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.
Saul traveled through the hill country of Ephraim and through the region of Shalisha, but they didn't find the donkeys there. Then they went through the land of Shaalim, but the donkeys weren't there either. They also searched through the territory of Benjamin, but still couldn't find them.
This verse describes Saul searching extensively through multiple regions but failing to find his father's lost donkeys, showing how God was leading him on a journey that would change his life forever.
📚 Historical Context
This passage occurs when Saul, who would become Israel's first king, was sent by his father Kish to find their lost donkeys. The regions mentioned - Ephraim, Shalisha, Shaalim, and Benjamin - were tribal territories in ancient Israel. Unknown to Saul, God was orchestrating these events to bring him to the prophet Samuel, who would anoint him as king.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.