1 Samuel 9:20
New International Version
As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, do not worry about them; they have been found. And to whom is all the desire of Israel turned, if not to you and your whole family line?”

New Living Translation
And don’t worry about those donkeys that were lost three days ago, for they have been found. And I am here to tell you that you and your family are the focus of all Israel’s hopes.”

English Standard Version
As for your donkeys that were lost three days ago, do not set your mind on them, for they have been found. And for whom is all that is desirable in Israel? Is it not for you and for all your father’s house?”

Berean Standard Bible
As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, do not worry about them, for they have been found. And upon whom is all the desire of Israel, if not upon you and all your father’s house?”

King James Bible
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?

New King James Version
But as for your donkeys that were lost three days ago, do not be anxious about them, for they have been found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on you and on all your father’s house?”

New American Standard Bible
And as for your donkeys that wandered off three days ago, do not be concerned about them, for they have been found. And for whom is everything that is desirable in Israel? Is it not for you and for all your father’s household?”

NASB 1995
“As for your donkeys which were lost three days ago, do not set your mind on them, for they have been found. And for whom is all that is desirable in Israel? Is it not for you and for all your father’s household?”

NASB 1977
“And as for your donkeys which were lost three days ago, do not set your mind on them, for they have been found. And for whom is all that is desirable in Israel? Is it not for you and for all your father’s household?”

Legacy Standard Bible
As for your donkeys which were lost three days ago, do not set your heart on them, for they have been found. And for whom is all that is desirable in Israel? Is it not for you and for all your father’s household?”

Amplified Bible
As for your donkeys which were lost three days ago, do not be concerned about them, for they have been found. And for whom are all things that are desirable in Israel? Are they not for you and for all your father’s household (family)?”

Christian Standard Bible
As for the donkeys that wandered away from you three days ago, don’t worry about them because they’ve been found. And who does all Israel desire but you and all your father’s family? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
As for the donkeys that wandered away from you three days ago, don’t worry about them because they’ve been found. And who does all Israel desire but you and all your father’s family?”

American Standard Version
And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And for whom is all that is desirable in Israel? Is it not for thee, and for all thy father's house?

Contemporary English Version
Don't worry about your donkeys that ran off three days ago. They've already been found. Everything of value in Israel now belongs to you and your family."

English Revised Version
And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And for whom is all that is desirable in Israel? Is it not for thee, and for all thy father's house?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Don't trouble yourself about the donkeys that were lost three days ago because they've been found. Who will have all that is desirable in Israel? Won't it be you and your father's family?"

Good News Translation
As for the donkeys that were lost three days ago, don't worry about them; they have already been found. But who is it that the people of Israel want so much? It is you--you and your father's family."

International Standard Version
Now as for your donkeys that were lost three days ago, don't give any thought to them, because they've been found. Meanwhile, to whom is all Israel looking, if not to you and all of your father's household?"

Majority Standard Bible
As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, do not worry about them, for they have been found. And upon whom is all the desire of Israel, if not upon you and all your father?s house??

NET Bible
Don't be concerned about the donkeys that you lost three days ago, for they have been found. Whom does all Israel desire? Is it not you, and all your father's family?"

New Heart English Bible
As for your donkeys who were lost three days ago, do not set your mind on them; for they have been found. And for whom does all Israel desire? Is it not for you, and for the house of your father?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And as for thy 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?

World English Bible
As for your donkeys who were lost three days ago, don’t set your mind on them, for they have been found. For whom does all Israel desire? Is it not you and all your father’s house?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And as for the donkeys which are lost from you [for] three days as of today, do not set your heart to them, for they have been found; and to whom [is] all the desire of Israel? Is it not to you and to all your father’s house?”

Young's Literal Translation
As to the asses which are lost to thee this day three days, set not thy heart to them, for they have been found; and to whom is all the desire of Israel?' is it not to thee and to all thy father's house?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And for the asses lost to thee this day three days, thou shall not set thy heart upon them, for they have been found. And to whom all the desire of Israel? is it not to thee and to all thy father's house?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And as for the asses, which were lost three days ago, be not solicitous, because they are found. And for whom shall be all the best things of Israel? Shall they not be for thee and for all thy father's house?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And concerning the donkeys, which were lost the day before yesterday, you should not be anxious, for they have been found. And all the best things of Israel, for whom should they be? Will they not be for you and for all your father’s house?”

New American Bible
As for your donkeys that were lost three days ago, do not worry about them, for they have been found. Whom should Israel want if not you and your father’s family?”

New Revised Standard Version
As for your donkeys that were lost three days ago, give no further thought to them, for they have been found. And on whom is all Israel’s desire fixed, if not on you and on all your ancestral house?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And as for your asses that were lost three days ago, do not be anxious about them, for they have been found. And on whom is all the hope of the house of Israel? Is it not on you and on your father's house?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And concerning the donkeys that you lost, behold, three days ago today, you shall not set your heart on them, because they have been found, and whose is all the desire of the house Israel, except only yours and of the house of your father?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And concerning thine asses that have been lost now these three days, care not for them, for they are found. And to whom does the excellency of Israel belong? does it not to thee and to thy father's house?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Saul Chosen as King
19“I am the seer,” Samuel replied. “Go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today. And when I send you off in the morning, I will tell you all that is in your heart. 20As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, do not worry about them, for they have been found. And upon whom is all the desire of Israel, if not upon you and all your father’s house?” 21Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin? So why would you say such a thing to me?”…

Cross References
1 Samuel 10:1
Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?

1 Samuel 16:1
Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.”

1 Samuel 8:19-22
Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We must have a king over us. / Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to judge us, to go out before us, and to fight our battles.” / Samuel listened to all the words of the people and repeated them in the hearing of the LORD. ...

1 Samuel 12:13
Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested. Behold, the LORD has placed a king over you.

1 Samuel 15:17
And Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, have you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel

1 Samuel 13:14
But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.”

1 Samuel 2:35
Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest. He will do whatever is in My heart and mind. And I will build for him an enduring house, and he will walk before My anointed one for all time.

1 Kings 9:5
then I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised your father David when I said, ‘You will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’

2 Samuel 7:16
Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever.”

Genesis 49:10
The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his.

Deuteronomy 17:14-15
When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you and have taken possession of it and settled in it, and you say, “Let us set a king over us like all the nations around us,” / you are to appoint over yourselves the king whom the LORD your God shall choose. Appoint a king from among your brothers; you are not to set over yourselves a foreigner who is not one of your brothers.

Hosea 13:11
So in My anger I gave you a king, and in My wrath I took him away.

Acts 13:21
Then the people asked for a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years.

Acts 13:22
After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.


Treasury of Scripture

And as for your asses that were lost three days ago, set not your mind on them; for they are found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on you, and on all your father's house?

three days ago.

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.

set not

1 Samuel 4:20
And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast born a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard it.

1 Chronicles 29:3
Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,

Psalm 62:10
Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.

on whom

1 Samuel 8:5,19
And 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 12:13,15
Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and, behold, the LORD hath set a king over you…

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Ago Asses Desirable Desire Desired Donkeys Heart House Household Israel Lost Mind Thought Three Turned Wandering Worry
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Ago Asses Desirable Desire Desired Donkeys Heart House Household Israel Lost Mind Thought Three Turned Wandering Worry
1 Samuel 9
1. Saul despairing to find his father's donkeys
6. by the counsel of his servant
11. and direction of young maidens
15. according to God's revelation
18. comes to Samuel
19. Samuel entertains Saul at the feast
25. Samuel, after secret communication, brings Saul on his way














As for the donkeys you lost three days ago
The mention of "donkeys" in this context is significant. In ancient Israel, donkeys were valuable assets, essential for transportation and agriculture. The Hebrew word for donkey, "חֲמוֹר" (chamor), indicates a beast of burden, symbolizing wealth and status. The loss of these animals would have been a significant concern for Saul's family, reflecting the practical challenges of life in ancient times. The phrase "three days ago" suggests a period of searching and uncertainty, a common biblical motif where three days often symbolize a period of trial or waiting before a revelation or resolution.

do not worry about them
This phrase offers reassurance and comfort. The Hebrew root for "worry" is "דָּאַג" (da'ag), which means to be anxious or concerned. In a broader biblical context, this reflects God's providence and care, encouraging trust in divine provision. The instruction not to worry is a recurring theme in Scripture, reminding believers of God's sovereignty and the futility of anxiety when God is in control.

for they have been found
The resolution of the lost donkeys being found signifies God's intervention and provision. The Hebrew word for "found" is "מָצָא" (matsa), which implies discovery or recovery. This not only resolves the immediate concern but also sets the stage for a greater revelation. It underscores the theme of divine orchestration, where God uses ordinary events to fulfill His purposes, as seen throughout biblical narratives.

And to whom belongs all the desire of Israel?
This phrase introduces a profound theological and prophetic element. The "desire of Israel" can be interpreted as the longing for a leader or king, reflecting the nation's yearning for stability and guidance. The Hebrew word for "desire" is "חֵמְדָּה" (chemdah), which denotes longing or preciousness. This rhetorical question points to Saul, indicating his future role as king, chosen by God to fulfill the desires of the people.

Is it not to you and to all your father’s house?
Here, the focus shifts to Saul and his family, highlighting their unexpected elevation to prominence. The phrase suggests a divine appointment, where Saul is identified as the one to fulfill Israel's desire for leadership. This reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereign choice, often selecting unlikely individuals for His purposes. The mention of "your father’s house" emphasizes the communal and familial aspect of God's calling, where the blessing and responsibility extend beyond the individual to their entire lineage.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
As for the donkeys
וְלָאֲתֹנ֞וֹת (wə·lā·’ă·ṯō·nō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 860: A female donkey

you lost
הָאֹבְד֣וֹת (hā·’ō·ḇə·ḏō·wṯ)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine plural
Strong's 6: To wander away, lose oneself, to perish

three
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת (šə·lō·šeṯ)
Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice

days
הַיּוֹם֙ (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

ago,
הַיָּמִ֔ים (hay·yā·mîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day

do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

worry
תָּ֧שֶׂם (tā·śem)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

about them,
לָהֶ֖ם (lā·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

for
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

they have been found.
נִמְצָ֑אוּ (nim·ṣā·’ū)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present

And upon whom [is]
וּלְמִי֙ (ū·lə·mî)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the desire
חֶמְדַּ֣ת (ḥem·daṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2532: Desire, delight

of Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

if not
הֲל֣וֹא (hă·lō·w)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

upon you
לְךָ֔ (lə·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

and on all
וּלְכֹ֖ל (ū·lə·ḵōl)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

your father's
אָבִֽיךָ׃ (’ā·ḇî·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

house?”
בֵּ֥ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house


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OT History: 1 Samuel 9:20 As for your donkeys who were lost (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 9:19
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