And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on thee, and on all thy father's house?

1 SAMUEL 9:20KJV
Know the Bible

1 Samuel 9:20 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 9:20 mean?

1 Samuel 9:20 shows Samuel telling Saul not to worry about the donkeys (asses) that were lost, because they have been found. Samuel then hints that something much bigger is happening, suggesting that all Israel’s hopes are somehow focused on Saul and his family.

Samuel is speaking directly to Saul, who had come looking for his father’s lost donkeys. Instead of just helping Saul with his problem, Samuel reveals that Saul is at the center of God’s plans for Israel. This moment shifts the focus from a simple search for lost animals to Saul’s unexpected role in the nation’s future.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 9:20

  • "asses" (אֲתוֹן, ʾaton): This word refers to female donkeys, which were valuable animals for travel and work. Their recovery would have been important to Saul’s family, but Samuel’s message is that something more important is happening.
  • "desire" (חֵמְדָּה, ḥemdah): This word means "desire" or "that which is precious." Samuel uses it to say that all Israel’s longing or hope is now directed toward Saul and his family, hinting at Saul’s coming kingship.
  • "mind" (לֵב, lev): This word often means "heart" or "inner self." Samuel tells Saul not to set his heart or worry about the donkeys, pointing Saul’s attention to a much greater concern.

Why 1 Samuel 9:20 matters

  • This verse marks the turning point where Saul’s ordinary search for donkeys becomes the beginning of his journey to becoming Israel’s first king.
  • Samuel’s words show that God’s plans can be at work even in everyday problems, like lost animals, leading to life-changing events.
  • The verse prepares the reader for the coming chapters, where Saul’s role as the chosen leader of Israel will be revealed and explained.

Where else these words appear

“desire” Hebrew H2532 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 27:15 And Rebekah took goodly raiment of her eldest son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them upon Jacob her younger son:
  • Jeremiah 3:19 But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me.
  • Daniel 11:8 And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, and with their precious vessels of silver and of gold; and he shall continue more years than the king of the north.

“asses” Hebrew H860 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Numbers 22:28 And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
  • 1 Samuel 10:14 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 no where, we came to Samuel.