Old Testament

1 Samuel 9:4

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this passage, Saul is on a mission to find his father's lost donkeys.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
Written
Around 930 BC
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
The Israelites of the early monarchy
CBTClear Bible Translation

So Saul searched through the hill country of Ephraim and through the region of Shalisha, but they didn't find them. They went through the region of Shalim — nothing there either. They searched through the territory of Benjamin, but still couldn't find them.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this passage, Saul is on a mission to find his father's lost donkeys. He travels through various regions, including the hill country of Ephraim and the territories of Shalisha and Benjamin, but he cannot find them. This search reflects Saul's determination and commitment to fulfilling his responsibilities. Despite his efforts, he faces frustration and disappointment as each area yields no results. The journey symbolizes the challenges we often encounter when pursuing our goals. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we may not find what we are looking for. This can lead to feelings of doubt and confusion. However, it is essential to remember that persistence is key, and sometimes the journey itself teaches us valuable lessons. Saul's search is not just about the donkeys; it is about the growth and experiences he gains along the way. This story encourages us to keep searching, even when the outcome is uncertain, as we may discover something unexpected in the process.

How to apply 1 Samuel 9:4 to your life

When faced with challenges, remember that persistence is vital. Like Saul, you may not always find what you seek immediately, but the journey can teach you important lessons. Embrace the process, and stay open to unexpected discoveries along the way. Keep moving forward, even when the path is unclear. Trust that your efforts will lead to growth and understanding.  “Keep searching, and you may find something even more valuable than what you initially sought.”

Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does 1 Samuel 9:4 mean?

1 Samuel 9:4 describes Saul's search for his father's lost donkeys. Despite traveling through various regions, he is unable to find them, highlighting his determination and the challenges he faces in fulfilling his responsibilities.

What is the significance of Saul's search in 1 Samuel 9:4?

Saul's search in 1 Samuel 9:4 symbolizes the persistence required when pursuing goals. It illustrates that even with effort, one may encounter frustration and disappointment, but these experiences can lead to personal growth.

What lessons can we learn from 1 Samuel 9:4?

From 1 Samuel 9:4, we learn that persistence is crucial when facing challenges. The journey itself can provide valuable lessons, encouraging us to keep searching even when results are not immediately visible.

How does 1 Samuel 9:4 relate to personal growth?

1 Samuel 9:4 relates to personal growth by showing that the challenges Saul faces during his search contribute to his development. It reminds us that the process of seeking can lead to unexpected insights and growth.

The Book of 1 Samuel
Book Summary

The Book of 1 Samuel

1 Samuel 1: The Birth of Samuel

The book opens during the time of the judges, introducing a man named Elkanah with two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. While Peninnah has children, Hannah is barren and is cruelly taunted by her rival. During their annual pilgrimage to the sanctuary at Shiloh, the deeply distressed Hannah prays silently to the Lord, weeping and vowing that if God will give her a son, she will dedicate him to the Lord's service for his entire life as a Nazirite. Eli, the high priest, sees her lips moving and initially mistakes her for a drunken woman, but after she explains her sorrowful prayer, he blesses her, saying, "Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition."

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