1 Samuel 9:3
1 Samuel 9:3 in Multiple Translations
One day the donkeys of Saul’s father Kish wandered off, and Kish said to his son Saul, “Take one of the servants and go look for the donkeys.”
And 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.
And 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.
Now the asses of Saul's father Kish had gone wandering away. And Kish said to his son Saul, Take one of the servants with you, and get up and go in search of the asses.
One time the donkeys of Saul's father Kish went astray. Kish told his son Saul, “Please go and look for the donkeys. You can take one of the servants with you.”
And the asses of Kish Sauls father were lost: therefore Kish said to Saul his sonne, Take nowe one of the seruants with thee, and arise, goe, and seeke the asses.
And the asses of Kish, father of Saul, are lost, and Kish saith unto Saul his son, 'Take, I pray thee, with thee, one of the young men, and rise, go, seek the asses.'
The donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost. Kish said to Saul his son, “Now take one of the servants with you, and arise, go look for the donkeys.”
And 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.
And the asses of Cis, Sauls father, were lost: and Cis said to his son Saul: Take one of the servants with thee, and arise, go, and seek the asses. And when they had passed through mount Ephraim,
One day, some of Kish’s female donkeys wandered off. So Kish told Saul, “Take one of my servants with you, and go and search for the donkeys!”
Kish had some donkeys, and one day, those donkeys wandered away and got lost. Kish said to his son Saul, “Go and look for those donkeys. Take one of the working men with you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 9:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 9:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֹּאבַ֨דְנָה֙
הָ/אֲתֹנ֔וֹת
לְ/קִ֖ישׁ
אֲבִ֣י
שָׁא֑וּל
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
קִ֜ישׁ
אֶל
שָׁא֣וּל
בְּנ֗/וֹ
קַח
נָ֤א
אִתְּ/ךָ֙
אֶת
אַחַ֣ד
מֵֽ/הַ/נְּעָרִ֔ים
וְ/ק֣וּם
לֵ֔ךְ
בַּקֵּ֖שׁ
אֶת
הָ/אֲתֹנֹֽת
וַ/תֹּאבַ֨דְנָה֙
ʼâbad
H6
to perish
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
הָ/אֲתֹנ֔וֹת
ʼâthôwn
H860
she-ass
Art | N-fp
לְ/קִ֖ישׁ
Qîysh
H7027
Kish
Prep | N-proper
אֲבִ֣י
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms
שָׁא֑וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
קִ֜ישׁ
Qîysh
H7027
Kish
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
שָׁא֣וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
בְּנ֗/וֹ
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
קַח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
נָ֤א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
אִתְּ/ךָ֙
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אַחַ֣ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
מֵֽ/הַ/נְּעָרִ֔ים
naʻar
H5288
youth
Prep | Art | N-mp
וְ/ק֣וּם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לֵ֔ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
בַּקֵּ֖שׁ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אֲתֹנֹֽת
ʼâthôwn
H860
she-ass
Art | N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 9:3
וַ/תֹּאבַ֨דְנָה֙
ʼâbad
H6
"to perish"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.
Definition: 1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) perish, die, be exterminated 1a2) perish, vanish (fig.) 1a3) be lost, strayed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate 1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.) 1b3) cause to stray, lose 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to destroy, put to death 1c1a) of divine judgment 1c2) object name of kings (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 1:6.
הָ/אֲתֹנ֔וֹת
ʼâthôwn
H860
"she-ass"
Art | N-fp
A female donkey is referred to by this Hebrew word, which emphasizes the animal's gentle nature. It appears in Genesis 12:16 and 31:34, describing the donkeys owned by Abraham and Jacob.
Definition: she-ass, she-donkey
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (she) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 5:10; Zechariah 9:9.
לְ/קִ֖ישׁ
Qîysh
H7027
"Kish"
Prep | N-proper
Kish was the name of several Israelites, including the father of king Saul and an ancestor of Mordecai. The name Kish means bent and is mentioned in Esther 2:5 and other biblical books. Kish was a common name in biblical times.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Est.2.5; father of: Shimei (H8096U) § Kish = "bent" 1) a Benjamite of the family of Matri, father of king Saul 2) an ancestor of Mordecai 3) son of Gibeon and brother of Abdon, Zur, Baal, Ner, Nadab, Gedor, Ahio, Zechariah, and Mikloth; uncle of Kish the father of king Saul 4) a Merarite Levite, son of Mahli and grandson of Merari the progenitor of the family 5) a Merarite Levite, son of Abdi in the time of king Hezekiah of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Kish. See also: 1 Samuel 9:1; 1 Chronicles 9:36; Esther 2:5.
אֲבִ֣י
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
שָׁא֑וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
קִ֜ישׁ
Qîysh
H7027
"Kish"
N-proper
Kish was the name of several Israelites, including the father of king Saul and an ancestor of Mordecai. The name Kish means bent and is mentioned in Esther 2:5 and other biblical books. Kish was a common name in biblical times.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Est.2.5; father of: Shimei (H8096U) § Kish = "bent" 1) a Benjamite of the family of Matri, father of king Saul 2) an ancestor of Mordecai 3) son of Gibeon and brother of Abdon, Zur, Baal, Ner, Nadab, Gedor, Ahio, Zechariah, and Mikloth; uncle of Kish the father of king Saul 4) a Merarite Levite, son of Mahli and grandson of Merari the progenitor of the family 5) a Merarite Levite, son of Abdi in the time of king Hezekiah of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Kish. See also: 1 Samuel 9:1; 1 Chronicles 9:36; Esther 2:5.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
שָׁא֣וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
בְּנ֗/וֹ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
קַח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
נָ֤א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
אִתְּ/ךָ֙
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אַחַ֣ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
מֵֽ/הַ/נְּעָרִ֔ים
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
Prep | Art | N-mp
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
וְ/ק֣וּם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
לֵ֔ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
בַּקֵּ֖שׁ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אֲתֹנֹֽת
ʼâthôwn
H860
"she-ass"
Art | N-fp
A female donkey is referred to by this Hebrew word, which emphasizes the animal's gentle nature. It appears in Genesis 12:16 and 31:34, describing the donkeys owned by Abraham and Jacob.
Definition: she-ass, she-donkey
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (she) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 5:10; Zechariah 9:9.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 9:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 9:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 9:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 9:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:3
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 9:3
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:3
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 9:3
Context — Saul Chosen as King
1Now there was a Benjamite, a powerful man, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin.
2And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the people.
3One day the donkeys of Saul’s father Kish wandered off, and Kish said to his son Saul, “Take one of the servants and go look for the donkeys.”
4So Saul passed through the hill country of Ephraim and then through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find the donkeys. He and the servant went through the region of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then they went through the land of Benjamin, and still they did not find them. 5When they reached the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant, “Come, let us go back, or my father will stop worrying about the donkeys and start worrying about us.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 5:10 | You who ride white donkeys, who sit on saddle blankets, and you who travel the road, ponder |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 10:2 | When you leave me today, you will find two men at Rachel’s tomb in Zelzah on the border of Benjamin. They will say to you, ‘The donkeys you seek have been found, and now your father has stopped worrying about the donkeys and started worrying about you, asking, “What should I do about my son?”’ |
| 3 | Judges 10:4 | He had thirty sons who rode on thirty donkeys. And they had thirty towns in the land of Gilead, which to this day are called Havvoth-jair. |
1 Samuel 9:3 Summary
This verse is about Saul's father, Kish, losing his donkeys and sending Saul to look for them. Kish trusted Saul to find the donkeys, and this shows that Saul was responsible and obedient. Just like Saul, we can learn to be responsible and trust God with the things that are lost or uncertain in our lives, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. We can also learn to be good stewards of the things that God has given us, just like Kish wanted to recover his donkeys, and trust that God will provide for us according to Philippians 4:19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Kish send Saul to look for the donkeys?
Kish sent Saul to look for the donkeys because they had wandered off and were lost, and as the head of the household, it was important for Kish to recover his lost property, as seen in the importance of caring for one's possessions in Proverbs 27:23-24.
What can we learn from Kish's decision to send Saul to look for the donkeys?
We can learn that Kish valued his possessions and was willing to take action to recover them, and also that he trusted Saul with the responsibility of finding the donkeys, as a father should trust his son according to Ephesians 6:1-4.
Is this verse important to the overall story of 1 Samuel?
Yes, this verse is important because it sets the stage for Saul's encounter with Samuel in 1 Samuel 9:11-14, and ultimately leads to Saul's anointing as the first king of Israel, as prophesied in Deuteronomy 17:14-15.
What does this verse reveal about Saul's character?
This verse reveals that Saul was obedient to his father and willing to take on responsibilities, as seen in his willingness to go look for the donkeys, which is a character trait that is pleasing to God according to Colossians 3:20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can be more obedient to my parents or authorities in my life, just like Saul was to his father?
- How can I apply the principle of being a good steward of my possessions, as seen in Kish's desire to recover his lost donkeys, to my own life?
- What are some ways that God may be using everyday circumstances, like the loss of donkeys, to lead me to a greater purpose or calling?
- How can I trust God with the uncertainties and unknowns in my life, just like Saul had to trust that he would find the donkeys?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 9:3
And the asses of Kish, Saul's father, were lost,.... Had got out of the stables or fields, in which they were kept, and strayed from thence: and Kish said to Saul his son, take now one of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 9:3
And 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. The asses of Kish, Saul's father, were lost.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:3
Which were there of great price and use, , because of the scarcity of horses, , and therefore not held unworthy of Saul’ s seeking, at least in those ancient times, when simplicity, humility, and industry were in fashion among persons of quality.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:3
1 Samuel 9:3 And 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. Ver. 3. And the asses of Kish, Saul’ s father, were lost.] This was the rise of Saul’ s royalty: Nam ex agasone factus est rex, et David ex opilione. And here we have a famous instance of God’ s most wise providence, bringing about great matters by small and weak means. Saul quaerens asinos reperit regnum.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:3
Verse 3. The asses of Kish - were lost] What a wonderful train of occurrences were connected in order to bring Saul to the throne of Israel! Every thing seems to go on according to the common course of events, and yet all conspired to favour the election of a man to the kingdom who certainly did not come there by the approbation of God. Asses grow to great perfection in the East; and at this time, as there were no horses in Judea, they were very useful; and on them kings and princes rode.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 9:3
3–10. Saul’s search for his Father’s Asses 3. the asses] In the East asses are valuable property, indispensable for farm-work and travelling. The possession of a drove of asses, and several servants, indicates that Kish was a man of some substance.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:3
3. One of the servants — Traditionally believed to have been Doeg the Edomite, afterwards chief herdsman of Saul. 1 Samuel 21:7.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 9:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Making a King by G.W. North | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a living representation of the word of God. He criticizes the idea of relying on physical objects or books to show pe |
|
I Samuel 26:21 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the life of Saul, emphasizing how despite his physical advantages and opportunities to lead God's people, he ultimately played the fool by failing to submit fu |