1 Samuel 9:4
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.
1 Samuel 9:4 · King James Version
Meaning
One possible explanation for the meaning of this verse is that it describes a journey through various regions where the object of the search was not found. The passage through Mount Ephraim, the land of Shalisha, Shalim, and the Benjamites may represent a thorough and exhaustive search for something or someone. The repeated phrases "but they found them not" emphasize the disappointment of not finding what was sought after. This verse could be interpreted as a metaphor for the frustration and challenges faced when seeking something that is elusive or difficult to locate.
Within the context of the Bible, this verse may also symbolize the struggles and obstacles faced in the pursuit of righteousness or spiritual truth. The journey through different lands may represent the various paths and experiences one must traverse in order to find fulfillment or guidance. The repeated failure to find what is being sought could signify the hardships and tests encountered along the way. It serves as a reminder that the search for meaning and purpose is not always straightforward and may require perseverance and faith.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the Book of Judges, the journey of an unnamed man is described as he passes through various locations in search of someone or something. Mount Ephraim, the land of Shalisha, Shalim, and the Benjamites are all mentioned, indicating a thorough search that ultimately proves fruitless. The repetitive phrase "they found them not" emphasizes the absence of the sought-after individuals or items in each place the man visits. The theological interpretation of this verse can be seen as a metaphor for the challenges and trials faced by individuals in their spiritual journey. It may symbolize the feelings of loss, confusion, and disconnection that arise when seeking guidance or fulfillment in various aspects of life. The mention of different regions underscores the vastness of the man's search, suggesting the vastness of the human experience and the multitude of paths one may explore in pursuit of fulfillment and purpose.
1 Samuel 9:4 in other translations
American Standard Version
And he passed through the hill-country of Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shaalim, and there they were not: and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found them not.
World English Bible
He passed through the hill country of Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they didn’t find them: then they passed through the land of Shaalim, and there they weren’t there: and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they didn’t find them.
Douay-Rheims
And through the land of Salisa, and had not found them, they passed also through the land of Salim, and they were not there: and through the land of Jemini, and found them not.
Geneva Bible (1599)
So he passed through mount Ephraim, and went through the lande of Shalishah, but they found them not. Then they went through the land of Shalim, and there they were not: he went also through ye land of Iemini, but they found the not.