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?
Original Language Analysis
וְלָֽאֲתֹנ֞וֹת
And as for thine asses
H860
וְלָֽאֲתֹנ֞וֹת
And as for thine asses
Strong's:
H860
Word #:
1 of 22
a female donkey (from its docility)
הָאֹֽבְד֣וֹת
that were lost
H6
הָאֹֽבְד֣וֹת
that were lost
Strong's:
H6
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
הַיָּמִ֔ים
ago
H3117
הַיָּמִ֔ים
ago
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
4 of 22
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת
three
H7969
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת
three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
5 of 22
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
הַיָּמִ֔ים
ago
H3117
הַיָּמִ֔ים
ago
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
6 of 22
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
7 of 22
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תָּ֧שֶׂם
set
H7760
תָּ֧שֶׂם
set
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
8 of 22
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לִבְּךָ֛
not thy mind
H3820
לִבְּךָ֛
not thy mind
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
10 of 22
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נִמְצָ֑אוּ
on them for they are found
H4672
נִמְצָ֑אוּ
on them for they are found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
13 of 22
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
וּלְמִי֙
H4310
וּלְמִי֙
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
14 of 22
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
15 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
17 of 22
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הֲל֣וֹא
H3808
הֲל֣וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
18 of 22
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וּלְכֹ֖ל
H3605
וּלְכֹ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
20 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
1 Samuel 8:5And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.1 Samuel 12:13Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and, behold, the LORD hath set a king over you.1 Samuel 9:3And the asses of Kish Saul's father were lost. And Kish said to Saul his son, Take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek the asses.
Historical Context
The 'three days' of searching followed standard ancient patterns for journeys and searches, often representing a complete or significant period. Israel's 'desire' for a king had been formally expressed in chapter 8, making Samuel's question refer to the recent national demand that had grieved him. The inclusion of 'thy father's house' suggests dynastic implications, though Saul's dynasty would prove short-lived.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God often resolve our small concerns while simultaneously revealing larger purposes for our lives?
- What 'desires' are you pursuing that God might be replacing with His greater calling?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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?
Samuel addresses Saul's immediate concern with almost casual dismissal: the donkeys, three days lost, are found. The Hebrew al-tashem libka ('set not thy mind' or 'do not set your heart') redirects Saul's attention from livestock to legacy. Then comes the staggering question about 'all the desire of Israel' (kol chemdat Yisrael). This phrase, meaning 'all that Israel desires' or 'everything desirable in Israel,' points to kingship itself. Samuel asks rhetorically whether this collective national longing does not rest upon Saul and his family. The answer is implied: yes, Saul is the answer to Israel's desire for a king. The progression from lost donkeys to royal destiny illustrates divine providence at its most dramatic. Saul's world expands in an instant from agricultural concerns to national leadership.