1 SAMUEL—NOTE ON 1 Samuel 9:20 for whom is all that is desirable in Israel? As king, why should Saul concern himself with donkeys when he will receive the choicest things of the land (see 1 Samuel 8:11)? However, Samuel’s question could also be seen as a criticism, since it can be translated, “For whom is all the desire of Israel?” In making Saul its king, Israel gets what it desires (ch. 1 Samuel 8:1). Am I not... from the least... the humblest of all the clans? Saul’s emphasis on his low status indicates that he understands this question in the former, positive sense.

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising