1 Samuel 9:3
And the asses of Kish Saul’s father were lost. And Kish said to Saul his son, Take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek the asses. And the asses of Kish Saul’s father were lost. And Kish said to Saul his son, Take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek the asses.
The asses of Kish belong to the time when all the elders of Israel gathered together to Samuel at Ramah to demand a king to judge them like all the nations. They used the injustice of his judges as a pretext for a change long secretly desired, a change springing from discontent and pride and deliberate purpose. The cases of abuse had never been referred to Samuel, who would have removed his sons without delay if he had known of them, and no complaint had been made against Samuel himself, whose integrity and wisdom of administration all acknowledged. The request was a censure upon Samuel and a direct effort to set him aside, and he met it with no reproach but carried the matter to the Lord in prayer and sought counsel from Him alone.
Saul at that time was carrying out humble duties alongside his father, though he was the son of a powerful, wealthy chief. When Kish's animals were lost and had strayed, Kish told Saul to take one of the servants and arise and go seek the asses. The search lasted three days without success and brought them near Ramah. There the servant suggested asking Samuel for directions and help. The small silver gift they intended to offer the prophet was a customary courtesy showing respect to someone of higher rank or office, and not a bribe.