I Samuel 9:3
‘Now the donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost. So Kish said to his son Saul, “Take now with you one of the servants, and arise, go search for the donkeys.”‘
Kish enlists his son to help find the lost donkeys. Scripture tells us several things about children. Psalm 127:4,5 says, “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; They will not be ashamed When they speak with their enemies in the gate.”
Children are resourceful. This was particularly true in an agrarian society. People’s property would be a source of food. Having children was a source of help with the food. They would assist their parents on the farm. There would have been farm animals as well. In today’s passage, we find Saul helping his father with work on their property.
The Bible speaks much about the parental duty of developing a proper work ethic in children. Proverbs 10:5 says, “He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, But he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully.” The family farm provided a perfect opportunity for that.
The Bible also tells us that children are to be respectful and obedient to parents (Ephesians 6:1). As they are raised in the faith, God supports this. It’s helpful when mom and dad have a healthy marriage and support one another. If the parents aren’t unified, the family order breaks down. Saul appeared to have come from a good home. He responded to his father’s request to find the lost donkeys.
Providing godly instruction and a good, loving home is the greatest support parents can give their children. The lesson and demonstration of work and respect are great tools to equip a child with.
Lord, help us to raise our children well.