1 Samuel 10:14
And Saul's uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye? And he said, To seek the asses: and when we saw that they were no where, we came to Samuel.
Original Language Analysis
דּ֨וֹד
uncle
H1730
דּ֨וֹד
uncle
Strong's:
H1730
Word #:
2 of 18
(figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend; specifically an uncle
שָׁא֥וּל
And Saul's
H7586
שָׁא֥וּל
And Saul's
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
3 of 18
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
נַעֲר֖וֹ
unto him and to his servant
H5288
נַעֲר֖וֹ
unto him and to his servant
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
6 of 18
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
הֲלַכְתֶּ֑ם
went
H1980
הֲלַכְתֶּ֑ם
went
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
8 of 18
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
לְבַקֵּשׁ֙
To seek
H1245
לְבַקֵּשׁ֙
To seek
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
10 of 18
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַנִּרְאֶ֣ה
and when we saw
H7200
וַנִּרְאֶ֣ה
and when we saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
13 of 18
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כִי
H3588
כִי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
14 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אַ֔יִן
that they were no where
H369
אַ֔יִן
that they were no where
Strong's:
H369
Word #:
15 of 18
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
Historical Context
Extended family played crucial roles in ancient Israelite society. Saul's uncle's interest reflects the close-knit nature of clan relationships. The family's prominence within Benjamin may explain his curiosity about Saul's meeting with the prophet Samuel, who was a known national figure.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you exercise wisdom about what to share and what to keep confidential?
- When might silence be humble obedience, and when might it reveal problematic patterns?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Saul's uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye? And he said, To seek the asses: and when we saw that they were no where, we came to Samuel.
The inquiry from Saul's uncle introduces a test of discretion. Saul mentions the donkeys and consulting Samuel but withholds the matter of the kingdom. His partial answer is technically true but strategically incomplete. The Hebrew construction presents straightforward narrative: 'to seek the donkeys... we came to Samuel.' The uncle's question 'whither' (anah) seeks itinerary information, which Saul provides. Whether this reticence reflects humble obedience to Samuel's implicit instruction, appropriate discretion about unconfirmed matters, or the beginning of Saul's pattern of selective disclosure is debated. Given the immediate context of his transformation, discretion seems the most charitable reading. Yet Saul's later tendency toward secrecy and paranoia may find its earliest seed here. Wisdom requires knowing when to speak and when to remain silent; Saul's silence here appears appropriate.