1 Samuel 9:4

So Saul passed through the hill country of Ephraim and then through the land of Shalishah, but 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.

Study Bible

So Saul passed through the hill country of Ephraim
The hill country of Ephraim was a central region in Israel, known for its rugged terrain and significant biblical history. Ephraim was one of the tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's son Ephraim. This area was often associated with leadership and strength, as seen in Judges 4:5, where Deborah judged Israel under a palm tree in Ephraim. Saul's journey through this region signifies his connection to Israel's tribal heritage and foreshadows his future role as king.

and then through the land of Shalishah,
The land of Shalishah is mentioned only here in the Bible, and its exact location is uncertain. It is thought to be near the hill country of Ephraim, possibly indicating a region known for its agricultural productivity. The name "Shalishah" may suggest a division or a third part, hinting at a tripartite division of land or resources. This journey through Shalishah highlights the thoroughness of Saul's search and his dedication to his father's command.

but they did not find the donkeys.
The lost donkeys serve as a catalyst for Saul's journey, leading him to Samuel and his eventual anointing as king. In biblical times, donkeys were valuable assets, used for transportation and agriculture. The search for the donkeys symbolizes the beginning of Saul's path to leadership, as God uses ordinary circumstances to fulfill His divine purposes.

He and the servant went through the region of Shaalim,
Shaalim is another location with uncertain geography, possibly near the land of Shalishah. The mention of Saul's servant accompanying him emphasizes the social structure of the time, where servants played crucial roles in assisting their masters. This partnership reflects the importance of loyalty and service, themes that resonate throughout Saul's story and the broader biblical narrative.

but they were not there.
The repeated failure to find the donkeys underscores the futility of human efforts without divine intervention. This phrase highlights the theme of God's sovereignty, as He orchestrates events beyond human understanding. It also sets the stage for Saul's encounter with Samuel, where God's plan for Israel's monarchy begins to unfold.

Then they went through the land of Benjamin,
The land of Benjamin was Saul's own tribal territory, located north of Jerusalem. As a Benjamite, Saul's identity is rooted in this region, which was known for its warriors and strategic location. The tribe of Benjamin had a tumultuous history, including near destruction in Judges 20-21. Saul's journey through his homeland signifies a return to his roots and foreshadows his role as the first king from this tribe.

and still they did not find them.
The persistent inability to locate the donkeys emphasizes the theme of divine providence. Despite human efforts, it is ultimately God's plan that prevails. This phrase also highlights the limitations of human understanding and the need for reliance on God's guidance. Saul's fruitless search leads him to Samuel, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Israel's history.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin, who would later become the first king of Israel. At this point, he is on a mission to find his father's lost donkeys.

2. Hill Country of Ephraim
A region in the central part of Israel, known for its rugged terrain and significant historical and religious importance.

3. Land of Shalishah
A location mentioned in the context of Saul's search, though its exact historical location is uncertain.

4. Region of Shaalim
Another area Saul traverses in his search, also of uncertain historical location.

5. Land of Benjamin
The tribal territory of Saul's own tribe, Benjamin, located in the central part of Israel.

Teaching Points

Divine Providence in the Mundane
Even in seemingly trivial tasks, such as searching for lost donkeys, God is at work, orchestrating events for His purposes.

Obedience and Faithfulness
Saul's commitment to his father's request demonstrates obedience and faithfulness, qualities that are essential for leadership and service in God's kingdom.

God's Guidance in Our Journeys
Just as Saul's journey was directed by God, we can trust that God guides our paths, even when the destination is unclear.

Preparation for Greater Roles
Saul's search for the donkeys was a precursor to his anointing as king, illustrating how God often uses small tasks to prepare us for greater responsibilities.

Trust in God's Timing
The delay and detours in Saul's journey remind us to trust in God's timing and plan, even when our own plans seem to falter.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Saul's journey in search of the donkeys reflect God's providence in our everyday lives?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate obedience and faithfulness in the small tasks God gives us?

3. How can we discern God's guidance in our own life journeys, especially when the path seems unclear?

4. Reflect on a time when a seemingly mundane task led to a significant opportunity or lesson in your life. How did God use that experience?

5. How can we cultivate patience and trust in God's timing, especially when our plans do not unfold as expected? Consider other biblical examples of waiting on God's timing.

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 37
The account of Joseph searching for his brothers, which parallels Saul's search for the donkeys, highlighting themes of obedience and divine providence.

Proverbs 16:9
This verse speaks to the idea that while humans plan their paths, it is the Lord who directs their steps, a theme evident in Saul's journey.

Acts 9
Saul's journey can be compared to the Apostle Paul's journey, where both are on a path that leads to a significant divine encounter.