1 Samuel 9:4

KJV

And he passed through mount Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalisha, but they found [them] not: then they passed through the land of Shalim, and [there they were] not: and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found [them] not.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he passed through {H5674} mount {H2022} Ephraim {H669}, and passed through {H5674} the land {H776} of Shalisha {H8031}, but they found {H4672} them not: then they passed through {H5674} the land {H776} of Shalim {H8171}, and there they were not: and he passed through {H5674} the land {H776} of the Benjamites {H1145}, but they found {H4672} them not.

Complete Jewish Bible

He went through the hills of Efrayim and the territory of Shalishah, but they didn't find them. Then they went through the territory of Sha'alim, but they weren't there. They went through the territory of Binyamin but didn't find them there either.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And he passed through the hill-country of Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shaalim, and there they were not: and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found them not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 9:4 meticulously chronicles the extensive and ultimately fruitless journey undertaken by Saul and his servant in their search for his father Kish's lost donkeys. This seemingly mundane and frustrating endeavor, spanning various regions of central Israel, serves as a divinely orchestrated prelude, meticulously guiding Saul away from his familiar surroundings and towards the pivotal encounter with the prophet Samuel, an encounter that would irrevocably alter the course of his life and the history of Israel by setting the stage for his anointing as the nation's first king.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of 1 Samuel 9, which opens with the introduction of Saul, a striking figure from the tribe of Benjamin. The immediate preceding verse, [1 Samuel 9:3](/1_samuel/9-3 "1 Samuel 9:3 - Kish Sends Saul to Find Donkeys"), details Kish's instruction to Saul to find the lost donkeys, setting the primary objective of their journey. Verse 4 then elaborates on the vast geographical scope of their search, emphasizing their diligence and the initial lack of success. This meticulous detailing of their itinerary underscores the human effort involved, which stands in stark contrast to the divine intervention that is about to unfold. The frustration of their unfruitful search in this verse directly leads to Saul's growing concern for his father in [1 Samuel 9:5](/1_samuel/9-5 "1 Samuel 9:5 - Saul's Concern for His Father"), prompting his servant's suggestion to consult the man of God, Samuel, thereby transitioning the narrative from a simple errand to a divinely appointed meeting.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point in Israel's history, the nation was still operating under the system of judges, a period marked by decentralization, tribal conflicts, and a longing for stable leadership, as highlighted in the recurring phrase, "In those days there was no king in Israel" ([Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - No King in Israel")). Donkeys were invaluable assets in ancient Israelite society, serving as primary means of transport and beasts of burden, making their loss a significant economic concern for a family like Kish's, who is described as "a mighty man of power" ([1 Samuel 9:1](/1_samuel/9-1 "1 Samuel 9:1 - Introduction of Saul")). The geographical locations mentioned—Mount Ephraim, Shalisha, Shalim, and the land of the Benjamites—represent a significant circuit through the central highlands of Israel, indicating a thorough and extensive search. Mount Ephraim was a populous and fertile region, while Shalisha and Shalim were likely more remote or less defined areas, suggesting that Saul and his servant ventured far from their home territory in their diligent pursuit.

* **Key Themes:** The search detailed in [1 Samuel 9:4](/1_samuel/9-4 "1 Samuel 9:4 - Saul's Search for Donkeys") is saturated with the theme of **Divine Providence**. What appears to be a mundane and even frustrating task is, in fact, God's sovereign hand at work, meticulously orchestrating events to bring Saul to his destined appointment. This journey exemplifies how God often uses ordinary circumstances and human diligence to accomplish His extraordinary purposes, a principle echoed in [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps"), which states that while a man plans his way, the Lord directs his steps. Another prominent theme is **Obedience and Diligence**. Saul's unwavering commitment to his father's command, evident in the vast distances covered, highlights his dutiful character, which is a prerequisite for leadership. This faithfulness in a seemingly small task foreshadows his future responsibilities, aligning with the biblical teaching that faithfulness in little things can lead to greater responsibilities ([Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things")). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **God's Unseen Hand**, where human effort, though diligent, proves insufficient, paving the way for divine intervention. Saul was searching for donkeys, but God was preparing him to find a kingdom, a reality that becomes clear when Samuel reveals God's plan for Saul's anointing in [1 Samuel 9:15-17](/1_samuel/9-15 "1 Samuel 9:15-17 - God's Revelation to Samuel About Saul").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ephraim (אפרים, _'Ephrayim'_):** This refers to the tribal territory of Ephraim, a prominent and centrally located region in the highlands of Israel, known for its fertility and strategic importance. Saul's journey beginning here suggests a wide-ranging search originating from a well-known and populated area.
* **Shalisha (שלישה, _Shalishah'_):** The exact location of Shalisha is debated, but it is generally understood to be a region to the north or northwest of Benjamin, possibly meaning "third part" or "three." Its inclusion signifies a significant extension of the search beyond familiar territories, indicating the thoroughness of Saul's efforts.
* **Shalim (שעלים, _Sha'alim'_):** Also of uncertain precise location, Shalim might derive from a root meaning "foxes" or "jackals," suggesting a wilder, perhaps less inhabited, or even desolate area. This further emphasizes the extensive and increasingly desperate nature of their search, taking them into remote regions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he passed through mount Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalisha, but they found [them] not":** This initial clause establishes the extensive geographical scope of Saul's search, beginning in the well-known central highlands of Ephraim and extending into the less defined, possibly more remote, land of Shalisha. The immediate declaration "but they found [them] not" highlights the futility of their human efforts, setting a tone of mounting frustration and emphasizing the absence of the desired outcome despite diligent searching.
* **"then they passed through the land of Shalim, and [there they were] not":** This continues the narrative of their exhaustive search, indicating a further trek into another distinct region, Shalim. The repetition of the negative outcome, "and [there they were] not," reinforces the persistent failure to locate the donkeys, building a sense of an impasse and underscoring the seemingly fruitless nature of their quest from a purely human perspective.
* **"and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found [them] not":** This final segment of the verse brings Saul's journey full circle, as he returns to his own tribal territory, the land of Benjamin. The concluding "but they found [them] not" reiterates the complete lack of success in their primary objective, even on their home ground. This serves to heighten the narrative tension and prepare the reader for the unexpected divine intervention that will soon redirect Saul's path.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Repetition** is a key element, with the phrase "but they found [them] not" or its equivalent appearing three times. This repetition underscores the futility and frustration of Saul's human efforts, building narrative tension and emphasizing the complete lack of success in his immediate objective. This sets the stage for the **Irony** that pervades the chapter: Saul is diligently searching for lost donkeys, unaware that his journey is providentially leading him to find a kingdom. The mundane task is a divine setup. The **Geographical Progression** through distinct regions (Mount Ephraim, Shalisha, Shalim, Benjamites) highlights the extensive nature of the search, demonstrating Saul's diligence and the vastness of the area covered. This detailed itinerary also subtly hints at the divine orchestration, as each step, though seemingly random, is guiding Saul closer to his destiny. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Foreshadowing**, as the arduous and seemingly unfruitful journey for donkeys subtly prepares the reader for the unexpected and divinely appointed turn of events that will lead Saul to Samuel and his anointing as king.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple verse, detailing a failed search for lost animals, profoundly illustrates the principle of divine sovereignty and providence. It teaches us that God's plans often unfold in unexpected ways, using ordinary circumstances and even frustrating setbacks to achieve His extraordinary purposes. Saul's diligent but unsuccessful search was not a waste of time; it was the very path God ordained to bring him to Samuel, demonstrating that our "detours" or "failures" can be precisely where God is leading us to our divine appointments. It underscores that God is at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events in ways we cannot comprehend, ultimately for our good and His glory.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good")
* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Saul's donkey search in 1 Samuel 9:4 offers a powerful reminder that our daily responsibilities, even the most mundane or frustrating ones, can be the very avenues through which God guides us toward His greater purposes. We often focus on our immediate objectives, much like Saul was focused on finding donkeys, while God is simultaneously working on a much grander scale, preparing us for something far beyond our current understanding. This passage encourages us to cultivate diligence and faithfulness in all our tasks, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem, trusting that God can use every situation—including apparent setbacks or prolonged periods of unfruitful effort—to position us exactly where He intends to be. It challenges us to look beyond the immediate outcome and discern the unseen hand of God at work, shaping our character and directing our steps, even when the path seems unclear or the desired result remains elusive. Our obedience and perseverance in the "little things" can indeed pave the way for God's significant work in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge my perception of "mundane" tasks or seemingly fruitless efforts in my own life?**
* **In what ways might God be using my current circumstances, even those that feel like detours or disappointments, to guide me toward His greater purpose?**
* **What does Saul's diligence in this extensive search teach me about faithfulness and perseverance in my own responsibilities, even when the outcome is uncertain?**

### FAQ
**Why did God use lost donkeys to lead Saul to Samuel?**

Answer: God used the lost donkeys as a providential means to bring Saul to Samuel, demonstrating His sovereignty over seemingly ordinary and even frustrating events. This method served several purposes: it ensured Saul, a humble Benjamite, would be found by Samuel, who was divinely instructed to anoint Israel's first king ([1 Samuel 9:15-16](/1_samuel/9-15 "1 Samuel 9:15-16 - God's Revelation to Samuel About Saul")). It also highlighted that God's call often comes through unexpected channels, not necessarily through grand pronouncements but through the daily routines and responsibilities of life. This humble beginning for Saul's kingship underscored that his anointing was entirely God's initiative, not a result of human ambition or a search for power.

**What is the significance of the geographical locations mentioned in Saul's search?**

Answer: The mention of Mount Ephraim, the land of Shalisha, the land of Shalim, and the land of the Benjamites signifies the extensive and wide-ranging nature of Saul's search. These locations cover a significant portion of the central highlands of Israel, indicating Saul's diligence and perseverance in fulfilling his father's command. More importantly, this detailed geographical progression highlights the providential path God was orchestrating. Each step, though seemingly part of a fruitless search for donkeys, was actually guiding Saul further away from his home and closer to Ramah, where Samuel resided, ensuring the divine appointment would take place at the precise moment God intended ([1 Samuel 9:6-10](/1_samuel/9-6 "1 Samuel 9:6-10 - Saul Decides to Consult Samuel")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Saul's extensive and ultimately fruitless search for lost donkeys, which providentially leads him to his anointing as king, serves as a powerful Old Testament shadow pointing to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. While Saul was diligently searching for lost animals, God was orchestrating his encounter with Samuel to establish an earthly kingdom. In profound contrast, Jesus, the true King, did not come to search for lost animals, but to "seek and to save the lost" humanity ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). His journey to the cross, much like Saul's arduous trek, was a divinely orchestrated path, seemingly a failure from a human perspective, yet it was the very means by which God's ultimate kingdom would be established. Just as Saul's mundane task was a prelude to his kingship, so too was the humble, self-emptying life and sacrificial death of Christ the necessary prelude to His exaltation and the inauguration of His eternal reign ([Philippians 2:7-11](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7-11 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). The sovereign hand of God, evident in leading Saul to his earthly throne, is supremely manifest in the Father's plan to send His Son, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), to establish a spiritual kingdom that knows no end ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Son of Man's Eternal Dominion")).

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

2 Kings 4:42

And there came a man from Baalshalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof. And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat.

Joshua 24:33

And Eleazar the son of Aaron died; and they buried him in a hill [that pertained to] Phinehas his son, which was given him in mount Ephraim.

Genesis 33:18

And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which [is] in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city.

Judges 17:1

¶ And there was a man of mount Ephraim, whose name [was] Micah.

John 3:23

And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

Judges 19:1

¶ And it came to pass in those days, when [there was] no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the side of mount Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of Bethlehemjudah.