What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 9:4?

Through the hill country of Ephraim

“So Saul passed through the hill country of Ephraim…” (1 Samuel 9:4a)

• A rugged, elevated region where Israel had long settled (Joshua 17:15).

• Saul begins in familiar territory—close to home, diligent in his father’s command (Exodus 20:12).

• The failure to find the donkeys here underscores that human effort alone cannot secure success (Psalm 127:1); God is directing unseen.

• Like Gideon moving through Ophrah (Judges 6:11-14), ordinary chores become stages for divine callings.

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Through the land of Shalishah

“…and then through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find the donkeys.” (9:4b)

• Shalishah lies farther west. Saul widens the search, showing perseverance (Proverbs 12:24).

• Another closed door reminds us of Acts 16:6-7, where God guides by both opening and withholding.

• The journey’s frustrations will highlight God’s eventual intervention (1 Samuel 9:15-17).

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Through the region of Shaalim

“He and the servant went through the region of Shaalim, but they were not there.” (9:4c)

• Shaalim (“foxes”) borders Philistine territory—Saul ventures into less-safe ground, illustrating commitment (2 Corinthians 11:26).

• Each “not there” accents human limitation; God alone sees the outcome (Isaiah 55:9).

• As with Abraham’s servants searching for a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24:27), patient obedience paves the way for divine appointments.

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Through the land of Benjamin

“Then they went through the land of Benjamin, and still they did not find them.” (9:4d)

• Returning to his tribal homeland completes a circuit, symbolizing that God’s answer lies closer than expected (Deuteronomy 30:11-14).

• The repeated disappointment sets the scene for meeting Samuel at Ramah (9:5-6).

• Romans 8:28 parallels the truth that God weaves all things—even lost livestock—into His purpose.

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summary

1 Samuel 9:4 records an historical, literal trek across four regions, emphasizing Saul’s thorough search and steadfast obedience. Each “not there” reveals God’s sovereignty: closed paths channel Saul toward Samuel, where he will discover his divine calling. The verse teaches that diligent faithfulness, even in mundane tasks, positions believers to encounter God’s greater plans.