1 Samuel 9:3

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."

Study Bible

One day
This phrase sets the stage for a seemingly ordinary event that God uses to orchestrate His divine plan. In the Hebrew context, the phrase suggests a specific time chosen by God, emphasizing His sovereignty over daily occurrences. It reminds us that God can use any day, even the most mundane, to initiate His purposes.

the donkeys
Donkeys in ancient Israel were valuable assets, used for transportation and agriculture. Their wandering off signifies a loss of property and potential hardship. This reflects the unpredictability of life and how God can use such situations to guide us toward His greater plans, as He did with Saul.

of Saul’s father Kish
Kish is introduced as a man of standing, from the tribe of Benjamin. The mention of Saul's father highlights the importance of family lineage in Israelite society. It also foreshadows Saul's future role as king, as God often works through familial lines to fulfill His promises.

wandered off
The Hebrew root for "wandered off" implies a sense of aimlessness or being led astray. This can symbolize how people, like the donkeys, can stray from God's path. Yet, God uses these moments of wandering to bring about His divine will, as seen in Saul's journey.

and Kish said to his son Saul
Kish's directive to Saul shows a father's authority and responsibility in the family. It also marks the beginning of Saul's journey toward kingship. This interaction underscores the importance of obedience and how God uses familial relationships to guide His people.

Take one of the servants
The inclusion of a servant highlights the social structure of the time, where servants played crucial roles in daily life. It also signifies companionship and assistance in fulfilling tasks. Spiritually, it reminds us that God often provides support through others as we pursue His calling.

and go look for the donkeys
This command initiates Saul's journey, which seems trivial but is pivotal in God's plan. The act of searching reflects diligence and responsibility. It serves as a metaphor for seeking God's will, illustrating how our searches can lead to unexpected divine encounters.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The son of Kish, who would later become the first king of Israel. At this point in the account, he is obedient to his father and unaware of his future role.

2. Kish
Saul's father, described earlier in the chapter as a man of standing from the tribe of Benjamin. He sends Saul on a seemingly mundane task that leads to a significant turning point in Israel's history.

3. The Donkeys
The lost donkeys serve as the catalyst for Saul's journey, which ultimately leads him to Samuel and his anointing as king.

4. The Servant
An unnamed servant accompanies Saul, playing a supportive role in the search for the donkeys and later suggesting they seek the prophet Samuel's guidance.

5. The Event
The search for the lost donkeys sets the stage for Saul's encounter with Samuel, illustrating how God uses ordinary circumstances to fulfill His divine purposes.

Teaching Points

Divine Providence in the Ordinary
God often uses ordinary events and tasks to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. We should remain faithful in small duties, trusting that God is at work even when we cannot see the bigger picture.

Obedience and Faithfulness
Saul's obedience to his father’s request demonstrates the importance of being faithful in our responsibilities. Our willingness to serve in small ways can lead to greater opportunities in God's timing.

God's Sovereign Plan
The account reminds us that God is sovereign and orchestrates events according to His will. We should seek to discern His guidance in our daily lives, knowing that He can use any situation for His glory.

Seeking Godly Counsel
The servant's suggestion to seek Samuel's guidance underscores the value of seeking wisdom and counsel from godly individuals when faced with challenges or decisions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Saul searching for the donkeys illustrate the concept of divine providence in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we practice faithfulness and obedience in our current responsibilities, trusting that God has a greater plan?

3. How can we discern God's guidance in seemingly mundane tasks or situations we encounter?

4. What are some examples from your own life where God used ordinary circumstances to lead to significant outcomes?

5. How can we cultivate a habit of seeking godly counsel and wisdom in our decision-making processes?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 37
Joseph is sent by his father to check on his brothers, leading to a series of events that fulfill God's plan. This parallels Saul's journey, where a simple task leads to a significant divine appointment.

Proverbs 16:9
This verse speaks to how a person plans their way, but the Lord directs their steps, highlighting the providence seen in Saul's journey.

Acts 9
Saul (Paul) is on a journey to Damascus with a specific purpose, but God intervenes, redirecting his path for a greater mission, similar to how Saul's search for donkeys leads to his anointing as king.