1 Samuel 9:20

KJV

And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And on whom [is] all the desire of Israel? [Is it] not on thee, and on all thy father's house?

KJV (with Strong's)

And as for thine asses {H860} that were lost {H6} three {H7969} days {H3117} ago {H3117}, set {H7760} not thy mind {H3820} on them; for they are found {H4672}. And on whom is all the desire {H2532} of Israel {H3478}? Is it not on thee, and on all thy father's {H1} house {H1004}?

Complete Jewish Bible

As for your donkeys that got lost three days ago, don't worry about them; they've been found. Now, who is it that all Isra'el wants? Isn't it you, and all your father's household?"

Berean Standard Bible

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?”

American Standard Version

And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And for whom is all that is desirable in Israel? Is it not for thee, and for all thy father’s house?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 9:20 captures the pivotal moment when the prophet Samuel, with divine insight, subtly reveals God's sovereign plan to an unsuspecting Saul. After assuring Saul that his lost asses have been found, Samuel shifts the conversation to the true object of Israel's national longing—a king—and indicates that Saul, and his father's house, are the divinely appointed answer to that deep-seated desire, foreshadowing his anointing as Israel's first monarch.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a crucial juncture in the narrative of 1 Samuel, specifically within the account of Saul's initial encounter with Samuel. Saul has been sent by his father, Kish, to search for their lost asses, a seemingly mundane task that serves as the providential vehicle for his divine appointment. The preceding verses detail Samuel's prior revelation from God concerning the man He would send to be king over Israel, a man from the land of Benjamin whom Samuel was to anoint (e.g., [1 Samuel 9:15-17](/1_samuel/9-15 "1 Samuel 9:15-17 - God's Revelation to Samuel")). Samuel's words in verse 20 immediately follow his hospitable welcome of Saul and his servant, setting the stage for the dramatic disclosure of Saul's destiny, which culminates in his private anointing in [1 Samuel 10:1](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Saul's Anointing").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The broader historical context is Israel's transition from a tribal confederacy led by judges to a centralized monarchy. The people had explicitly demanded a king "like all the other nations" ([1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel's Demand for a King")), a request Samuel initially viewed with displeasure but which God permitted as a concession to their desire, while also warning them of the consequences ([1 Samuel 8:7-18](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7-18 - Samuel's Warning about a King")). Prophets like Samuel served as God's spokesmen, often acting as seers or diviners, consulted for both mundane and spiritual matters, making it culturally plausible for Saul to seek Samuel's help regarding the lost animals. The anointing of a king was a sacred act, signifying divine election and empowerment, and Samuel's subtle revelation here prepares Saul for that momentous event.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 9:20](/1_samuel/9-20 "1 Samuel 9:20 - Samuel's Revelation to Saul") powerfully highlights several key themes. **Divine Providence** is paramount, demonstrating how God orchestrates seemingly insignificant events (lost asses) to fulfill His grand purposes (appointing a king). The verse also underscores **God's Sovereign Election**, as He chooses Saul, an individual from a humble background and the smallest tribe ([1 Samuel 9:21](/1_samuel/9-21 "1 Samuel 9:21 - Saul's Humility")), to lead His people. It touches upon the theme of **Transition of Leadership**, marking the shift from the era of judges to the monarchy. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **Israel's National Desire**, revealing that the people's longing for a king, though misguided in its motivation, is being addressed through God's chosen instrument.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Desire (Hebrew, _ḥemdat'_):** This word (חֶמְדַּת) carries a strong connotation of something precious, longed for, or highly esteemed. It signifies not merely a casual wish but a deep yearning or coveting. In this context, Samuel uses it to refer to the object of Israel's national hope and longing for a leader, specifically a king. By declaring that "all the desire of Israel" is on Saul, Samuel is identifying him as the very person whom Israel, consciously or unconsciously, desires to lead them, as chosen by God. It implies a sense of national aspiration and expectation, now focused on Saul by divine decree.
* **Found (Hebrew, _māṣā'_):** The verb "found" (מָצָא) is simple yet profound here. Samuel's immediate assurance that the asses are "found" serves to alleviate Saul's present anxiety, but more importantly, it functions as a divine sign and a rhetorical bridge. It establishes Samuel's prophetic credibility in a mundane matter, thereby preparing Saul to receive the far more significant revelation about his destiny. The finding of the asses symbolizes the divine orchestration of events, where even the trivial is brought to resolution by God's hand, leading to a greater purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found."**: Samuel immediately addresses Saul's primary concern, demonstrating his prophetic knowledge and alleviating Saul's anxiety. The mention of "three days ago" highlights the duration of Saul's fruitless search, emphasizing the divine intervention that now resolves it. This opening serves as a disarming and trust-building statement, confirming Samuel's supernatural insight and preparing Saul for the weightier pronouncement to follow. It subtly underscores God's meticulous care even in seemingly minor details.
* **"And on whom [is] all the desire of Israel?"**: This is a rhetorical question, designed to draw Saul's attention away from his personal concerns and toward the national aspiration. Samuel is shifting the focus from lost animals to the profound longing of the entire nation. The "desire of Israel" refers to their deep-seated yearning for a king, a desire that had been explicitly articulated to Samuel (e.g., [1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel's Demand for a King")). This question sets the stage for the shocking revelation of Saul's destiny.
* **"[Is it] not on thee, and on all thy father's house?"**: This is the direct, declarative answer to the rhetorical question, delivered with prophetic authority. Samuel unequivocally identifies Saul as the object of Israel's national desire, the one chosen by God to be their king. The inclusion of "all thy father's house" implies that this elevation would bring honor and prominence to his entire family, not just Saul personally. This statement marks the moment Saul begins to grasp the extraordinary destiny awaiting him, moving from a humble searcher of asses to the divinely appointed leader of a nation.

#### Literary Devices
[1 Samuel 9:20](/1_samuel/9-20 "1 Samuel 9:20 - Samuel's Revelation to Saul") masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Dramatic Irony** is prominent, as the reader is aware of God's plan for Saul (revealed in [1 Samuel 9:15-17](/1_samuel/9-15 "1 Samuel 9:15-17 - God's Revelation to Samuel")) while Saul himself remains oblivious, focused solely on his lost asses. This creates a tension between Saul's mundane reality and his impending divine destiny. The seemingly trivial search for animals functions as **Symbolism**, representing the unexpected and humble circumstances through which God often works to bring about His greater purposes. The lost asses are a catalyst, leading Saul directly to his anointing. Furthermore, Samuel's rhetorical question, "And on whom [is] all the desire of Israel?" followed by the direct answer, "[Is it] not on thee, and on all thy father's house?", is an example of **Rhetorical Questioning** used to emphasize and highlight the surprising revelation, drawing Saul (and the reader) into the profound significance of the moment. There's also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Samuel's words clearly predict Saul's future role as king, setting the stage for his anointing and the subsequent narrative of his reign.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the theme of divine providence, demonstrating how God orchestrates even the most mundane and seemingly random events to fulfill His sovereign purposes. Saul's search for lost asses, a trivial domestic concern, becomes the precise means by which he is led to Samuel and his destiny as Israel's first king. This highlights God's meticulous involvement in every detail of life, guiding individuals and nations towards His preordained plans. It also underscores God's choice of the unexpected and the humble, as Saul, from the smallest tribe and a relatively obscure family, is elevated to the highest position. The "desire of Israel" for a king, though stemming from human impatience and a desire to be like other nations, is nevertheless met by God's provision, albeit with a king of His choosing. This tension between human desire and divine election is a recurring theme throughout biblical history.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Elevates and Brings Down")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 9:20 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that God is actively at work in every aspect of our lives, even in our frustrations and seemingly insignificant concerns. Just as He used Saul's lost asses to lead him to his divine destiny, God often uses our everyday challenges, detours, or even perceived setbacks as stepping stones toward His greater purpose for us. We are called to cultivate an attentiveness to God's hand, recognizing that His plan is often far grander than our immediate circumstances or limited understanding. This verse challenges us to trust in His sovereign orchestration, knowing that He can transform our mundane tasks into moments of divine encounter and our anxieties into opportunities for revelation. It invites us to release our grip on our own agendas and embrace the unexpected paths He lays before us, confident that His perfect will is unfolding, even when we cannot yet see the full picture.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "mundane" or "frustrating" circumstances in your life might God be working to lead you toward a greater purpose?**
* **How does Saul's initial focus on lost asses, contrasted with Samuel's revelation of his destiny, speak to your own priorities and perspective?**
* **What does this verse teach you about trusting God's timing and His methods, even when they seem unconventional or slow?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's providential hand in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why were the lost asses so important to Saul and his family?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, asses were valuable working animals, essential for agriculture, transport, and as a form of wealth. Losing them for three days would represent a significant financial and practical burden for a family like Kish's. Saul's diligence in searching for them, even traveling a considerable distance, reflects the economic importance of these animals and his sense of responsibility to his father. This mundane concern ironically became the divinely appointed vehicle to lead him to his destiny as king.

**What does "all the desire of Israel" mean in this context?**

Answer: "All the desire of Israel" refers to the nation's deep longing for a king, a desire they had explicitly expressed to Samuel in [1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel's Demand for a King"). While God had been their true King, the people wanted a visible, human monarch like the surrounding nations. Samuel's statement indicates that Saul is the divinely chosen answer to this national yearning, the one upon whom God has placed the responsibility of leading His people as their first king. It signifies that Saul is the object of Israel's national aspiration for leadership.

**Did Saul immediately understand what Samuel was saying?**

Answer: While the text doesn't explicitly state Saul's immediate comprehension, his response in [1 Samuel 9:21](/1_samuel/9-21 "1 Samuel 9:21 - Saul's Humble Response") ("Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? And my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak to me in this way?") suggests a mix of humility, disbelief, and perhaps a dawning realization. He seems to grasp the magnitude of Samuel's words, but his humble background makes the idea of him being the "desire of Israel" seem utterly preposterous. It likely took time and the subsequent anointing for the full weight of the prophecy to settle upon him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Samuel 9:20 introduces Saul as the initial "desire of Israel" for a king, his reign ultimately proved flawed and temporary, foreshadowing the need for a perfect, eternal King. The "desire of Israel" for a human monarch, though granted by God, pointed to a deeper, more profound longing for the ultimate Anointed One—the Messiah. Saul's anointing by Samuel, though significant, pales in comparison to the anointing of Jesus Christ, who is truly the King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). Unlike Saul, who was chosen from a humble tribe but eventually succumbed to pride and disobedience, Jesus, though born in humble circumstances, perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and established an everlasting kingdom ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Reign of Jesus")). The lost asses leading Saul to his temporary throne finds its ultimate parallel in Christ, who came to seek and save the lost ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")), not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Jesus is the true "desire of Israel" and indeed, the desire of all nations, the one in whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 8:5

And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.

1 Samuel 12:13

Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, [and] whom ye have desired! and, behold, the LORD hath set a king over you.

1 Samuel 9:3

¶ 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.

1 Samuel 12:15

But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as [it was] against your fathers.

Colossians 3:2

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

1 Samuel 4:20

And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast born a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard [it].

Psalms 62:10

Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart [upon them].