1 Samuel 10:21 Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, they could not find him.

Bible > 1 Samuel > Chapter 10 > Verse 21

◄ 1 Samuel 10:21 ►

New International Version
Then he brought forward the tribe of Benjamin, clan by clan, and Matri’s clan was taken. Finally Saul son of Kish was taken. But when they looked for him, he was not to be found.

New Living Translation
Then he brought each family of the tribe of Benjamin before the LORD, and the family of the Matrites was chosen. And finally Saul son of Kish was chosen from among them. But when they looked for him, he had disappeared!

English Standard Version
He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its clans, and the clan of the Matrites was taken by lot; and Saul the son of Kish was taken by lot. But when they sought him, he could not be found.

Berean Standard Bible
Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, they could not find him.

King James Bible
When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.

New King James Version
When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was chosen. And Saul the son of Kish was chosen. But when they sought him, he could not be found.

New American Standard Bible
Then he brought the tribe of Benjamin forward by its families, and the Matrite family was selected by lot. And Saul the son of Kish was selected by lot; but when they looked for him, he could not be found.

NASB 1995
Then he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its families, and the Matrite family was taken. And Saul the son of Kish was taken; but when they looked for him, he could not be found.

NASB 1977
Then he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its families, and the Matrite family was taken. And Saul the son of Kish was taken; but when they looked for him, he could not be found.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its families, and the Matrite family was taken. And Saul the son of Kish was taken; but they looked for him, and he could not be found.

Amplified Bible
Then he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by their families, and the family of Matri was chosen by lot. And Saul the son of Kish was chosen by lot; but when they looked for him, he could not be found.

Christian Standard Bible
Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the Matrite clan was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they searched for him, they could not find him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the Matrite clan was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they searched for him, they could not find him.

American Standard Version
And he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by their families; and the family of the Matrites was taken; and Saul the son of Kish was taken: but when they sought him, he could not be found.

Contemporary English Version
Next, Samuel brought each clan of Benjamin there, and the LORD chose the Matri clan. Finally, Saul the son of Kish was chosen. But when they looked for him, he was nowhere to be found.

English Revised Version
And he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by their families, and the family of the Matrites was taken: and Saul the son of Kish was taken; but when they sought him, he could not be found.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by families, the family of Matri was chosen. Then Saul, the son of Kish, was chosen. They looked for him but couldn't find him.

Good News Translation
Then Samuel had the families of the tribe of Benjamin come forward, and the family of Matri was picked out. Then the men of the family of Matri came forward, and Saul son of Kish was picked out. They looked for him, but when they could not find him,

International Standard Version
Then he brought forward the tribe of Benjamin according to its families, and the family of Matri was chosen. Finally, Kish's son Saul was chosen, but when they looked for him, they couldn't find him.

Majority Standard Bible
Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, they could not find him.

NET Bible
Then he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its families, and the family of Matri was chosen by lot. At last Saul son of Kish was chosen by lot. But when they looked for him, he was nowhere to be found.

New Heart English Bible
He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by their families, and the family of the Matrites was taken. And he brought the family of the Matrites near man by man, and Saul the son of Kish was taken. But when they looked for him, he could not be found.

Webster's Bible Translation
When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.

World English Bible
He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by their families and the family of the Matrites was chosen. Then Saul the son of Kish was chosen; but when they looked for him, he could not be found.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and he brings the tribe of Benjamin near by its families, and the family of Matri is captured, and Saul son of Kish is captured, and they seek him, and he has not been found.

Young's Literal Translation
and he bringeth near the tribe of Benjamin by its families, and the family of Matri is captured, and Saul son of Kish is captured, and they seek him, and he hath not been found.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will cause the tribe of Benjamin to come near by his families, and the family of Matri will be taken, and Saul son of Kish will be taken: and they will seek and he was not found.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And he brought the tribe of Benjamin and the kindreds thereof, and the lot fell Upon the kindred of Metri, and it came to Saul the son of Cis. They sought him therefore and he was not found.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he brought near the tribe of Benjamin, with its families, and the lot fell upon the family of Matri. And then it went to Saul, the son of Kish. Therefore, they sought him, but he was not found.

New American Bible
Next he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by clans, and the clan of Matri was chosen, and finally Saul, son of Kish, was chosen. But when they went to look for him, he was nowhere to be found.

New Revised Standard Version
He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its families, and the family of the Matrites was taken by lot. Finally he brought the family of the Matrites near man by man, and Saul the son of Kish was taken by lot. But when they sought him, he could not be found.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Then when he caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken by lot, and Saul the son of Kish was taken by lot. But when they sought him, he could not be found.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the tribe of Benyamin came for the families, and the family of Matri was taken, and Shaul, son of Qish, was taken, and they looked for him and he was not found

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by their families, and the family of the Matrites was taken; and Saul the son of Kish was taken; but when they sought him, he could not be found.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he brings near the tribe of Benjamin by families, and the family of Mattari is taken by lot: and they bring near the family of Mattari, man by man, and Saul the son of Kis is taken; and he sought him, but he was not found.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Saul Proclaimed King
…20Thus Samuel had all the tribes of Israel come forward, and the tribe of Benjamin was selected. 21Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, they could not find him. 22So again they inquired of the LORD, “Has the man come here yet?” And the LORD replied, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Samuel 9:21
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?”

1 Samuel 14:51
Saul’s father Kish and Abner’s father Ner were sons of Abiel.

1 Samuel 15:17
And Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, have you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel

1 Samuel 16:1
Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.”

1 Samuel 16:13
So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.

1 Samuel 24:20
Now I know for sure that you will be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.

1 Samuel 2:8
He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.

1 Samuel 8:7
And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king.

1 Samuel 12:13
Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested. Behold, the LORD has placed a king over you.

1 Samuel 13:14
But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.”

1 Samuel 15:28
So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you.

1 Samuel 18:12
So Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul.

1 Samuel 28:17
He has done exactly what He spoke through me: The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor David.

1 Samuel 9:2
And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the people.

1 Samuel 11:15
So all the people went to Gilgal and confirmed Saul as king in the presence of the LORD. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the LORD, and Saul and all the Israelites rejoiced greatly.

Treasury of Scripture

When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.

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Benjamin Captured Caused Chosen Clan Kish Lot Nowhere Saul Search Seek Sought Tribe

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Benjamin Captured Caused Chosen Clan Kish Lot Nowhere Saul Search Seek Sought Tribe

1 Samuel 10

1. Samuel anoints Saul
2. 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

Berean Study Bible

Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans
The selection of the tribe of Benjamin is significant in the historical and scriptural context. Benjamin was the smallest of the tribes of Israel, often associated with strength and resilience despite its size. The Hebrew root for "Benjamin" (בִּנְיָמִין) means "son of the right hand," symbolizing favor and strength. This moment highlights God's sovereignty in choosing leaders not based on human expectations but divine purpose. The process of coming forward by clans underscores the orderly and divinely guided selection process, reflecting the importance of community and family in Israelite society.

and the clan of Matri was selected
The clan of Matri is mentioned only here in the Bible, indicating its obscurity and perhaps insignificance in human terms. Yet, God’s choice of this clan to bring forth the first king of Israel emphasizes His ability to elevate the humble and the unknown for His purposes. This selection process, guided by divine providence, reminds believers that God often works through the least expected means to fulfill His plans.

Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected
Saul's selection as king marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history. The name "Saul" (שָׁאוּל) means "asked for" or "prayed for," reflecting Israel's request for a king to lead them like other nations. Saul, being from the tribe of Benjamin, fulfills God's response to the people's desire, yet also serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of human leadership. Saul's father, Kish, is noted as a man of standing, indicating Saul's noble lineage, yet it is God's choice that ultimately defines his role.

But when they looked for him, they could not find him
This phrase introduces a moment of tension and irony. Despite being chosen by God, Saul is initially absent, hiding among the baggage (as revealed in the following verses). This absence can be seen as a reflection of Saul's humility or reluctance, but also foreshadows the struggles and insecurities that will mark his reign. The inability to find Saul immediately serves as a narrative device to highlight the unexpected nature of God's choices and the human tendency to overlook what God has ordained. It encourages believers to trust in God's timing and wisdom, even when His plans are not immediately visible.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(21) The family of Matri was taken.--In none of the Benjamite genealogies connected with the royal house of Saul does this name occur. We cannot account for the omission. Ewald conjectures that the name Matri is a corruption from "Bikri" (see 1Chronicles 7:8).

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 21. - The family of Matri, or of the Matrites. Matri is not mentioned anywhere else; and numerous as are the omissions in the genealogies, we can scarcely suppose that the name of the head of one of the main subdivisions of a tribe could be passed over. The conjecture, therefore, is probable that Matri is a corruption of Bikri, i.e. a descendant of Becher, for whom see 1 Chronicles 7:8. After the lot had fallen upon this family they would next cast lots upon its smaller subdivisions, as in Joshua 7:17, 18, until at last they came to households, when first Kish, and finally Saul was taken. The latter, foreseeing that this would happen, had concealed himself. For though a noble change had taken place in him (ver. 9), yet no really worthy man was ever promoted to high office without having to overcome his own unwillingness, and no one probably ever worthily discharged solemn duties without having felt oppressed and humbled with the consciousness of his own unfitness to undertake them. As a matter of fact, Saul was now called to a most weighty responsibility, and he failed and was rejected, though not without proving that he was a man of extraordinary genius and power. And it never can be said of him that presumption was the cause of his fall, or that he hastily undertook serious duties in the spirit of light-hearted levity.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Then he had the tribe
שֵׁ֤בֶט (šê·ḇeṭ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe

of Benjamin
בִּנְיָמִן֙ (bin·yā·min)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1144: Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israelites

come forward
וַיַּקְרֵ֞ב (way·yaq·rêḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7126: To come near, approach

by its clans,
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֔יו (lə·miš·pə·ḥō·ṯāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people

and the clan
מִשְׁפַּ֣חַת (miš·pa·ḥaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people

of Matri
הַמַּטְרִ֑י (ham·maṭ·rî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4309: Matrite -- a Benjamite family

was selected.
וַתִּלָּכֵ֖ד (wat·til·lā·ḵêḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3920: To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to cohere

Finally, Saul
שָׁא֣וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Kish
קִ֔ישׁ (qîš)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7027: Kish -- father of Saul, also the name of several other Israelites

was selected.
וַיִּלָּכֵד֙ (way·yil·lā·ḵêḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3920: To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to cohere

But when they looked for him,
וַיְבַקְשֻׁ֖הוּ (way·ḇaq·šu·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after

they could not
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

find him.
נִמְצָֽא׃ (nim·ṣā)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present

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OT History: 1 Samuel 10:21 He brought the tribe of Benjamin near (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)