And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found — Samuel's knowledge extends to Saul's personal concern, the very reason Saul came on his journey. The statement 'they are found' (nim'tsa'ū) resolves Saul's original quest, but in a secondary and almost incidental manner. Samuel's foreknowledge of Saul's concern shows that nothing in Saul's life is hidden from the prophet who knows God's counsel. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on thee, and on all thy father's house? — This rhetorical question begins the revelation of Saul's true destiny. The phrase 'all the desire of Israel' ('kol hemdat Yisra'el) suggests the deepest longing or aspiration of the people, their desire for a king to rule over them and fight their battles. Samuel's question implies that this desire has, in God's providence, centered on Saul and his household (father's house). The revelation begins to unfold as Saul's small personal quest gives way to his great national destiny.

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