1 Samuel 10:21
When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּקְרֵ֞ב
to come near
H7126
וַיַּקְרֵ֞ב
to come near
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
1 of 15
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שֵׁ֤בֶט
When he had caused the tribe
H7626
שֵׁ֤בֶט
When he had caused the tribe
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
3 of 15
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
בִּנְיָמִן֙
of Benjamin
H1144
בִּנְיָמִן֙
of Benjamin
Strong's:
H1144
Word #:
4 of 15
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
מִשְׁפַּ֣חַת
by their families
H4940
מִשְׁפַּ֣חַת
by their families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
5 of 15
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
וַיִּלָּכֵד֙
was taken
H3920
וַיִּלָּכֵד֙
was taken
Strong's:
H3920
Word #:
6 of 15
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
מִשְׁפַּ֣חַת
by their families
H4940
מִשְׁפַּ֣חַת
by their families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
7 of 15
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
וַיִּלָּכֵד֙
was taken
H3920
וַיִּלָּכֵד֙
was taken
Strong's:
H3920
Word #:
9 of 15
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
11 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וַיְבַקְשֻׁ֖הוּ
and when they sought
H1245
וַיְבַקְשֻׁ֖הוּ
and when they sought
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
13 of 15
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
Historical Context
The progressive narrowing through lots - tribe, clan, family, individual - reflects Israel's nested social structure. This method eliminated accusations of political manipulation; God alone determined the outcome. The Urim and Thummim, priestly lot-casting implements, may have been used for this selection.
Questions for Reflection
- What might Saul's absence at his selection moment reveal about his character?
- How do you respond when God's calling finds you unprepared or absent?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.
The selection progressively narrows: tribe to family (mishpachah, clan) to individual. The family of Matri, otherwise unknown, suggests Saul came from no distinguished lineage despite his father Kish being a 'mighty man of power' (9:1). When the lot definitively identified 'Saul the son of Kish,' the chosen one could not be found (lo nimtsa). This disappearance creates dramatic tension: God's clearly revealed choice is absent at his moment of presentation. The passive construction 'could not be found' leaves ambiguity - was he hiding intentionally, providentially delayed, or simply elsewhere? The Hebrew phrasing emphasizes the search's failure: they 'sought' (baqash) but he 'was not found.' This absence at coronation foreshadows Saul's spiritual trajectory: present for dramatic moments but absent when faithful presence was required.