1 Samuel 9:20 meaning

In this narrative, we see a pivotal moment in the life of Saul, Israel's first king, set against the backdrop of God's sovereign plan. Saul, initially on a mundane quest to find his father's lost donkeys, encounters Samuel, who had been divinely informed about Saul's impending kingship. Samuel’s announcement that he knows about the lost donkeys—a matter Saul had not even mentioned—highlights the prophetic insight and divine awareness that define true shepherds of God's people. This meeting serves to illustrate how God orchestrates events, guiding individuals toward their divine purpose, even in seemingly trivial matters.

The verse encapsulates a moment where Samuel reassures Saul not to worry about his lost donkeys, but rather to focus on a greater calling that awaits him. The notion that "the desire of Israel" rests upon Saul adds a layer of gravity to his situation, suggesting that God sees potential where Saul himself does not, as he laments his humble origins as a Benjamite. This speaks profoundly to themes of identity and divine selection portrayed in 1 Samuel 9:20, as God often chooses the unlikely candidates for his sovereign purposes, underscoring the principle that God equips those He calls.