Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So he passed through the hill country of Ephraim and through the area around Shalisha, but they did not find them. They went on into the district of Shaalim, but the donkeys were not there. Then he passed through the territory of Benjamin, but they did not find them. New Living Translation So Saul took one of the servants and traveled through the hill country of Ephraim, the land of Shalishah, the Shaalim area, and the entire land of Benjamin, but they couldn’t find the donkeys anywhere. English Standard Version And he passed through the hill country of Ephraim and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them. And they passed through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then they passed through the land of Benjamin, but did not find them. Berean Standard Bible So 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. Berean Literal Bible And he passed through the hill country of Ephraim, and through the land of Shalisha, and they did not find them. And they passed through the land of Shaalim and they were not there. And he passed through the land of the Benjamite, and they did not find them. King James Bible And he passed through mount Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalisha, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shalim, and there they were not: and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found them not. New King James Version So he passed through the mountains of Ephraim and through the land of Shalisha, but they did not find them. Then they passed through the land of Shaalim, and they were not there. Then he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they did not find them. New American Standard Bible So he passed through the hill country of Ephraim and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them. Then they passed through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then he passed through the land of the Benjaminites, but they did not find them. NASB 1995 He passed through the hill country of Ephraim and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them. Then they passed through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they did not find them. NASB 1977 And he passed through the hill country of Ephraim and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them. Then they passed through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they did not find them. Legacy Standard Bible Thus he passed through the hill country of Ephraim and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them. Then they passed through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they did not find them. Amplified Bible And they passed through the hill country of Ephraim and the land of Shalishah, but did not find them. Then they passed through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there and the land of the Benjamites, but they [still] did not find them. Berean Annotated Bible So Saul passed through the hill country of Ephraim (doubly fruitful) and then through the land of Shalishah (third), but they did not find the donkeys. He and the servant went through the region of Shaalim (foxes), but they were not there. Then they went through the land of Benjamin, and still they did not find them. Christian Standard Bible Saul and his servant went through the hill country of Ephraim and then through the region of Shalishah, but they didn’t find them. They went through the region of Shaalim —nothing. Then they went through the Benjaminite region but still didn’t find them. Holman Christian Standard Bible Saul and his attendant went through the hill country of Ephraim and then through the region of Shalishah, but they didn’t find them. They went through the region of Shaalim—nothing. Then they went through the Benjaminite region but still didn’t find them. American Standard Version And he passed through the hill-country of Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shaalim, and there they were not: and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found them not. Contemporary English Version Saul and the servant went through the hill country of Ephraim and the territory of Shalishah, but they could not find the donkeys. Then they went through the territories of Shaalim and Benjamin, but still there was no sign of the donkeys. English Revised Version And he passed through the hill country of Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shaalim, and there they were not: and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found them not. GOD'S WORD® Translation They went through the mountains of Ephraim and the region of Shalisha without finding the donkeys. Then Saul and his servant went through the region of Shaalim, but the donkeys weren't there. The men went through the territory of Benjamin but [still] didn't find them. Good News Translation They went through the hill country of Ephraim and the region of Shalishah, but did not find them; so they went on through the region of Shaalim, but the donkeys were not there. Then they went through the territory of Benjamin, but still did not find them. International Standard Version He went through the hill country of Ephraim and through the region of Shalishah, but they did not find them. Then they went through the region of Shaalim, but they were not there. They also went through the territory of the descendants of Benjamin, but they did not find them. NET Bible So Saul crossed through the hill country of Ephraim, passing through the land of Shalisha, but they did not find them. So they crossed through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then he crossed through the land of Benjamin, and still they did not find them. New Heart English Bible He passed through the hill country of Ephraim and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them. Then they passed through the land of Shaalim, but they weren't there. Then he passed through the land of the Jaminites, but they did not find them. Webster's Bible Translation And he passed through mount Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalisha, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shalim, and there they were not: and he passed through the land of the Benjaminites, but they found them not. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo 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. World English Bible He passed through the hill country of Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they didn’t find them. Then they passed through the land of Shaalim, and they weren’t there. Then he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they didn’t find them. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he passes over through the hill-country of Ephraim, and passes over through the land of Shalisha, and they have not found [them]; and they pass over through the land of Shaalim, and they are not; and he passes over through the land of Benjamin, and they have not found [them]. Berean Literal Bible And he passed through the hill country of Ephraim, and through the land of Shalisha, and they did not find them. And they passed through the land of Shaalim and they were not there. And he passed through the land of the Benjamite, and they did not find them. Young's Literal Translation And he passeth over through the hill-country of Ephraim, and passeth over through the land of Shalisha, and they have not found; and they pass over through the land of Shaalim, and they are not; and he passeth over through the land of Benjamin, and they have not found. Smith's Literal Translation And he will pass over in mount Ephraim, and he will pass over into the land of Shalisha, and they found not: and they will pass over into the land of Shalim, and not there: and he will pass over into the land of the Jaminite, and they found not. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd through the land of Salisa, and had not found them, they passed also through the land of Salim, and they were not there: and through the land of Jemini, and found them not. Catholic Public Domain Version and through the land of Shalishah, and had not found them, they crossed also through the land of Shaalim, and they were not there, and through the land of Benjamin, and they found nothing. New American Bible So they went through the hill country of Ephraim, and through the land of Shalishah. Not finding them there, they continued through the land of Shaalim without success. They also went through the land of Benjamin, but they failed to find the animals. New Revised Standard Version He passed through the hill country of Ephraim and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them. And they passed through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then he passed through the land of Benjamin, but they did not find them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they passed through mount Ephraim and through the land of Gomrey, but they did not find them; then they passed through the land of Taley, and they were not there; and they passed through the land of Benjamin, but they did not find them. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he passed by in the mountain of Aphreim, and he passed by in the Land of Burning Coals and he did not find them, and he passed by in the Land of Foxes and there was nothing, and he passed by in the land of Benyamin and he did not find them OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he passed through the hill-country of Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they found them not; then they passed through the land of Shaalim, and there they were not; and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found them not. Brenton Septuagint Translation And they went through mount Ephraim, and they went through the land of Selcha, and found them not: and they passed through the land of Segalim, and they were not there: and they passed through the land of Jamin, and found them not. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Saul Chosen as King…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 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 So Saul passed through the hill country of Ephraim 1 Samuel 1:1 Now there was a man named Elkanah who was from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. Judges 17:1 Now a man named Micah from the hill country of Ephraim and then through the land of Shalishah, 2 Kings 4:42 Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with a sack of twenty loaves of barley bread from the first ripe grain. “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha. 1 Samuel 13:17 And raiders went out of the Philistine camp in three divisions. One headed toward Ophrah in the land of Shual, but they did not find the donkeys. 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?”’ Exodus 23:4-5 If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him. / If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it. He and the servant went through the region of Shaalim, 1 Samuel 10:3 Then you will go on from there until you come to the Oak of Tabor. Three men going up to God at Bethel will meet you there, one carrying three young goats, another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a skin of wine. 1 Samuel 14:4 Now there were cliffs on both sides of the pass that Jonathan intended to cross to reach the Philistine outpost. One was named Bozez and the other Seneh. but they were not there. 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. 2 Kings 2:17 But when they pressed him to the point of embarrassment, he said, “Send them.” And they sent fifty men, who searched for three days but did not find Elijah. Then they went through the land of Benjamin, Joshua 18:11 The first lot came up for the clans of the tribe of Benjamin. Their allotted territory lay between the tribes of Judah and Joseph: Judges 19:14 So they continued on their journey, and the sun set as they neared Gibeah in Benjamin. and still they did not find them. 1 Samuel 10:21 Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, they could not find him. 1 Samuel 10:22 So again they inquired of the LORD, “Has the man come here yet?” And the LORD replied, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.” Genesis 37:15-17 a man found him wandering in the field and asked, “What are you looking for?” / “I am looking for my brothers,” Joseph replied. “Can you please tell me where they are pasturing their flocks?” / “They have moved on from here,” the man answered. “I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph set out after his brothers and found them at Dothan. Numbers 22:22-23 Then God’s anger was kindled because Balaam was going along, and the angel of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding his donkey, and his two servants were with him. / When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, she turned off the path and went into a field. So Balaam beat her to return her to the path. Treasury of Scripture And he passed through mount Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalisha, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shalim, and there they were not: and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found them not. mount Judges 17:1 And there was a man of mount Ephraim, whose name was Micah. Judges 19:1 And it came to pass in those days, when there was no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the side of mount Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of Bethlehemjudah. Shalisha 2 Kings 4:42 And there came a man from Baalshalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof. And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat. Shalim Genesis 33:18 And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city. John 3:23 And John also was baptizing in AEnon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. Jump to Previous Area Benjamin Benjaminites Benjamites Country District Donkeys Ephraim E'phraim Hill Hill-Country Mount Passed Passeth Shalishah Sign Territory Weren'tJump to Next Area Benjamin Benjaminites Benjamites Country District Donkeys Ephraim E'phraim Hill Hill-Country Mount Passed Passeth Shalishah Sign Territory Weren't1 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 So Saul passed through the hill country of Ephraim The hill country of Ephraim was a central region in Israel, known for its rugged terrain and significant biblical history. Ephraim was one of the tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's son Ephraim. This area was often associated with leadership and strength, as seen in Judges 4:5, where Deborah judged Israel under a palm tree in Ephraim. Saul's journey through this region signifies his connection to Israel's tribal heritage and foreshadows his future role as king. 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. Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin, who would later become the first king of Israel. At this point, he is on a mission to find his father's lost donkeys. 2. Hill Country of Ephraim A region in the central part of Israel, known for its rugged terrain and significant historical and religious importance. 3. Land of Shalishah A location mentioned in the context of Saul's search, though its exact historical location is uncertain. 4. Region of Shaalim Another area Saul traverses in his search, also of uncertain historical location. 5. Land of Benjamin The tribal territory of Saul's own tribe, Benjamin, located in the central part of Israel. Teaching Points Divine Providence in the MundaneEven in seemingly trivial tasks, such as searching for lost donkeys, God is at work, orchestrating events for His purposes. Obedience and Faithfulness Saul's commitment to his father's request demonstrates obedience and faithfulness, qualities that are essential for leadership and service in God's kingdom. God's Guidance in Our Journeys Just as Saul's journey was directed by God, we can trust that God guides our paths, even when the destination is unclear. Preparation for Greater Roles Saul's search for the donkeys was a precursor to his anointing as king, illustrating how God often uses small tasks to prepare us for greater responsibilities. Trust in God's Timing The delay and detours in Saul's journey remind us to trust in God's timing and plan, even when our own plans seem to falter. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 9:4?2. How does 1 Samuel 9:4 demonstrate diligence in seeking God's guidance today? 3. What can we learn from Saul's persistence in 1 Samuel 9:4? 4. How does 1 Samuel 9:4 connect to Proverbs 3:5-6 about trusting God? 5. In what ways can we apply Saul's journey in our spiritual walk? 6. How does Saul's search in 1 Samuel 9:4 encourage perseverance in prayer? 7. What is the significance of Saul's journey in 1 Samuel 9:4 for understanding divine guidance? 8. How does 1 Samuel 9:4 reflect the historical geography of ancient Israel? 9. What does 1 Samuel 9:4 reveal about the role of prophets in Israelite society? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 9? 11. What is the significance of Ramah in the Bible? 12. What is the significance of Ramah in the Bible? 13. Why do 1 Samuel 9:3-4's details about searching for lost donkeys seem contradictory with other instances in the Old Testament where animals are quickly found or retrieved? 14. Is there archaeological evidence to support the mention of the 'tower of David' and its 'thousand shields' in Song of Solomon 4:4? What Does 1 Samuel 9:4 Mean Through the hill country of Ephraim“So Saul passed through the hill country of Ephraim…” (1 Samuel 9:4a) • A rugged, elevated region where Israel had long settled (Joshua 17:15). • Saul begins in familiar territory—close to home, diligent in his father’s command (Exodus 20:12). • The failure to find the donkeys here underscores that human effort alone cannot secure success (Psalm 127:1); God is directing unseen. • Like Gideon moving through Ophrah (Judges 6:11-14), ordinary chores become stages for divine callings. Through the land of Shalishah “…and then through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find the donkeys.” (9:4b) • Shalishah lies farther west. Saul widens the search, showing perseverance (Proverbs 12:24). • Another closed door reminds us of Acts 16:6-7, where God guides by both opening and withholding. • The journey’s frustrations will highlight God’s eventual intervention (1 Samuel 9:15-17). Through the region of Shaalim “He and the servant went through the region of Shaalim, but they were not there.” (9:4c) • Shaalim (“foxes”) borders Philistine territory—Saul ventures into less-safe ground, illustrating commitment (2 Corinthians 11:26). • Each “not there” accents human limitation; God alone sees the outcome (Isaiah 55:9). • As with Abraham’s servants searching for a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24:27), patient obedience paves the way for divine appointments. Through the land of Benjamin “Then they went through the land of Benjamin, and still they did not find them.” (9:4d) • Returning to his tribal homeland completes a circuit, symbolizing that God’s answer lies closer than expected (Deuteronomy 30:11-14). • The repeated disappointment sets the scene for meeting Samuel at Ramah (9:5-6). • Romans 8:28 parallels the truth that God weaves all things—even lost livestock—into His purpose. summary 1 Samuel 9:4 records an historical, literal trek across four regions, emphasizing Saul’s thorough search and steadfast obedience. Each “not there” reveals God’s sovereignty: closed paths channel Saul toward Samuel, where he will discover his divine calling. The verse teaches that diligent faithfulness, even in mundane tasks, positions believers to encounter God’s greater plans. (4) And he passed through mount Ephraim. The chain of the mountains of Ephraim ran southward into the territory of Benjamin, where were situated the patrimonial possessions of Saul's house.And passed through the land of Shalisha.--Or land "of the Three;" so called because three valleys there united in one, or one divided into three. It is believed to be the region in which Baal-shalisha lay (2Kings 4:42), fifteen miles north of Diospolis, or Lydda. The land of Shalim.--Probably a very deep valley, derived from a Hebrew word, signifying "the hollow of the hand." Verse 4. - Mount Ephraim. Though Gibeah, Saul's home, was in Benjamin, it was situated on this long mountain range (1 Samuel 1:1). The land of Shalisha. I.e. Three-land, and probably, therefore, the region round Baal-shalisha. It takes its name from the three valleys which there converge in the great Wady Kurawa, The land of Shalim. I.e. of jackals; probably the same as the land of Shual, also = jackal-land (1 Samuel 13:17). The very name shows that it was a wild, uninhabited region. The derivation hollow-land is untenable.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So [Saul] passedוַיַּעֲבֹ֧ר (way·ya·‘ă·ḇōr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on through the hill country בְּהַר־ (bə·har-) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country of Ephraim אֶפְרַ֛יִם (’ep̄·ra·yim) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 669: Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory and then through the land בְּאֶֽרֶץ־ (bə·’e·reṣ-) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 776: Earth, land of Shalishah, שָׁלִ֖שָׁה (šā·li·šāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 8031: Shalishah -- an area of Israel searched by Saul but did not וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no find [the donkeys]. מָצָ֑אוּ (mā·ṣā·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present [He and the servant] went וַיַּעֲבֹ֥ר (way·ya·‘ă·ḇōr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on through the region בְאֶֽרֶץ־ (ḇə·’e·reṣ-) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 776: Earth, land of Shaalim, שַׁעֲלִים֙ (ša·‘ă·lîm) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 8171: Shaalim -- an area searched by Saul but [they were] not [there]. וָאַ֔יִן (wā·’a·yin) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle Then they went וַיַּעַבְר֤וּ (way·ya·‘aḇ·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on through the land בְּאֶֽרֶץ־ (bə·’e·reṣ-) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 776: Earth, land of Benjamin, יְמִינִ֖י (yə·mî·nî) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3227: On the right hand and still they did not וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no find them. מָצָֽאוּ׃ (mā·ṣā·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present Links 1 Samuel 9:4 NIV1 Samuel 9:4 NLT 1 Samuel 9:4 ESV 1 Samuel 9:4 NASB 1 Samuel 9:4 KJV 1 Samuel 9:4 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 9:4 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 9:4 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 9:4 French Bible 1 Samuel 9:4 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 9:4 He passed through the hill country (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
    |