1 Samuel 9:21

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

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?

Complete Jewish Bible

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?"

Berean Standard Bible

Saul replied, “Am 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?”

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 9:21 captures Saul's immediate reaction to Samuel's veiled revelation of his divine selection as Israel's future king. Overwhelmed by the prophet's words, Saul expresses profound humility and a sense of unworthiness, citing his identity as a Benjamite from the smallest of Israel's tribes and his family as the least prominent within that tribe. This response highlights his initial bewilderment at God's unexpected choice, contrasting his perceived insignificance with the monumental destiny Samuel has just hinted at.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Samuel's significant pronouncement in [1 Samuel 9:20](/1_samuel/9-20 "1 Samuel 9:20 - Samuel's Prophecy to Saul"), where the prophet declares that "the desire of all Israel" is upon Saul and his father's house. Saul and his servant had initially come to Samuel seeking guidance on finding their lost donkeys, a mundane task that unexpectedly led Saul into the presence of God's prophet. Samuel, having been divinely informed the day before that he would meet the man God chose to be king ([1 Samuel 9:15-17](/1_samuel/9-15 "1 Samuel 9:15-17 - God Reveals Saul to Samuel")), had already honored Saul by seating him at the head of a feast and setting aside a special portion of meat. Saul's question in [1 Samuel 9:21](/1_samuel/9-21 "1 Samuel 9:21 - Saul's Humility") serves as his bewildered and humble reply to Samuel's astonishing words, setting the stage for his anointing and the beginning of his public ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Saul's reference to Benjamin as the "smallest of the tribes of Israel" is rooted in a significant historical event. The tribe of Benjamin had been nearly annihilated in a devastating civil war with the other Israelite tribes, as recounted in [Judges 20-21](/judges/20 "Judges 20-21 - The War Against Benjamin"). This conflict left Benjamin with only 600 surviving men, drastically reducing its population and standing among the tribes. Consequently, the tribe of Benjamin would have been considered numerically and politically insignificant compared to larger tribes like Judah or Ephraim. Furthermore, Saul's claim that his "family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin" underscores the hierarchical nature of Israelite society, where tribal and familial prominence often dictated one's social and political influence. For someone from such a diminished tribe and an obscure family within it to be singled out as the "desire of all Israel" would have been genuinely shocking and counter-cultural.
* **Key Themes:** Saul's initial reaction in this verse introduces several pivotal themes that will resonate throughout his story and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Humility and Unworthiness**, presenting Saul's initial posture as one of genuine disbelief and low self-regard in the face of a divine calling. This contrasts sharply with the pride and self-reliance that would later contribute to his downfall, particularly evident in his disobedience described in [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection for Disobedience"). Secondly, the verse powerfully illustrates **Divine Choice Over Human Expectation**. God consistently chooses individuals who are not necessarily the most prominent, powerful, or obvious by human standards, demonstrating that His ways are higher than man's ways. This principle is later seen in God's selection of David, the youngest and overlooked son, as king in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart"). Finally, it subtly foreshadows the **Significance of Benjamin**, a tribe that, despite its diminished status, would produce not only Israel's first king but also the Apostle Paul, who proudly identified as a "Hebrew of Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless" and specifically as "of the tribe of Benjamin" in [Philippians 3:5](/philippians/3-5 "Philippians 3:5 - Paul's Jewish Credentials").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smallest (Hebrew, _qāṭōn'_):** This adjective (קָטֹן) literally means "small," "little," or "insignificant." When applied to a tribe, it denotes its reduced size, numerical inferiority, and consequently, its diminished political and military standing. Saul uses this term to emphasize Benjamin's historical and contemporary marginalization following the near-annihilation of the tribe in the civil war described in [Judges 20-21](/judges/20 "Judges 20-21 - The War Against Benjamin"). His use of `qāṭōn` underscores his perception of Benjamin as a tribe of little consequence in the grand scheme of Israel.
* **Least (Hebrew, _ṣāʿîr'_):** This adjective (צָעִיר) carries a similar semantic range to `qāṭōn`, meaning "small," "young," "junior," or "insignificant." In this context, when applied to his family, it emphasizes its lack of prominence, wealth, or influence within the already small tribe of Benjamin. Saul is not merely stating that his family is numerically small, but that it holds no particular status, renown, or leadership position that would warrant such a high commendation from a prophet like Samuel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Am not I a Benjamite":** Saul begins with a rhetorical question, immediately identifying himself by his tribal affiliation. This is not merely a statement of fact but an implied question of worthiness. Being a Benjamite, especially after the near-destruction of the tribe, carried a connotation of being from a less significant or even disgraced lineage.
* **"of the smallest of the tribes of Israel?":** This clause further elaborates on the perceived insignificance of his tribal identity. Saul highlights that Benjamin is not just one of the tribes, but specifically the smallest, emphasizing its lack of power, numbers, and historical glory compared to others. This fact would have been common knowledge among Israelites, making Samuel's words all the more astonishing.
* **"and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin?":** Saul then narrows his focus to his immediate family, reinforcing his sense of unworthiness. He claims his family is the most insignificant within an already insignificant tribe. This statement serves to underscore his humble origins and lack of any inherent status or qualification that would logically lead to the prophet's pronouncement.
* **"wherefore then speakest thou so to me?":** This concluding question encapsulates Saul's bewilderment and humility. It is a genuine expression of confusion and disbelief, asking why Samuel would bestow such an honor or speak of such a grand destiny to someone so seemingly unqualified and obscure. It highlights the vast disconnect between Saul's self-perception and God's surprising choice.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Samuel 9:21](/1_samuel/9-21 "1 Samuel 9:21 - Saul's Humility") is **Rhetorical Question**. Saul's entire statement is framed as a series of questions ("Am not I...?", "wherefore then...?"), not seeking information but expressing his profound disbelief and humility. These questions effectively convey his internal struggle to reconcile Samuel's incredible pronouncement with his own humble reality. There is also an element of **Understatement** on Saul's part, as he downplays his own standing and that of his tribe, which ironically sets the stage for the dramatic irony of God's choice. Furthermore, the passage employs **Contrast**, juxtaposing Saul's self-perception of being "smallest" and "least" with Samuel's declaration that he is the "desire of all Israel," highlighting the divine reversal of human expectations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Saul's initial humility in [1 Samuel 9:21](/1_samuel/9-21 "1 Samuel 9:21 - Saul's Humility") is a recurring motif in biblical narratives, where God often chooses the seemingly insignificant, the overlooked, or the weak to accomplish His mighty purposes. This principle underscores God's sovereignty and His desire to demonstrate His power through human weakness, ensuring that the glory belongs to Him alone. It challenges human notions of qualifications, prominence, and lineage as prerequisites for divine service. While Saul's initial humility is commendable, his subsequent narrative tragically illustrates that such a posture must be consistently maintained, as pride and disobedience ultimately led to his downfall. This verse thus serves as a foundational moment, highlighting the divine standard for leadership—not based on human merit or status, but on God's sovereign election and the recipient's willingness to acknowledge their dependence on Him.

* [Exodus 3:11](/exodus/3-11 "Moses's Humility")
* [Judges 6:15](/judges/6-15 "Gideon's Humility")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "God Chooses the Weak")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Saul's bewildered question, "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?" resonates deeply with the human experience of inadequacy in the face of God's calling. It reminds us that God's criteria for choosing and empowering individuals are fundamentally different from the world's. Our perceived weaknesses, humble origins, or lack of prominent status do not disqualify us from God's purposes; rather, they often become the very platforms through which His power, wisdom, and grace are most clearly displayed. This verse encourages us to embrace humility, to be open to God's surprising and often counter-intuitive callings, and to trust that true strength and capability come from His anointing, not from our own inherent abilities or social standing. It challenges us to look beyond our own limitations and to see ourselves through the lens of God's limitless potential working through us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "smallest" or "least," and how might God be calling you to serve or lead in those very areas?**
* **How does Saul's initial humility challenge your own understanding of who God uses for His purposes?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a posture of humility and openness to God's surprising callings in your life?**

### FAQ
**Was the tribe of Benjamin truly the "smallest" at this time, or was Saul exaggerating?**

Answer: Saul's statement was historically accurate and not an exaggeration. The tribe of Benjamin had indeed been nearly decimated in a civil war with the other Israelite tribes, as recorded in [Judges 20-21](/judges/20 "Judges 20-21 - The War Against Benjamin"). This conflict left only 600 surviving men from the tribe, drastically reducing its population and influence. While the tribe had undoubtedly begun to recover and grow in the intervening centuries, it would still have been considered numerically and politically inferior to larger, more powerful tribes like Judah or Ephraim. Saul's description reflects the genuine historical and contemporary status of his tribe, making Samuel's pronouncement all the more astonishing to him.

**Was Saul's humility genuine, or was he merely feigning it?**

Answer: While some might interpret Saul's words as false modesty, the context strongly suggests his humility was genuine at this moment. He was an ordinary young man from an obscure family, searching for lost donkeys, when he was suddenly confronted by the revered prophet Samuel with an astonishing prophecy of kingship. His bewilderment and self-deprecation ("smallest," "least") appear to be an authentic expression of his inability to reconcile Samuel's words with his own perceived insignificance. This initial humility contrasts sharply with the pride and self-will that would later develop in his reign, leading to his downfall, as seen in passages like [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection"). At this point in the narrative, Saul seems genuinely overwhelmed and surprised by God's unexpected choice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Saul's initial humility and God's surprising choice of the "least" from the "smallest" tribe in [1 Samuel 9:21](/1_samuel/9-21 "1 Samuel 9:21 - Saul's Humility") powerfully foreshadow the ultimate divine reversal of human expectations found in Jesus Christ. While Saul was chosen from obscurity to be Israel's earthly king, Jesus, the true King, came not from the prominent royal lines of His day but was born in humble circumstances in Bethlehem, a seemingly insignificant town ([Matthew 2:1](/matthew/2-1 "Matthew 2:1 - Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem")). He did not come as a powerful military leader or a wealthy aristocrat, but as a carpenter's son, embracing a life of servanthood and humility ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Jesus's Humiliation")). Just as God chose Saul from the "least" of the families, He chose to reveal His ultimate power and wisdom through the "weakness" of the cross, confounding the wise and exalting the humble ([1 Corinthians 1:25-29](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25-29 - God's Wisdom and Power")). Jesus perfectly embodied the spirit of humility that Saul initially displayed, declaring that " whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant" ([Matthew 20:26](/matthew/20-26 "Matthew 20:26 - Greatness Through Service")). In Christ, God's pattern of choosing the humble and exalting the lowly finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment, inviting all who feel "smallest" or "least" to find their true worth and calling in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 15:17

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

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

Psalms 68:27

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

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

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

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

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?