1 Samuel 9:5

KJV

[And] when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that [was] with him, Come, and let us return; lest my father leave [caring] for the asses, and take thought for us.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when they were come {H935} to the land {H776} of Zuph {H6689}, Saul {H7586} said {H559} to his servant {H5288} that was with him, Come {H3212}, and let us return {H7725}; lest my father {H1} leave {H2308} caring for the asses {H860}, and take thought {H1672} for us.

Complete Jewish Bible

On reaching the territory of Tzuf, Sha'ul said to his servant with him, "Come, let's go back; otherwise my father will stop thinking about the donkeys and start worrying about us."

Berean Standard Bible

When they reached the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant, “Come, let us go back, or my father will stop worrying about the donkeys and start worrying about us.”

American Standard Version

When they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return, lest my father leave off caring for the asses, and be anxious for us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 9:5 captures a pivotal moment in Saul's journey, as he and his servant, having diligently but fruitlessly searched for his father's lost donkeys, arrive in the region of Zuph. Driven by commendable filial piety, Saul expresses genuine concern that his father, Kish, will cease worrying about the lost animals and instead become anxious about their prolonged absence and safety. This seemingly ordinary decision to abandon the search and return home, motivated by deep familial duty, providentially positions Saul for his unexpected and destiny-altering encounter with the prophet Samuel, setting the stage for his anointing as Israel's first king.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Samuel 9:5 serves as a crucial narrative pivot in the account of Saul's initial call to kingship. The preceding verses, specifically [1 Samuel 9:3-4](/1_samuel/9-3-4 "1 Samuel 9:3-4 - Saul's Extensive Search for Donkeys"), meticulously detail Saul's extensive and diligent search for his father's lost donkeys. This mundane task, though seemingly insignificant, is divinely orchestrated as the vehicle for his encounter with Samuel. Saul and his servant have traversed considerable territory—from Mount Ephraim through the land of Shalisha, the land of Shaalim, and the land of the Benjamites—before their arrival at the land of Zuph. This verse marks the precise moment Saul decides to abandon the search, fearing his father's worry, a decision that directly leads him to the city where Samuel resides, as vividly described in [1 Samuel 9:6](/1_samuel/9-6 "1 Samuel 9:6 - The Servant Suggests Consulting Samuel"). The immediate narrative flow thus transitions smoothly and powerfully from a domestic errand to a divinely appointed meeting, profoundly highlighting God's sovereign hand in seemingly ordinary events.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, livestock, particularly donkeys, were highly valuable assets, symbolizing wealth, status, and utility for transport and agriculture. The loss of such animals would have been a significant economic and social concern for a household head like Kish, Saul's father. Filial piety, encompassing deep respect, honor, and care for one's parents, was a foundational cultural value, deeply rooted in the Fifth Commandment: "[Honor your father and your mother](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment")". Saul's concern for his father's emotional well-being, prioritizing it over the lost animals or his own weariness from the prolonged search, profoundly reflects this deeply ingrained cultural expectation. The "land of Zuph" (`’ereṣ ṣūp̄`) is geographically significant as it is the region where Samuel's hometown, Ramah (also known as Ramathaim-zophim), was situated. While its exact boundaries are debated, its mention firmly anchors the narrative in a specific, identifiable territory that becomes the site of profound divine intervention. This setting powerfully underscores how God's grand plans unfold within the ordinary geography and social structures of human life.

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several profound themes within 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence**, showcasing how God meticulously orchestrates seemingly mundane circumstances and human decisions to achieve His sovereign purposes. Saul's donkey search, a common domestic task, is precisely the divinely appointed means by which God brings him into contact with Samuel, leading directly to his anointing as Israel's first king, as foretold in [1 Samuel 10:1](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Saul's Anointing by Samuel"). Secondly, it highlights **Filial Piety and Responsibility**, as Saul's primary motivation for returning home is not personal convenience but genuine, empathetic concern for his father's potential anxiety. This admirable trait of character, prioritizing family well-being, sets the stage for his initial portrayal as a man of good character before his later spiritual and moral failures. Finally, the verse emphasizes **Unknowing Transition and God's Hidden Hand**. Saul is completely unaware that his ordinary errand is leading him to a destiny-altering encounter, underscoring the profound biblical principle that "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps," as articulated in [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps"). This theme resonates throughout Scripture, powerfully demonstrating God's sovereign control over human affairs, even when individuals are oblivious to His grand design.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Zuph (Hebrew, _Tsûwph_):** This geographical designation, derived from the Hebrew H6689, refers to the district where Samuel's city, Ramah (also known as Ramathaim-zophim), was located. While the name itself may be related to "honeycomb" or "overflowing," its primary significance in this context is its direct association with Samuel. The mention of "the land of Zuph" is not merely a geographical detail but a subtle, yet potent, indicator of divine orchestration, as it is the precise location where Saul's path is destined to intersect with that of the prophet, entirely by God's design and unknown to Saul.
* **Return (Hebrew, _shûwb_):** The verb "return," derived from the primitive root H7725, signifies Saul's intention to abandon the current mission of searching for the donkeys and head back home. This decision, born out of commendable filial concern, is ironically the very action that prevents him from leaving the vicinity of Samuel. Had Saul not decided to "return" at this specific juncture, the subsequent providential events leading to his anointing might not have unfolded as they did. It powerfully highlights the tension and interplay between human intention and divine direction in God's sovereign plan.
* **Take thought (Hebrew, _dâʼag_):** This verb, stemming from the primitive root H1672, conveys a profound sense of anxiety, worry, or distress. Saul's expressed fear is that his father, Kish, will shift his concern from the material loss of the donkeys to the more profound and personal anxiety over the well-being and safety of his son and servant. This word underscores Saul's deep empathy, responsibility, and consideration, portraying him as a thoughtful and considerate son. The anticipated shift in worry from "asses" to "us" emphasizes the deeply personal nature of Kish's potential distress, making Saul's concern all the more poignant and admirable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[And] when they were come to the land of Zuph":** This initial clause precisely establishes the geographical setting for the pivotal encounter. After an extensive and ultimately fruitless search for the lost donkeys, Saul and his servant have arrived in a specific, divinely designated geographical region—the land of Zuph. This seemingly ordinary arrival is, in fact, the culmination of God's meticulous providential leading, bringing Saul to the very threshold of his destiny.
* **"Saul said to his servant that [was] with him, Come, and let us return":** Here, Saul initiates the decision to abandon the current search. This demonstrates his inherent leadership qualities, even in this mundane task, and his pragmatic assessment of the situation's futility. The command to "return" signals the perceived end of their mission, yet it is precisely this human decision, born of good intent, that will providentially lead them directly to their true, divinely appointed purpose.
* **"lest my father leave [caring] for the asses, and take thought for us":** This final, crucial clause eloquently reveals Saul's profound motivation. His primary concern is not for himself, nor for the perceived failure of their search, but deeply for his father, Kish. He fears that Kish's worry will transition from the valuable lost livestock to the far more profound and personal anxiety over the safety, whereabouts, and well-being of his beloved son and servant. This highlights Saul's exemplary filial piety, his sense of responsibility, and his empathy, painting a compelling picture of his character at the very outset of his public life.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 1 Samuel 9:5 masterfully employs several literary devices to enrich its meaning, deepen its theological impact, and subtly foreshadow future events. **Irony** is profoundly evident, as Saul's mundane search for lost donkeys, driven by filial duty, is unknowingly the divine vehicle leading him directly to his anointing as king. His decision to "return" out of concern for his father is precisely what prevents him from leaving the vicinity of Samuel, setting up the unexpected and transformative encounter. This serves as powerful **foreshadowing**, indicating that a far greater, divinely appointed purpose awaits Saul beyond his current, seemingly trivial task. The ordinary journey is a subtle prelude to a transformative, destiny-altering event. Furthermore, the verse contributes significantly to the **characterization** of Saul, presenting him initially as a responsible, humble, and filial son, deeply concerned for his father's welfare. This admirable portrayal contrasts sharply with his later disobedience and pride, making his initial virtues all the more significant in understanding his complex trajectory. The narrative also employs **divine orchestration** through what appears to be purely human agency, subtly revealing God's unseen hand guiding events without direct, overt intervention, a common and powerful feature in biblical narratives that emphasizes God's sovereignty over all aspects of life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the profound theme of divine providence, demonstrating with striking clarity how God orchestrates seemingly ordinary events and human decisions to meticulously fulfill His sovereign purposes. Saul's simple act of filial duty, diligently searching for lost donkeys, becomes the precise means by which he is led to Samuel and his destiny as Israel's first king. It underscores the profound truth that God's intricate plans are often hidden within the very fabric of everyday life, requiring faithfulness and diligence in the mundane while He sovereignly directs our steps toward His greater, often unexpected, calling. This narrative profoundly encourages believers to trust implicitly in God's unseen hand, recognizing that even our detours, frustrations, and perceived failures can be integral parts of His perfect design, leading us to unexpected blessings or significant assignments that align with His eternal will.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work Together for Good")
* [Psalm 37:23](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23 - The Steps of a Good Man are Ordered by the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 9:5 offers profound and timeless insights into how God sovereignly works in our lives, often through the most ordinary and unassuming circumstances. Saul's journey, initially a frustrating and seemingly fruitless search for lost animals, becomes the divinely appointed path to his unexpected anointing and destiny. This narrative powerfully reminds us that our faithfulness, diligence, and integrity in small, seemingly insignificant tasks can be precisely what God uses to position us for His greater purposes and callings. It challenges us to cultivate a posture of humility, obedience, and trust, even when the immediate outcome is unclear or the task feels mundane or unrewarding. Just as Saul's deep concern for his father led him to a pivotal, destiny-altering encounter, our acts of love, responsibility, and diligence in our current spheres of influence can open doors to unexpected opportunities and divine appointments. We are called to trust implicitly that God is sovereignly at work, even when we cannot perceive His intricate hand, and that our "detours" might, in fact, be His direct routes to fulfilling His perfect will. This verse profoundly encourages us to embrace our present duties with unwavering integrity, knowing that God can, and often does, transform the ordinary into the extraordinary for His glory and our ultimate good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "mundane" or "ordinary" tasks in your life might God be working to lead you to a greater, perhaps unseen, purpose?**
* **How does Saul's exemplary concern for his father inspire you to demonstrate deeper filial piety or more compassionate care for others in your own relationships?**
* **Can you recall a specific time when a seemingly frustrating, unsuccessful, or even inconvenient endeavor ultimately led to an unexpected blessing or a profound divine encounter? What did you learn about God's sovereign providence from that transformative experience?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "the land of Zuph" in this verse?**

Answer: The "land of Zuph" (`’ereṣ ṣūp̄`) is geographically significant because it is the region where Samuel's hometown, Ramah (also known as Ramathaim-zophim), was located. While Saul and his servant are simply passing through, entirely unaware of its true importance, this location marks the precise point where God's intricate providential plan for Saul's anointing as king begins to unfold. It is not merely a random place but the divinely appointed setting for Saul's pivotal and destiny-altering encounter with the prophet Samuel, as meticulously detailed in the subsequent verses of [1 Samuel 9](/1_samuel/9 "1 Samuel 9 - Saul Meets Samuel").

**How does Saul's concern for his father reflect his character?**

Answer: Saul's expressed concern that his father, Kish, would "leave caring for the asses, and take thought for us" reveals several admirable and commendable traits about his character at this early stage of his life. It demonstrates his profound **filial piety** and deep respect for his father, prioritizing Kish's emotional well-being and peace of mind over the successful completion of the donkey search. It also highlights his **responsibility** and **empathy**, showing that he is not self-absorbed but deeply considers the anxieties and concerns of others, particularly his immediate family. This initial portrayal contrasts sharply with some of his later actions as king, making this early glimpse into his character particularly insightful. His concern for his father's worry over his prolonged absence is a testament to his good nature and strong sense of duty, qualities that made him an appealing and suitable choice for Israel's first king.

**Does this verse suggest God uses ordinary circumstances to accomplish His will?**

Answer: Absolutely. This verse is a classic and powerful example of **divine providence** working through seemingly ordinary, even mundane, circumstances. Saul's common task of searching for lost donkeys is precisely the divinely appointed means by which God orchestrates his encounter with Samuel and his subsequent anointing as king. The entire journey, including the decision to turn back at this specific location, is an integral part of God's larger, unseen plan. This beautifully illustrates the biblical principle that God can and does use everyday events, human decisions, and even perceived failures or detours to accomplish His sovereign will, often without human awareness of His intricate and perfect design. It profoundly aligns with passages like [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps"), which affirms that while a man plans his way, it is the Lord who directs his steps.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 9:5, though seemingly a simple narrative of a lost-and-found mission, powerfully foreshadows the intricate and often unexpected ways God works to bring about His ultimate plan of redemption through Christ. Saul's journey, driven by a father's concern for lost property and a son's filial duty, beautifully mirrors the divine pursuit of humanity. Just as Saul was unknowingly led to his anointing, humanity, lost in sin and separated from God, was unknowingly being prepared for the coming of the true King. Jesus, the ultimate Son, perfectly exemplified filial devotion, not merely to an earthly father but supremely to His heavenly Father, always seeking to do His will, even to the point of sacrificial death on the cross, as He declared, "[For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")". Furthermore, the profound theme of God using ordinary, even humble, circumstances to reveal His extraordinary purpose finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Christ. The King of Glory did not come with earthly pomp or power but was born in a humble stable, lived a common life as a carpenter, and began His public ministry not in a palace but among ordinary people, using everyday parables to convey profound spiritual truths, embodying the very humility described in [Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation"). Just as Saul's search for lost donkeys providentially led to his kingship, Christ came specifically "[to seek and to save the lost](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and to Save the Lost")", the "lost sheep" of Israel and indeed all humanity, bringing them into His eternal kingdom through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection. This verse, therefore, subtly but profoundly points to the sovereign, humble, and redemptive work of God, fully realized in Jesus, who transforms the mundane into the miraculous and the lost into the found.

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 10:2

When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?

1 Samuel 1:1

¶ Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name [was] Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:

Luke 12:11

And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and [unto] magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:

Matthew 6:25

¶ Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Luke 12:22

¶ And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

Matthew 6:28

And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

Matthew 6:34

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.