Verse (Click for Chapter) 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?” Berean Literal Bible And as for the donkeys that were lost to you three days ago, set not your heart to them, for they have been found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on you and on all the house of your father?” 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)?” Berean Annotated 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 (he wrestles with God), if not upon you and all your father’s house? 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?" 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? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAs 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?” 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 VersionAnd 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?” Berean Literal Bible And as for the donkeys that were lost to you three days ago, set not your heart to them, for they have been found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on you and on all the house of your father?” 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 BibleAnd 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 BibleAnd 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 1917And 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 As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, 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?”’ 1 Samuel 10:14-16 Now Saul’s uncle asked him and his servant, “Where did you go?” “To look for the donkeys,” Saul replied. “When we saw they were not to be found, we went to Samuel.” / “Tell me,” Saul’s uncle asked, “what did Samuel say to you?” / And Saul replied, “He assured us that the donkeys had been found.” But Saul did not tell his uncle what Samuel had said about the kingship. Luke 15:4-6 “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? / And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, / comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’ do not worry about them, for they have been found. Matthew 6:25-34 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? / Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? / Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? … Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. / And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Luke 15:24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate. And upon whom is all the desire of Israel, 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 8:5 “Look,” they said, “you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations.” 1 Samuel 8:20 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.” if not upon you and all your father’s house?” 1 Samuel 10:24 Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see the one the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!” 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 16:12-13 So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” / So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah. 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 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 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.” 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… Jump to Previous Ago Asses Desirable Desire Desired Donkeys Heart House Household Israel Lost Mind Thought Three Turned Wandering WorryJump to Next Ago Asses Desirable Desire Desired Donkeys Heart House Household Israel Lost Mind Thought Three Turned Wandering Worry1 Samuel 9 1. Saul despairing to find his father's donkeys6. 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 In the ancient Near East, donkeys were valuable assets, used for transportation and agriculture. The loss of donkeys would have been a significant concern for Kish, Saul's father. The mention of "three days ago" indicates a period of searching and concern, highlighting the urgency and importance of the situation. This timeframe also sets the stage for Saul's encounter with Samuel, showing divine orchestration in the timing. 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? Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin, who is searching for his father's lost donkeys. He is about to be anointed as the first king of Israel. 2. Samuel The prophet and last judge of Israel, who is tasked by God to anoint Saul as king. 3. Kish Saul's father, a wealthy and influential man from the tribe of Benjamin. 4. The Lost Donkeys The initial reason for Saul's journey, which leads him to encounter Samuel. 5. Ramah The place where Samuel resides and where Saul meets him. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in LeadershipGod orchestrates events, such as the loss of donkeys, to fulfill His purposes, including the anointing of leaders. Divine Reassurance Just as Samuel reassures Saul about the donkeys, God reassures us about our concerns, inviting us to trust in His provision. The Desire of Israel Saul is identified as the one whom "all the desire of Israel" is focused on, pointing to the people's longing for a king and foreshadowing the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, the true King. God's Timing and Preparation Saul's journey illustrates how God prepares and positions us for His purposes, often through ordinary circumstances. Identity and Calling Saul's encounter with Samuel marks a turning point in his identity and calling, reminding us of the transformative power of God's call in our lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 9:20?2. How does 1 Samuel 9:20 demonstrate God's provision in unexpected ways? 3. What does Saul's search for donkeys reveal about God's guidance in our lives? 4. How can we trust God's plan when our own plans seem disrupted? 5. Connect 1 Samuel 9:20 with Proverbs 3:5-6 on trusting God's direction. 6. How can we apply God's reassurance to Saul in our daily challenges? 7. What does 1 Samuel 9:20 reveal about God's knowledge of our desires and needs? 8. How does 1 Samuel 9:20 demonstrate God's sovereignty in choosing leaders? 9. Why were the donkeys significant in the context of 1 Samuel 9:20? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 9? 11. What are the key events in 1 Samuel? 12. How is Jesus represented in each book of the Bible? 13. Why would a single burnt offering (1 Samuel 7:9) miraculously grant the Israelites victory if similar rituals elsewhere did not? 14. Is it right to desire what others possess? What Does 1 Samuel 9:20 Mean As for the donkeys that were lost three days agoSaul’s entire journey began because Kish’s donkeys wandered off (1 Samuel 9:3). What looked like a mundane livestock problem was God’s chosen means to guide Saul to Samuel. Similar patterns appear in Genesis 37:14–17, where Joseph’s errand leads to his destiny, and in Acts 8:26–29, where Philip’s brief instruction becomes pivotal for the Ethiopian official. God masterfully weaves ordinary events into His redemptive plan. do not be concerned about them Samuel immediately lifts Saul’s anxiety. • 1 Samuel 9:4–5 shows Saul already tired and ready to quit searching, revealing genuine concern. • Matthew 6:31–33 and Philippians 4:6–7 echo the same principle: God frees His people from worry because He is already at work. • 1 Peter 5:7 affirms that casting cares on the Lord is not neglect but trust. for they have been found The matter is settled before Saul even meets Samuel, underscoring divine foresight (Isaiah 65:24). • In Luke 15:4–6 Jesus celebrates a lost sheep found; God’s joy in restoration is a recurring theme. • 2 Chronicles 16:9 declares that the Lord’s eyes “roam throughout the earth to show Himself strong,” which He just did for Saul’s family. The recovered donkeys prove God’s attention to small details while He unveils larger purposes. And to whom is all the desire of Israel turned Israel’s “desire” refers to the nation’s recent cry for a king (1 Samuel 8:5, 19–20). • Deuteronomy 17:14–15 anticipated this desire and God’s provision of a ruler. • 1 Samuel 12:13 acknowledges the fulfillment of that longing in the anointing of Saul. Samuel’s words reveal that the prophetic spotlight has shifted from lost animals to national destiny. if not to you and all your father’s house? Samuel identifies Saul as the focus of that national longing. • 1 Samuel 10:1 confirms this when Samuel anoints Saul, and 10:24 shows the people’s acclamation. • Saul’s surprise in 1 Samuel 9:21 mirrors Moses’ humility in Exodus 3:11 and Gideon’s in Judges 6:15; God often chooses unlikely individuals. • This promise extends to Saul’s household, much like God’s covenant with David later in 2 Samuel 7:16. The remark dignifies Saul’s lineage and hints at far-reaching implications for his family. summary 1 Samuel 9:20 reveals God’s meticulous care: He resolves Saul’s immediate worry about the donkeys while unveiling Saul as the answer to Israel’s longing for a king. The verse moves from personal reassurance to national destiny, demonstrating that the Lord simultaneously handles minor needs and sovereign purposes, inviting every believer to rest in His comprehensive providence. Hebrew As for the donkeysוְלָאֲתֹנ֞וֹת (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 Links 1 Samuel 9:20 NIV1 Samuel 9:20 NLT 1 Samuel 9:20 ESV 1 Samuel 9:20 NASB 1 Samuel 9:20 KJV 1 Samuel 9:20 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 9:20 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 9:20 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 9:20 French Bible 1 Samuel 9:20 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 9:20 As for your donkeys who were lost (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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