(3) В¶ And the asses of Kish Saul's father were lost. And Kish said to Saul his son, Take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek the asses. (4) 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. (5) And when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return; lest my father leave caring for the asses, and take thought for us.
It is truly instructive to remark, how the Lord in his Providence overrules and accomplishes the greatest designs from the slenderest means. The wandering of the asses laid the foundation for Saul's seeking them; and his not finding them, again paved the way for bringing him near Samuel. Thus the Lord sometimes worketh without means, and sometimes with means; but it is sweet, in the after stages, to look back and see how the Lord is carrying on, in all we seem to be contriving and ordering, one settled plan of goodness and mercy concerning us. Hence the church makes a beautiful conclusion from God's love to his people, after giving a long account of his dealings with them: whoso is wise will ponder these things, and they shall understand the loving kindness of the Lord. Psalms 107:43.