Samuel tells Saul not to be anxious about the small worries of life because God has sovereignly arranged the details to unfold a greater plan.
“As for your donkeys which were lost three days ago, do not set your mind on them, for they have been found. And for whom is all that is desirable in Israel? Is it not for you and for all your father’s household?” (v.20) In this verse, Samuel addresses Saul’s immediate concern—his family’s missing donkeys—and simultaneously hints at the extraordinary calling that awaits Saul. The prophet tells him not to worry about the donkeys, because they have already been recovered, demonstrating that God’s providence and timing extend even to daily troubles. Geographically, this conversation takes place in the land of Benjamin, likely in Ramah, where the prophet Samuel carried out some of his ministry. Located north of Jerusalem, Ramah was part of the central hill region of Israel, a strategic area recognized for its elevation and close proximity to tribal territories.
Continuing his prophecy, Samuel suggests something far more significant when he asks, “And for whom is all that is desirable in Israel?” (v.20). He indicates that all of Israel’s hopes and aspirations will focus on Saul and his household. Historically, Saul was the first king of Israel, reigning from around 1047 BC to 1010 BC. His family lineage came from the tribe of Benjamin, a smaller tribe in Israel, which showcases God’s pattern of often choosing those who appear least likely to lead (as seen also in 1 Corinthians 1:27, for a supporting concept). Samuel, who lived approximately between 1100 BC and 1000 BC, was God’s prophet entrusted with establishing the Israelite monarchy, revealing the divine plan for a king who would guide the nation.
God’s intervention here sets in motion important events that eventually lead to the rise of the Davidic line, which culminates in the coming of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1, for a supporting concept). In just these few words, the verse portrays a movement of divine orchestration: lost donkeys become the means for Saul to meet Samuel, and Samuel’s prophecy points to God’s choice for a shepherd-king. This pattern of providential direction and promise reverberates throughout Scripture, reminding believers that God often fashions grand purposes from the threads of everyday circumstances.
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1 Samuel 9:20 meaning
“As for your donkeys which were lost three days ago, do not set your mind on them, for they have been found. And for whom is all that is desirable in Israel? Is it not for you and for all your father’s household?” (v.20) In this verse, Samuel addresses Saul’s immediate concern—his family’s missing donkeys—and simultaneously hints at the extraordinary calling that awaits Saul. The prophet tells him not to worry about the donkeys, because they have already been recovered, demonstrating that God’s providence and timing extend even to daily troubles. Geographically, this conversation takes place in the land of Benjamin, likely in Ramah, where the prophet Samuel carried out some of his ministry. Located north of Jerusalem, Ramah was part of the central hill region of Israel, a strategic area recognized for its elevation and close proximity to tribal territories.
Continuing his prophecy, Samuel suggests something far more significant when he asks, “And for whom is all that is desirable in Israel?” (v.20). He indicates that all of Israel’s hopes and aspirations will focus on Saul and his household. Historically, Saul was the first king of Israel, reigning from around 1047 BC to 1010 BC. His family lineage came from the tribe of Benjamin, a smaller tribe in Israel, which showcases God’s pattern of often choosing those who appear least likely to lead (as seen also in 1 Corinthians 1:27, for a supporting concept). Samuel, who lived approximately between 1100 BC and 1000 BC, was God’s prophet entrusted with establishing the Israelite monarchy, revealing the divine plan for a king who would guide the nation.
God’s intervention here sets in motion important events that eventually lead to the rise of the Davidic line, which culminates in the coming of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1, for a supporting concept). In just these few words, the verse portrays a movement of divine orchestration: lost donkeys become the means for Saul to meet Samuel, and Samuel’s prophecy points to God’s choice for a shepherd-king. This pattern of providential direction and promise reverberates throughout Scripture, reminding believers that God often fashions grand purposes from the threads of everyday circumstances.