1 Samuel 9:20 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on thee, and on all thy father's house? On whom is all the desire of Israel? This was a covered and indirect premonition of the royal dignity that awaited him; and though Saul's answer shows that he fully understood it, he affected to doubt that the prophet was in earnest.