1 Samuel 9:21

And Saul answered and said, [Am] not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?

And Saul {H7586} answered {H6030} and said {H559}, Am not I a Benjamite {H1145}, of the smallest {H6996} of the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478}? and my family {H4940} the least {H6810} of all the families {H4940} of the tribe {H7626} of Benjamin {H1144}? wherefore then speakest {H1696} thou so {H1697} to me?

Sha'ul replied, "I'm only a man from Binyamin, the smallest tribe in Isra'el; and my family is the least important of all the families in the tribe of Binyamin! Why are you saying such a thing to me?"

Saul replied, โ€œAm I not a Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin? So why would you say such a thing to me?โ€

And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou to me after this manner?

Commentary

1 Samuel 9:21 captures Saul's initial reaction to Samuel's veiled pronouncement of his future kingship, revealing a profound sense of humility and unworthiness. Samuel had just hinted that Saul was the "desire of Israel," a clear indication of a prominent role.

Context of 1 Samuel 9:21

At this point in the narrative, Saul is merely a young man searching for his father's lost donkeys. He has unexpectedly encountered Samuel, the revered prophet of Israel. Samuel, guided by God, has already been informed that he would meet the man destined to be Israel's first king. Saul's response here is to Samuel's statement in 1 Samuel 9:20, where Samuel subtly elevates Saul's standing. Saul's reply reflects the historical reality of his tribe: the tribe of Benjamin was indeed the smallest among the tribes of Israel, having been nearly decimated in a civil war (Judges 20-21). His family within Benjamin was also not particularly prominent.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Humility and Unworthiness: Saulโ€™s words, "Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least...", demonstrate a genuine humility or at least bewilderment at the prophet's high regard. This initial posture of humility is often a prerequisite for God's anointing, contrasting sharply with the pride that would later lead to his downfall (1 Samuel 15:23).
  • Divine Choice Over Human Expectation: This verse highlights God's tendency to choose individuals who are not necessarily the most prominent or powerful by human standards. Just as God chose David, the youngest son and a shepherd (1 Samuel 16:7), He selected Saul from a humble background to lead His people. This underscores the principle that God's ways are higher than man's ways.
  • The Significance of Benjamin: Despite being the "smallest" tribe, Benjamin was known for its fierce warriors (Judges 20) and would later produce significant figures, including the Apostle Paul, who proudly identified as a Benjamite (Philippians 3:5).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "smallest" is qaton (ืงึธื˜ึนืŸ), meaning small, insignificant, or young. "Least" is tsa'ir (ืฆึธืขึดื™ืจ), conveying a similar sense of being junior or insignificant. Saul uses these terms to emphasize his perceived lack of standing, both tribally and familially, making Samuel's words all the more astonishing to him.

Practical Application

Saul's initial reaction reminds us that God often calls and empowers those who feel inadequate or overlooked by the world. Our perceived weaknesses or humble beginnings do not disqualify us from God's purposes. Instead, they can become the very platforms through which God's power and wisdom are most clearly displayed. This verse encourages believers to embrace humility and be open to God's surprising callings, recognizing that true strength comes from Him, not from our own status or abilities.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 15:17 (5 votes)

    And Samuel said, When thou [wast] little in thine own sight, [wast] thou not [made] the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?

  • Luke 14:11 (3 votes)

    For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

  • Psalms 68:27 (3 votes)

    There [is] little Benjamin [with] their ruler, the princes of Judah [and] their council, the princes of Zebulun, [and] the princes of Naphtali.

  • Ephesians 3:8 (3 votes)

    Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

  • Judges 20:46 (3 votes)

    So that all which fell that day of Benjamin were twenty and five thousand men that drew the sword; all these [were] men of valour.

  • Judges 20:48 (3 votes)

    And the men of Israel turned again upon the children of Benjamin, and smote them with the edge of the sword, as well the men of [every] city, as the beast, and all that came to hand: also they set on fire all the cities that they came to.

  • 1 Samuel 18:18 (2 votes)

    And David said unto Saul, Who [am] I? and what [is] my life, [or] my father's family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king?