Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 9:4. It’s a really significant passage about God's presence and how He chooses to interact with people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God was moving through the land when he first chose Samuel as his leader. When he moved on, people started finding areas that weren’t part of his plan – places that were occupied by a different group of people. Let's unpack it further: “And he passed through mount Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalisha…” This describes God moving through a specific region. “Mount Ephraim” is a place in Israel, and “the land of Shalisha” is a part of that area. It’s like a route or pathway. “…but they found [them] not:” This is the crucial part. “They” refers to the people who lived in those areas. The verse says they didn't find these places. “then they passed through the land of Shalim, and [there they were] not:” This is a bit more poetic. "Shalim" means “the right way” or “the proper place.” So, God was moving on, and people found themselves in areas that weren't his intended path. “and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found [them] not.” This tells us that when God moved further into the region, he also encountered the people of Benjamin (a group of people in Israel). The verse says they didn’t find the Benjaminites either. What's the Big Picture? This verse is a reminder of several things: God’s Purpose: God has a plan and is moving through different areas. His path isn't always clear or straightforward for people. Divine Sovereignty: He is in control, and He chooses where to go and who to encounter. Unexpected Changes: It shows that even when we think we know where things are going, God can still surprise us with changes. In essence, it’s a story about God's presence being felt, but sometimes His path is disrupted by the actions of others. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts in more detail? Connect this verse to a specific event or story in the Bible?