“Once the donkeys belonging to Kish Sha’ul’s father got lost. Kish said to his son Sha’ul, “Please take one of the servants with you, go out, and look for the donkeys.”-1 Samuel 9:3
Have you noticed how the Lord often uses animals to bring about His divine will?
Recall the donkey that talked to Balaam…
Or how Moses’ staff was transformed into a snake and then back into a staff again…
Or the group of ravens who fed Elijah bread and meat in the morning and night…
Or the prophecy that the Messiah himself will enter into Jerusalem mounted on a donkey…
Well, we encounter a similar situation here in 1 Samuel Chapter 9 when a group of donkeys owned by Saul’s father (Kish) suddenly disappeared.
The Hebrew word being used to describe the donkeys is ATHON or אָתוֹן which means a “female donkey”.
The point being communicated is that this was a valuable herd of donkeys and no expense was gonna be spared to find them and get them back to their rightful owners.
We’re told Saul was the one tasked to find those donkeys.
He was also given a family servant to help him.
Actually, the word “servant” here is misleading.
The original Hebrew word is NA’AR or נַעַר…
And it normally does NOT mean a “servant” or “slave” whether bonded or bought.
In this context, it would be more accurate to translate NA’AR as a “young lad” or “youth”.
The youthful helper was probably a family member who was chosen to accompany Saul for possessing positive qualities such as wisdom and confidence.
We’re gonna see these qualities bear good fruit as the story moves forward.
So Saul and the young lad ventured deep into the Hills of Ephraim to look for the donkeys.
A few days passed and still they found nothing.
Saul was beginning to worry his father would come to the conclusion that something had happened to him and the young boy.
When they arrived at the territory of Zuph (the family name of a clan of Levites, ancestors of Elkanah and Samuel), Sha’ul decided to abandon the search.
However, the young boy encouraged Saul to not throw in the towel just yet.
The lad suggested they go to a nearby town and inquire if the ISH ELOHIM(man of God) might be there and be able to help locate the lost donkeys’ whereabouts.
Alrighty, let’s stop right here because in case you haven’t realize it…
We’ve just run into a profound takeaway homies!
Notice how Israel’s future king was quick to give up when outside circumstances seemed bleak…
Now compare that to the young lad’s suggestions to first seek out the “man of God” before throwing in the towel.
There’s a lesson there, don’t you think?
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again…
The number one reason why people lose faith is because their current circumstances seem incongruent with God’s Promises.
Abraham lost faith that God would give him a son from his own loins…
So he decided to take matters into his own hands.
And now we’re facing an insolvable Middle Eastern crisis.
Or how about the whole Golden Calf fiasco?
When Moses had gone up to Mount Sinai to commune with God on the people’s behalf no less…
The Israelites grew impatient and convinced Moses’ brother Aaron of all people to construct a golden calf idol for them to worship…
Or how about Yeshua’s disciples losing faith after their master’s crucifixion.
After his death, the disciples faced doubt and confusion, struggling to understand how their Messiah could suffer such a fate.
Had they seen the big picture and understood his resurrection was just around the corner…
They wouldn’t have been so discouraged.
So that’s your lesson.
Don’t be so easily swayed by outside circumstances.
Like Saul did when he couldn’t find the herd of donkeys he was searching for.
In this case, a young boy proved to be the better “man” compared to Saul.
This ain’t gonna be the first time we see Saul outdone by a young boy by the way.
Remember, when you trust God, you tap into eternal wisdom that surpasses that of any adult on this planet.
Over and out homies.
CONNECTING THIS TEACHING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
“However, as it is written:
‘What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind
has conceived”— the things
God has prepared for
those who love him—'”
-1 Corinthians 2:9
“Not only that,
but we rejoice in our sufferings,
knowing that suffering produces endurance,
and endurance produces character,
and character produces hope.”
-Romans 5:3-4
“Blessed is the man who remains
steadfast under trial,
for when he has stood the test
he will receive the crown of life,
which God has promised
to those who love him.”
-James 1:12
“For this light momentary affliction
is preparing for us an eternal weight
of glory beyond all comparison.”
-2 Corinthians 4:17
“Beloved, do not be surprised
at the fiery trial when it comes
upon you to test you,
as though something strange
were happening to you.
But rejoice insofar as you
share Messiah’s sufferings,
that you may also rejoice
and be glad when
his glory is revealed.”
-1 Peter 4:12-13
This is a good teaching, as always.
I like how in this drash you demonstrate how the world can affect our faithful obedience, if we let it.
One thing came to mind when reading this– the drash Yeshua told about the sower and the seeds, specifically how the good seed was choked by the weeds growing around it.
Isn’t that the same lesson that you are teaching here?
When we allow the events surrounding us, or even those directly affecting our lives, to get in the way of our relationship with God, either by restricting our obedience or weakening our faithful trust, it will destroy our ability to follow God the way he said we should.
Thank you brother…
And thanks for pointing out the parable of the sower and the seeds…
Perfectly matches this post!