When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel's sepulchre — Samuel begins to give the three signs (otôth) that will authenticate Saul's anointing. The first sign involves two men near Rachel's tomb in Benjaminite territory. Rachel's sepulchre (kever Rachel) was a significant landmark in Benjaminite geography (cf. Genesis 35:20; Jeremiah 31:15). The presence of 'two men' (shnei anashim) suggests witnesses to some event. in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found — the two men will address Saul with news about the very asses (ăthonôth) he originally sought. This news resolves his initial quest and reassures him that his journey has been providentially guided. The detail emphasizes the irony: Saul's small personal quest has been caught up in God's greater purpose. and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you — the men will inform Saul that his father has shifted his concern from the lost animals to the lost travelers, particularly Saul and his servant. His father 'sorrows' (yidaveg), experiencing the anxiety that Saul himself felt earlier (9:5). The sign confirms that Saul's departure on this divinely appointed journey has created concern at home, yet God is orchestrating all events.

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