1 Samuel 10:22
Therefore they enquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁאֲלוּ
Therefore they enquired
H7592
וַיִּשְׁאֲלוּ
Therefore they enquired
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
1 of 14
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
עוֹד֙
H5750
עוֹד֙
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
יְהוָ֔ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הֲבָ֥א
should yet come
H935
הֲבָ֥א
should yet come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
4 of 14
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
ע֖וֹד
H5750
ע֖וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
אִ֑ישׁ
further if the man
H376
אִ֑ישׁ
further if the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
7 of 14
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
יְהוָ֔ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
ה֥וּא
H1931
ה֥וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
11 of 14
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Cross References
Numbers 27:21And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.Judges 20:18And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up first.
Historical Context
Large assemblies required substantial equipment and supplies. The 'stuff' or 'baggage' (kelim) would have formed a considerable collection at Mizpah. Saul's hiding among these items showed intimate knowledge of the assembly grounds, perhaps from helping arrange the gathering.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's precise knowledge of Saul's hiding place teach about divine omniscience?
- When have you hidden from responsibilities God was calling you to embrace?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Therefore they enquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff.
The assembly's response to Saul's absence was to seek the LORD further (sha'al od ba-YHWH), demonstrating proper dependence on divine guidance. The verb 'sha'al' (inquired) puns on Saul's name (Sha'ul, 'asked for'), creating wordplay throughout his narrative. God's answer is startlingly specific: 'Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff' (kelim, baggage or equipment). This divine omniscience - knowing precisely where a hiding man conceals himself - displays God's exhaustive knowledge. Whether Saul's hiding reflected genuine humility (a farmer overwhelmed by kingship), fear of responsibility, or early signs of emotional instability remains debated. The contrast with later Saul is sharp: here he hides from honor; later he relentlessly pursues David to protect his honor. God's answer is neither condemnatory nor commendatory; it simply locates His chosen servant.