1 Samuel 9:4

King James Version (KJV)

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.

Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

The land of Shalisha was somewhere near Gilgal, i. e., Jiljulieh. It is thought to derive its name from “three” (Shalosh) wadys which unite in the wady of Karawa. The situation of Shalim is not known: its etymology connects it more probably with the land of Shual 1 Samuel 13:17, apparently round Taiyibeh, which was about nine miles from Gibeah.

Zuph - 1 Samuel 9:5, see 1 Samuel 1:1 note.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

Saul readily went to seek his father's asses. His obedience to his father was praise-worthy. His servant proposed, that since they were now at Ramah, they should call on Samuel, and take his advice. Wherever we are, we should use our opportunities of acquainting ourselves with those who are wise and good. Many will consult a man of God, if he comes in their way, that would not go a step out of their way to get wisdom. We sensibly feel worldly losses, and bestow much pains to make them up; but how little do we attempt, and how soon are we weary, in seeking the salvation of our souls! If ministers could tell men how to secure their property, or to get wealth, they would be more consulted and honoured than they now are, though employed in teaching them how to escape eternal misery, and to obtain eternal life. Most people would rather be told their fortune than their duty. Samuel needed not their money, nor would he have denied his advice, if they had not brought it; but they gave it to him as a token of respect, and of the value they put upon his office, and according to the general usage of those times, always to bring a present to those in authority.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

4. Mount Ephraim. Approached from either the valley of the Jordan or the rolling hills of the Shephelah to the west, Mt. Ephraim loomed ahead, the central mountain range that ran north from the environs of Bethel toward Salim, a few miles east of Shechem. These mountains formed a watershed some 2,500-3,000 ft. above sea level, from which streams ran east to the Jordan and west to the Mediterranean.

Land of Shalisha. Nothing is known as to the location of the “land of Shalisha.” Some have suggested that it was in the western foothills, to the northwest of Bethel; others think it may have been in the Jordan valley to the northwest of Jericho.

Shalim. Or, Shual (ch. 13:17), from shu‘al, “fox,” or “jackal,” or from sho‘al, “hollow of the hand.” The district of Shalim was probably thought of as a land of jackals. The eastern slopes of the mountains of central Palestine were for the most part wild, rugged, and desolate, and chiefly the habitat of wild animals.

After traversing the districts mentioned, on the third day of search Saul and his servant came to Ramah, about 6 mi. north of Gibeah (v. 20; see on ch. 1:1). The animals had been lost but two full days (ch. 9:20; see p. 136), and could have wandered no more than a few miles from home. In his search for the lost asses Saul would have investigated all the hills, valleys, and ravines, and would have stopped here and there to inquire concerning the animals. The area thus covered in two or three days would obviously be of limited extent. It is therefore probable that Saul and his servant were never far from Gibeah and Bethel, in northern Benjamin and southern Ephraim. According to ch. 13:17, “the land of Shual” lay in the vicinity of Ophrah, about 5 mi. to the northeast of Bethel. He did not make a thorough search of all the regions named, but only of those parts where the asses may conceivably parts where the asses may conceivably have strayed. During the two days or more he had been away from home he may easily have traveled 30 or 40 mi. by the time he met Samuel, including side trips to the tops of hills and down into valleys and ravines.

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Cross References

mount

Shalisha

Shalim

The Ministry of Samuel and Anointment of Saul

Saul, 1000 BCE

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1 Samuel 9:4