1 Samuel 10:21

Arabic SVD 1865 Version (Smith and Van Dyke)

ثم قدم سبط بنيامين حسب عشائره فأخذت عشيرة مطري وأخذ شاول بن قيس. ففتشوا عليه فلم يوجد.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, the tribe of Benjamin is being examined by families to find a missing person, Saul the son of Kish. After identifying the family of Matri, Saul is still missing. This verse describes a search process within a specific tribe and family.

Explained for Children

Imagine you lost your favorite toy, and your family is looking for it. They check each room, and then each drawer in the room. They find the right room and the right drawer, but your toy is still missing! That's like what's happening here with Saul, but with people instead of toys.

Historical Background

This verse is from the Book of 1 Samuel, traditionally attributed to the prophet Samuel, Nathan, and Gad. It was written around the 10th century BCE for the Israelites. This narrative reflects the cultural and societal norms of ancient Israel where tribes and families were the primary social units.

Living It Out Today

When we face a challenge or a lost item, sometimes we have to search thoroughly, even within smaller groups. Just like Saul was eventually found, sometimes what we seek appears when we least expect it.

Topics

• search
• identity
• tribal dynamics
• discovery
• family unity
• hope

Related Verses

• 1 Samuel 9:15
• 1 Samuel 11:6
• Exodus 32:26
• Joshua 7:16
• Acts 9:10

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Saul the son of Kish chosen?

Saul was chosen as part of a divine selection process to become the first king of Israel, reflecting the belief that God was guiding the choice.

Why couldn't Saul be found initially?

Saul's initial absence might symbolize his humility or the need for a thorough search to reveal the chosen leader.

What does the search process in this verse teach us?

The search process teaches us about thoroughness and persistence in seeking what is important, as well as the idea that sometimes we need to look closely within our own families or communities.

How does 1 Samuel 10:21 relate to the broader narrative?

This verse is part of the larger narrative of Saul's anointment as king, highlighting the divine process of leadership selection in ancient Israelite society.