, very probably, had heard something already from the servant who accompanied Saul (traditionally supposed to have been Doeg) of the strange honours paid to his nephew by the great and revered judge of Israel, the famous Samuel, and also of the long private interview between them. Abner, the uncle of the future king, an observant man, might well have been struck with the change that had passed over his nephew since he had last seen him; hence his question, "Tell me what Samuel said unto you?"Verses 14-16. - Saul's uncle. According to 1 Samuel 14:50, 51; 1 Chronicles 8:33, this would be Abner. The conversation probably took place after Saul had returned from the Bamah and gone to his own home, for in so brief a summary much necessarily is omitted. It is curious that the conversation should have taken place with the uncle, and not with the father; but possibly the latter was too well pleased to have his son back again to be very particular in his inquiries. Not so Abner. He was evidently excited by his nephew s visit to the prophet, and struck perhaps by the change in Saul himself, and would gladly have heard more. But Saul does not gratify his curiosity. Of the matter of the kingdom... he told him not. It was not merely prudent, but right to keep the matter secret. An able man like Abner would probably have begun to scheme for so great an end. Saul s silence left the fulfilment of the prophet's words entirely to God. CHAPTER 10:17-27 PUBLIC SELECTION OF SAUL AS KING (vers. 17-24). Hebrew Now Saul'sשָׁא֥וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites uncle דּ֨וֹד (dō·wḏ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1730: To love, a love-token, lover, friend, an uncle asked him וַיֹּאמֶר֩ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say and his servant, נַעֲר֖וֹ (na·‘ă·rōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer “Where אָ֣ן (’ān) Interrogative Strong's 575: Where?, whither?, when?, hither and thither did you go?” הֲלַכְתֶּ֑ם (hă·laḵ·tem) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk “To look for לְבַקֵּשׁ֙ (lə·ḇaq·qêš) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after the donkeys,” הָ֣אֲתֹנ֔וֹת (hā·’ă·ṯō·nō·wṯ) Article | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 860: A female donkey Saul replied. וַיֹּ֕אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “When we saw וַנִּרְאֶ֣ה (wan·nir·’eh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural Strong's 7200: To see they were not to be found, אַ֔יִן (’a·yin) Adverb Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle we went וַנָּב֖וֹא (wan·nā·ḇō·w) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to אֵלָ֛יו (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Samuel.” שְׁמוּאֵֽל׃ (šə·mū·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8050: Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israel Links 1 Samuel 10:14 NIV1 Samuel 10:14 NLT 1 Samuel 10:14 ESV 1 Samuel 10:14 NASB 1 Samuel 10:14 KJV 1 Samuel 10:14 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 10:14 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 10:14 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 10:14 French Bible 1 Samuel 10:14 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 10:14 Saul's uncle said to him (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
    |