"And Saul’s uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye? And he said, To seek the asses: and when we saw that they were nowhere, we came to Samuel."
Context:The book of 1 Samuel is part of the historical narrative of the Old Testament. It tells the story of Israel’s transition from a period of judges to the establishment of a monarchy. In 1 Samuel 10, Samuel anoints Saul as the first king of Israel.
Seeking the Asses:In the previous verses, Saul was anointed by Samuel as the future king of Israel. Afterward, Samuel instructed Saul about the events that would take place on his journey back home. In this verse, Saul’s uncle questions him about their whereabouts. Saul explains that they were searching for their lost donkeys. This seemingly mundane task of seeking donkeys is significant because it leads Saul to his divine appointment with Samuel.
Divine Providence:God used the situation of the lost donkeys to direct Saul to Samuel, who would anoint him as king. It illustrates the divine providence and guidance of God in the affairs of people’s lives. Sometimes, God orchestrates seemingly insignificant events to accomplish His greater purposes.
Obedience and Trust:Saul’s decision to consult Samuel after the donkeys were not found demonstrates his obedience and trust in the counsel of God’s prophet. Instead of giving up or continuing the search aimlessly, Saul sought the guidance of Samuel, indicating his openness to God’s direction.
God’s Sovereignty:This verse highlights God’s sovereignty in choosing Saul as the first king of Israel. Despite Saul’s initial lack of confidence and insignificance in his own eyes (as mentioned earlier in 1 Samuel 9:21), God saw potential in him and ordained him for leadership. It reminds us that God often chooses and uses unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes.
Application:The story of Saul’s anointing encourages us to trust in God’s providence and guidance in our own lives. We may encounter situations that seem ordinary or even frustrating, but God can use them to lead us to the right path or reveal His plans for us. It reminds us to seek God’s counsel and be obedient to His leading, even in seemingly insignificant matters.
Remember that this analysis provides a brief overview of the verse and its surrounding context. Exploring further chapters and studying commentaries can provide more insights into the broader themes and lessons from the book of 1 Samuel.
