“When thou art departed from me today, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel’s sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?”
Context:The verse is part of the narrative surrounding the anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel. In the previous chapter, Samuel, the prophet and judge of Israel, had been instructed by God to anoint a man from the tribe of Benjamin as the leader over His people. Samuel met Saul, a tall and handsome young man, and privately anointed him as king. In 1 Samuel 10, Samuel gives Saul a series of signs that would confirm the divine appointment of kingship upon him.
“When thou art departed from me today”: This indicates that Samuel is speaking to Saul and informing him about events that will happen after their encounter. It suggests that Saul will experience these events as a confirmation of the prophetic word spoken to him by Samuel.
“Then thou shalt find two men by Rachel’s sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah”: Saul is given a specific location where he will encounter two men near Rachel’s sepulchre. Rachel was the wife of Jacob and the mother of Benjamin, the tribe to which Saul belonged. The location of Rachel’s tomb is significant because it marks the ancestral heritage of Benjamin, connecting Saul to his lineage.
“They will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found”: The men at Rachel’s sepulchre will inform Saul that the donkeys he had been searching for have been found. Prior to his encounter with Samuel, Saul had been searching for his father’s lost donkeys. This confirmation serves as a sign that God is guiding and orchestrating events in Saul’s life.
“And, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?”: The men will inform Saul that his father is now concerned about his well-being. This indicates a shift in Saul’s life. His father’s worry and desire to provide for his son reflects the changing circumstances and the new role Saul will take on as Israel’s king. It also serves as a reminder that God cares for His chosen leaders and provides for their needs.
Key Lessons:
- God guides and confirms His chosen leaders:The events described in this verse demonstrate God’s active involvement in the anointing of Saul as king. The specific location and the fulfillment of Samuel’s words validate the divine calling upon Saul’s life. Similarly, God still guides and confirms those He calls to leadership today.
- God uses everyday circumstances to reveal His plans:Saul’s search for donkeys may have seemed like a mundane task, but God used it as an opportunity to lead Saul to his divine appointment. This teaches us that God can work through ordinary events in our lives to direct us towards His purposes.
- God provides for His chosen ones:Saul’s father’s concern and provision for him reflects God’s care for His anointed leaders. God not only calls individuals to specific roles but also ensures their needs are met along the way. As we step into the roles and responsibilities God has called us to, we can trust in His provision and care.
