1 Samuel 9:20

1 Samuel 9:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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?”

King James Version 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?

American Standard Version ASV

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?

Bible in Basic English BBE

As for your asses which have been wandering for three days, give no thought to them, for they have come back. And for whom are all the desired things in Israel? are they not for you and your father's family?

Free Bible Version FBV

About the donkeys you lost three days ago—don't worry about them because they've been found. But now—doesn't the hope of all of Israel rest on you and your family line?”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And as for thine asses that were lost three dayes ago, care not for them: for they are founde. and on whom is set all the desire of Israel? is it not vpon thee and on all thy fathers house?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

As to the asses which are lost to thee this day three days, set not thy heart to them, for they have been found; and to whom [is] all the desire of Israel?' is it not to thee and to all thy father's house?'

World English Bible WEB

As for your donkeys who were lost three days ago, don’t set your mind on them, for they have been found. For whom does all Israel desire? Is it not you and all your father’s house?”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And as for thy 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?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And as for the asses, which were lost three days ago, be not solicitous, because they are found. And for whom shall be all the best things of Israel? Shall they not be for thee and for all thy father’s house?

Translation for Translators T4T

Also, do not worry any more about those donkeys that wandered away three days ago. ◄Someone has found them/They have been found►. But what you need to know is that it is you and your family that all the Israeli people are wanting!” [RHQ]

Plain English Version PEV

Oh, and those donkeys that ran away 3 days ago, don’t worry about them. Other people already found them. But think about this story now. Lots of people are saying, ‘One of Kish’s mob should be the big boss for us, the Israel mob.’”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 9:20

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Samuel 9:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/לָ/אֲתֹנ֞וֹת הָ/אֹבְד֣וֹת לְ/ךָ֗ הַ/יּוֹם֙ שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת הַ/יָּמִ֔ים אַל תָּ֧שֶׂם אֶֽת לִבְּ/ךָ֛ לָ/הֶ֖ם כִּ֣י נִמְצָ֑אוּ וּ/לְ/מִי֙ כָּל חֶמְדַּ֣ת יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל הֲ/ל֣וֹא לְ/ךָ֔ וּ/לְ/כֹ֖ל בֵּ֥ית אָבִֽי/ךָ

וְ/לָ/אֲתֹנ֞וֹת ʼâthôwn H860 she-ass Conj | Prep | N-fp

הָ/אֹבְד֣וֹת ʼâbad H6 to perish Art | V-Qal

לְ/ךָ֗ Prep | Suff

הַ/יּוֹם֙ yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms

שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת shâlôwsh H7969 three Adj

הַ/יָּמִ֔ים yôwm H3117 day Art | N-mp

אַל ʼal H408 not Part

תָּ֧שֶׂם sûwm H7760 to set V-Qal-Juss-2ms

אֶֽת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

לִבְּ/ךָ֛ lêb H3820 heart N-ms | Suff

לָ/הֶ֖ם Prep | Suff

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

נִמְצָ֑אוּ mâtsâʼ H4672 to find V-Niphal-Perf-3cp

וּ/לְ/מִי֙ mîy H4310 who? Conj | Prep | Part

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

חֶמְדַּ֣ת chemdâh H2532 desire N-fs

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

הֲ/ל֣וֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part | Part

לְ/ךָ֔ Prep | Suff

וּ/לְ/כֹ֖ל kôl H3605 all Conj | Prep | N-ms

בֵּ֥ית bayith H1004 place N-ms

אָבִֽי/ךָ ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 9:20

וְ/לָ/אֲתֹנ֞וֹת ʼâthôwn H860 "she-ass" Conj | Prep | N-fp

A female donkey is referred to by this Hebrew word, which emphasizes the animal's gentle nature. It appears in Genesis 12:16 and 31:34, describing the donkeys owned by Abraham and Jacob.

Definition: she-ass, she-donkey

Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (she) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 5:10; Zechariah 9:9.

הָ/אֹבְד֣וֹת ʼâbad H6 "to perish" Art | V-Qal

To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.

Definition: 1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) perish, die, be exterminated 1a2) perish, vanish (fig.) 1a3) be lost, strayed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate 1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.) 1b3) cause to stray, lose 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to destroy, put to death 1c1a) of divine judgment 1c2) object name of kings (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)

Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 1:6.

לְ/ךָ֗ "" Prep | Suff

הַ/יּוֹם֙ yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Adj

This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.

Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)

Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.

הַ/יָּמִ֔ים yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-mp

אַל ʼal H408 "not" Part

Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.

Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.

תָּ֧שֶׂם sûwm H7760 "to set" V-Qal-Juss-2ms

This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.

Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set

Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.

אֶֽת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

לִבְּ/ךָ֛ lêb H3820 "heart" N-ms | Suff

Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.

Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage

Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.

לָ/הֶ֖ם "" Prep | Suff

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

נִמְצָ֑אוּ mâtsâʼ H4672 "to find" V-Niphal-Perf-3cp

Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)

Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.

וּ/לְ/מִי֙ mîy H4310 "who?" Conj | Prep | Part

This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.

Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever

Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

חֶמְדַּ֣ת chemdâh H2532 "desire" N-fs

This Hebrew term describes something that brings great joy and pleasure, like a precious gift. It's used in the Bible to talk about the good things in life that bring happiness and fulfillment. In Genesis and Psalms, it describes the delight of being in a loving relationship.

Definition: desire, that which is desirable

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: desire, goodly, pleasant, precious. See also: Genesis 27:15; Jeremiah 12:10; Psalms 106:24.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

הֲ/ל֣וֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

לְ/ךָ֔ "" Prep | Suff

וּ/לְ/כֹ֖ל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | Prep | N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

בֵּ֥ית bayith H1004 "place" N-ms

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

אָבִֽי/ךָ ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff

In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.

Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 9:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 9:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 9:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 9:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:20
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:20
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 9:20
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:20
Sermons on 1 Samuel 9:20

Context — Saul Chosen as King

18Saul approached Samuel in the gateway and asked, “Would you please tell me where the seer’s house is?” 19“I am the seer,” Samuel replied. “Go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today. And when I send you off in the morning, I will tell you all that is in your heart.

20As 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?”

21Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin? So why would you say such a thing to me?” 22Then Samuel took Saul and his servant, brought them into the hall, and seated them in the place of honor among those who were invited—about thirty in all.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Samuel 8:5	“Look,” they said, “you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations.”
2	1 Samuel 12:13	Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested. Behold, the LORD has placed a king over you.
3	1 Samuel 9:3	One day the donkeys of Saul’s father Kish wandered off, and Kish said to his son Saul, “Take one of the servants and go look for the donkeys.”
4	Colossians 3:2	Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
5	1 Samuel 12:15	But if you disobey the LORD and rebel against His command, then the hand of the LORD will be against you as it was against your fathers.
6	1 Samuel 8:19	Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We must have a king over us.
7	1 Samuel 4:20	As she was dying, the women attending to her said, “Do not be afraid, for you have given birth to a son!” But she did not respond or pay any heed.
8	Psalms 62:10	Place no trust in extortion, or false hope in stolen goods. If your riches increase, do not set your heart upon them.
9	1 Chronicles 29:3	Moreover, because of my delight in the house of my God, I now give for it my personal treasures of gold and silver, over and above all that I have provided for this holy temple:

1 Samuel 9:20 Summary

[In this verse, Samuel is telling Saul not to worry about the donkeys he lost, because they have been found. He wants Saul to focus on the greater purpose God has for him, which is to be the leader of Israel. This is similar to how God tells us not to worry about earthly things in Matthew 6:25-34, and to trust in His sovereignty. By trusting in God's plan, we can have peace and confidence, just like Saul did when he met Samuel.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Samuel tell Saul not to worry about the donkeys?

Samuel told Saul not to worry about the donkeys because they had been found, and he wanted to shift Saul's focus to the greater purpose God had for him, as seen in 1 Samuel 9:20. This is similar to how God tells us not to worry about earthly things in Matthew 6:25-34.

What does it mean that all the desire of Israel is upon Saul and his father's house?

This means that God had chosen Saul and his family for a special purpose, to be the leaders of Israel, as seen in 1 Samuel 9:20. This is similar to how God chose the tribe of Judah to be the leaders of the Israelites in Genesis 49:10.

How did Samuel know about the donkeys and Saul's concerns?

Samuel knew about the donkeys and Saul's concerns because God had revealed it to him, as seen in 1 Samuel 9:19. This is an example of how God gives wisdom and knowledge to those who seek Him, as seen in James 1:5.

What is the significance of Samuel's words to Saul in this verse?

Samuel's words to Saul in this verse signify a turning point in Saul's life, where he is being called to a greater purpose and responsibility, similar to how God called Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3. This is an example of how God uses His servants to speak words of encouragement and direction to those He is calling.

Reflection Questions

What are some things in my life that I am worrying about, and how can I shift my focus to God's greater purpose for me?
How has God spoken to me through His Word or through others, and what am I doing to respond to His call?
What are some desires or dreams that I have, and how can I trust God to fulfill them in His timing?
How can I be more aware of God's presence and guidance in my life, like Samuel was in this verse?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 9:20

And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago,.... Which, according to Kimchi, is to be understood not of the time from whence they were lost, but to be reckoned from the time that Saul had

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 9:20

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? On whom is all the desire of Israel?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:20

Set not thy mind on them; trouble not thy mind about them. On whom is all the desire of Israel? who is he that shall be that thing or person which all Israel desire to have, to wit, a king? Is it not on thee, and on all thy father’ s house? that honour is designed for thee, and, after thy death, for thy family or posterity, if by thy sin thou dost not cut off the entail.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:20

1 Samuel 9:20 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?Ver. 20. And on whom is all the desire of Israel?] Sed cuius est omne desiderabile Israelis? so Martyr rendereth it. And whose shall be the best, or fairest, things of Israel? so the Vulgate after the Septuagint. They desire a king, and God hath pitched upon thee. Jerome in lib. Heb. Qu.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:20

Verse 20. As for thine asses] Thus he shows him that he knew what was in his heart, God having previously revealed these things to Samuel. And on whom is all the desire of Israel?] Saul understood this as implying that he was chosen to be king.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 9:20

20. three days ago] Heb. “to-day three days” = “the day before yesterday,” according to the inclusive Hebrew reckoning. set not thy mind on them] “Set not thy heart on them.” Be not anxious for them. on whom is all the desire of Israel] Rather, For whom are all the desirable things of Israel? are they not for thee and for all thy father’s house? i.e. ‘Care not for these asses for they are found: and even if they were lost, what matter? is not the best that Israel has to give at thy service?’

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:20

20. Thine asses… are found — This must have convinced Saul that a true seer looked upon his heart. All the desire of Israel — Israel’s desire was for a king, and Samuel sees that Saul is the man to meet this desire.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 9:20

	Sermon	Description
	David - the Fulfiller of God's Will by Devern Fromke	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the unification of the scattered tribes of Israel under the leadership of David. He emphasizes that the people had never been unified in a kin
	The Making of a Prophet by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that prophetic ministry is an eternal function rooted in God's divine counsel, not merely a role one can adopt. He illustrates this through the symbolis
	Give Us a King! by George Warnock	George Warnock discusses the transition of Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy, emphasizing that their desire for a king stemmed from a longing to be like the surrounding nations
	The Samuel Company by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson calls for a revival of the 'Samuel Company,' a group of believers who hear God's voice and grieve over the backslidden state of the Church. He emphasizes the need f
	Christless Pentecost - Part 1 by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer in the lives of believers. He challenges the audience to prioritize seeking Christ in prayer, suggesting that even
	A Passion to Know Him by Charles Stanley	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing Jesus Christ not only as Savior but also as Lord. Many people are content with knowing Jesus as their Savior becaus
	The Redeemer Is Coming to Zion by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of truly knowing Jesus and not just using His name. He warns against the deception of prosperity gospel and the focus on mate