When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachels sepulchre in the border of Beniamin, at Zelzah: and they will say vnto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seeke, are found: and loe, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I doe for my sonne? 1 Samuel 10:2 (KJV)
The verse belongs to the narrative surrounding the anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel. In the preceding chapter Samuel, the prophet and judge, had received a divine directive to anoint a man from the tribe of Benjamin as leader over God’s people. Samuel met Saul, a tall and handsome young man, and privately anointed him as king. In 1 Samuel 10 Samuel then gives Saul a series of signs that would confirm the divine appointment of kingship upon him.
“When thou art departed from me today” indicates that Samuel is speaking directly to Saul, informing him of events that will occur after their encounter. The statement prepares Saul to expect confirmation of the prophetic word spoken to him.
“Then thou shalt find two men by Rachel’s sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah” provides a precise location where Saul will encounter two men. Rachel, the wife of Jacob and mother of Benjamin, is linked to the tribal heritage of Saul. The reference to her sepulchre marks the ancestral heritage of Benjamin and connects Saul to his lineage.
The men will say, “The asses which thou wentest to seek are found.” Prior to meeting Samuel Saul had been searching for his father’s lost donkeys. The discovery of the donkeys serves as a tangible sign that God is guiding and orchestrating events in Saul’s life, confirming his divine calling.
“And, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?” The report that Saul’s father is now concerned for his well‑being shows a shift in Saul’s circumstances. The father’s worry and desire to provide reflect the new role Saul is about to assume as Israel’s king and remind readers that God cares for His chosen leaders.
Key Lessons:
God guides and confirms His chosen leaders. The events described demonstrate God’s active involvement in Saul’s anointing; the specific location and the fulfillment of Samuel’s words validate the divine calling. Likewise, 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 mundane, yet God used it as an opportunity to lead him to his divine appointment, teaching that ordinary events can be instruments of God’s purpose.
God provides for His chosen ones. The father’s concern and provision for Saul reflect God’s care for His anointed. As believers step into the roles and responsibilities God has called them to, they can trust in His provision and care.
