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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 9:21 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?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/9-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/09_1Sa_09_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 9:21 - Saul Chosen as King" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/9-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/9-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/9-20.htm" title="1 Samuel 9:20">◄</a> 1 Samuel 9:21 <a href="/1_samuel/9-22.htm" title="1 Samuel 9:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_samuel/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/9.htm">New International Version</a> Saul answered, &#8220But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> Saul replied, “But I’m only from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important of all the families of that tribe! Why are you talking like this to me?” <a href="/esv/1_samuel/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> Saul answered, “Am I not a Benjaminite, from the least of the tribes of Israel? And is not my clan the humblest of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then have you spoken to me in this way?” <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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?” <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/9.htm">King James Bible</a> 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? <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/9.htm">New King James Version</a> And Saul answered and said, “Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak like this to me?” <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjaminite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then have you spoken to me in this way?” <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> Saul replied, &#8220Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak to me in this way?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And Saul answered and said, “Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak to me in this way?” <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Saul answered and said, “Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak to me in this way?” <a href="/amp/1_samuel/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? And is not my family the smallest of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then have you spoken this way to me [as if I were very important]?” <a href="/csb/1_samuel/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Saul responded, “Am I not a Benjaminite from the smallest of Israel’s tribes and isn’t my clan the least important of all the clans of the Benjaminite tribe? So why have you said something like this to me? ” <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Saul responded, &#8220Am I not a Benjaminite from the smallest of Israel&#8217s tribes and isn&#8217t my clan the least important of all the clans of the Benjaminite tribe? So why have you said something like this to me?&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_samuel/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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? <a href="/cev/1_samuel/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> "Why are you telling me this?" Saul asked. "I'm from Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my clan is the least important in the tribe." <a href="/erv/1_samuel/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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? <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Saul replied, "I am a man from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe of Israel. My family is the most insignificant of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin. So why are you saying such things to me?" <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> Saul answered, "I belong to the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important one in the tribe. Why, then, do you talk like this to me?" <a href="/isv/1_samuel/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> Saul answered: "Am I not a descendant of Benjamin from the least of the tribes of Israel? Isn't my family the least important of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why have you spoken to me like this?" <a href="/msb/1_samuel/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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?? <a href="/net/1_samuel/9.htm">NET Bible</a> Saul replied, "Am I not a Benjaminite, from the smallest of Israel's tribes, and is not my family clan the smallest of all the tribes of Benjamin? Why do you speak to me in this way?" <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Saul answered, "Am I not a Benjaminite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? And my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak to me like this?" <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjaminite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then speakest thou so to me? <a href="/web/1_samuel/9.htm">World English Bible</a> Saul answered, “Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? And my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak to me like this?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Saul answers and says, “Am I not a Benjamite—of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? And my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? And why have you spoken to me according to this word?” <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Saul answereth and saith, '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? and why hast thou spoken unto me according to this word?' <a href="/slt/1_samuel/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Saul will answer and say, Am not I a son of the Jaminite, from the littleness of the tribes of Israel, and my family small more than all the families of the tribes of Benjamin and wherefore spakest thou to me according to this word?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Saul answering, said: Am not I a son of Jemini of the least tribe of Israel, and my kindred the last among all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then hast thou spoken this word to me? <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And responding, Saul said: “Am I not a son of Benjamin, the least tribe of Israel, and are not my kindred the last among all the families from the tribe of Benjamin? So then, why would you speak this word to me?” <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/9.htm">New American Bible</a> Saul replied: “Am I not a Benjaminite, from the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and is not my clan the least among the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why say such things to me?” <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Saul answered, “I am only a Benjaminite, from the least of the tribes of Israel, and my family is the humblest of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin. Why then have you spoken to me in this way?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Saul answered and said to Samuel, Behold, I am a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family is the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin. Why then have you spoken thus to me? <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Shaul answered and said to Shemueil: “Behold, I am a son of Benjamin from a small one of the tribes of Israel, and my family is least of all families of the tribe of Benyamin, and why have you spoken this word to me?”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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?' <a href="/sep/1_samuel/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Saul answered and said, Am not I the son of a Benjamite, the least tribe of the people of Israel? and of the least family of the whole tribe of Benjamin? and why hast thou spoken to me according to this word? <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/9-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=2248" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/9.htm">Saul Chosen as King</a> …20As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, do not worry about them, for they have been found. And upon whom is all the desire of Israel, if not upon you and all your father’s house?” 21<a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: way·ya·‘an (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To answer, respond.">replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: ’ā·nō·ḵî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">“Am I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: hă·lō·w (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1145.htm" title="1145: ḇen- (N-msc) -- A desc. of Benjamin. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1145.htm" title="1145: yə·mî·nî (N-proper-ms) -- A desc. of Benjamin. ">a Benjamite</a> <a href="/hebrew/6996.htm" title="6996: miq·qa·ṭan·nē (Prep-m:: Adj-mpc) -- Small, young, unimportant. Or qaton; from quwt; abbreviated, i.e. Diminutive, literally or figuratively.">from the smallest</a> <a href="/hebrew/7626.htm" title="7626: šiḇ·ṭê (N-mpc) -- Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe. From an unused root probably meaning to branch off; a scion, i.e. a stick Or a clan.">tribe</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4940.htm" title="4940: ū·miš·paḥ·tî (Conj-w:: N-fsc:: 1cs) -- From shaphah; a family, i.e. Circle of relatives; figuratively, a class, a species or sort; by extens. A tribe or people.">and is not my clan</a> <a href="/hebrew/6810.htm" title="6810: haṣ·ṣə·‘i·rāh (Art:: Adj-fs) -- Little, insignificant, young. Or tsanowr; from tsa'ar; little; few; young, ignoble.">the least</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: mik·kāl (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">of all</a> <a href="/hebrew/4940.htm" title="4940: miš·pə·ḥō·wṯ (N-fpc) -- From shaphah; a family, i.e. Circle of relatives; figuratively, a class, a species or sort; by extens. A tribe or people.">the clans</a> <a href="/hebrew/1144.htm" title="1144: ḇin·yā·min (N-proper-ms) -- From ben and yamiyn; son of right hand; Binjamin, youngest son of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">of Benjamin?</a> <a href="/hebrew/7626.htm" title="7626: šiḇ·ṭê (N-mpc) -- Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe. From an unused root probably meaning to branch off; a scion, i.e. a stick Or a clan."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: wə·lām·māh (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">So why</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dib·bar·tā (V-Piel-Perf-2ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">would you say</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: kad·dā·ḇār (Prep-k, Art:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">such a thing</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that."></a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- To, into, towards. ">to me?”</a> 22Then Samuel took Saul and his servant, brought them into the hall, and seated them in the place of honor among those who were invited—about thirty in all.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/judges/6-15.htm">Judges 6:15</a> “Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.” <a href="/1_samuel/15-17.htm">1 Samuel 15:17</a> And Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, have you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel <a href="/1_samuel/18-18.htm">1 Samuel 18:18</a> And David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel, that I should become the son-in-law of the king?” <a href="/1_samuel/24-14.htm">1 Samuel 24:14</a> Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea? <a href="/1_samuel/26-20.htm">1 Samuel 26:20</a> So do not let my blood fall to the ground far from the presence of the LORD. For the king of Israel has come out to look for a flea, like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains.” <a href="/2_samuel/7-18.htm">2 Samuel 7:18</a> Then King David went in, sat before the LORD, and said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far? <a href="/1_kings/3-7.htm">1 Kings 3:7</a> And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in. <a href="/psalms/8-4.htm">Psalm 8:4</a> what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? <a href="/isaiah/6-5.htm">Isaiah 6:5</a> Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.” <a href="/isaiah/53-2.htm">Isaiah 53:2-3</a> He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no stately form or majesty to attract us, no beauty that we should desire Him. / He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. <a href="/jeremiah/1-6.htm">Jeremiah 1:6</a> “Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” <a href="/matthew/11-29.htm">Matthew 11:29</a> Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. <a href="/matthew/18-4.htm">Matthew 18:4</a> Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/luke/1-48.htm">Luke 1:48</a> For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed. <a href="/luke/14-11.htm">Luke 14:11</a> For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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? why then speak you so to me?a Benjamite<a href="/judges/20-46.htm">Judges 20:46-48</a> 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… <a href="/psalms/68-27.htm">Psalm 68:27</a> There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali.my family<a href="/1_samuel/10-27.htm">1 Samuel 10:27</a> But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.<a href="/1_samuel/15-17.htm">1 Samuel 15:17</a> 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?<a href="/1_samuel/18-18.htm">1 Samuel 18:18,23</a> 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? … so to me [heb] according to his word.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/9-16.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-1.htm">Benjaminite</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-1.htm">Benjamite</a> <a href="/judges/21-24.htm">Clans</a> <a href="/matthew/25-45.htm">Humblest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-20.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/judges/6-15.htm">Least</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-11.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-19.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-7.htm">Smallest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-10.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/judges/6-17.htm">Speakest</a> <a href="/judges/21-24.htm">Tribe</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-28.htm">Tribes</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-6.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-17.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/10-2.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-11.htm">Benjaminite</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-11.htm">Benjamite</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/2-53.htm">Clans</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-24.htm">Humblest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-4.htm">Least</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-25.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-22.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-22.htm">Smallest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-4.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-28.htm">Speakest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-20.htm">Tribe</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-19.htm">Tribes</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-27.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-27.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 9</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/9-1.htm">Saul despairing to find his father's donkeys</a> 6. <a href="/1_samuel/9-6.htm">by the counsel of his servant</a> 11. <a href="/1_samuel/9-11.htm">and direction of young maidens</a> 15. <a href="/1_samuel/9-15.htm">according to God's revelation</a> 18. <a href="/1_samuel/9-18.htm">comes to Samuel</a> 19. <a href="/1_samuel/9-19.htm">Samuel entertains Saul at the feast</a> 25. <a href="/1_samuel/9-25.htm">Samuel, after secret communication, brings Saul on his way</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite Saul identifies himself as a member of the tribe of Benjamin, which holds significance in Israel's history. The tribe of Benjamin was nearly wiped out in a civil war described in <a href="/judges/20.htm">Judges 20-21</a>, making its survival and continuation noteworthy. This background highlights Saul's humility and the improbability of his selection as king, given the tribe's diminished status.from the smallest tribe of Israel, Benjamin was indeed the smallest tribe, both in terms of population and influence, as a result of the events in Judges. This phrase underscores the theme of God choosing the unlikely or the least to fulfill His purposes, a recurring motif in Scripture, as seen with David, the youngest son of Jesse, and even Jesus, born in humble circumstances.and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin? Saul's reference to his clan being the least suggests a sense of insignificance and lack of prestige. This humility is contrasted with the later pride and disobedience Saul exhibits as king. It also reflects the biblical principle that God often elevates the humble, as seen in <a href="/1_samuel/2-7.htm">1 Samuel 2:7-8</a>, where Hannah's prayer speaks of God raising the poor from the dust.So why would you say such a thing to me?” Saul's question reveals his surprise and disbelief at being chosen for a significant role. This reaction is similar to other biblical figures who expressed doubt or surprise at God's calling, such as Moses in <a href="/exodus/3-11.htm">Exodus 3:11</a> and Gideon in <a href="/judges/6-15.htm">Judges 6:15</a>. It highlights the theme of divine election and the idea that God's choices are not based on human standards of worthiness or ability.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first king of Israel, chosen by God through the prophet Samuel. At this point, he is humble and unaware of his future role. 2. <a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel</a> The prophet and last judge of Israel, who anoints Saul as king. He is God's mouthpiece in this account. 3. <a href="/topical/t/tribe_of_benjamin.htm">Tribe of Benjamin</a> The smallest tribe of Israel, known for its warriors. Saul's humility is partly due to his tribal identity. 4. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The nation chosen by God, seeking a king to lead them like other nations. 5. <a href="/topical/r/ramah.htm">Ramah</a> The place where Samuel lived and where Saul was anointed as king.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/h/humility_before_honor.htm">Humility Before Honor</a> Saul's initial humility is a model for us. God often chooses those who are humble and least in their own eyes to accomplish His purposes. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereign_choice.htm">God's Sovereign Choice</a> Despite human expectations, God chooses leaders according to His will, not based on human standards of greatness. <a href="/topical/i/identity_and_calling.htm">Identity and Calling</a> Our background or perceived insignificance does not limit God's calling on our lives. Like Saul, we may be called to roles beyond our imagination. <a href="/topical/s/self-perception_vs._god's_vision.htm">Self-Perception vs. God's Vision</a> We should align our self-perception with God's vision for us, recognizing that He sees potential where we see limitations. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_plan.htm">Trust in God's Plan</a> Even when we feel inadequate, trusting in God's plan and timing is crucial, as He equips those He calls.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 9</a> <a href="/q/how_to_verify_'cush_the_benjamite'.htm">How do we verify the historical identity of “Cush the Benjamite” mentioned in Psalm 7:1, given the lack of archaeological or biblical record? </a> <a href="/q/what_explains_saul's_shift_in_1_sam_10_6.htm">How can the dramatic shift in Saul’s demeanor in 1 Samuel 10:6 be explained scientifically or psychologically? </a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_tribe_of_benjamin.htm">What is the Tribe of Benjamin?</a> <a href="/q/do_saul's_signs_in_1_sam_10_2-7_align_biblically.htm">How do the signs given to Saul in 1 Samuel 10:2–7 align or conflict with other biblical accounts of miraculous signs? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - Wherefore then speakest thou so to me? Though Samuel's words contained the promise of supreme power, - for to whom less than a king could all that was desirable in Israel belong? - yet Saul probably regarded them as a high-flown compliment, such as Orientals love to use, and gave a modest and proper answer. Benjamin, already the smallest tribe, had been so crushed that its power must have been very small, and Soul's house, though opulent, was not a leading one; how then could one of its members expect so high a dignity? For families of the tribe of Benjamin the Hebrew has "tribes," probably owing to some confusion with the words "tribes of Israel" just before. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/9-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Saul שָׁא֜וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites replied, וַיַּ֨עַן (way·ya·‘an) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> To answer, respond “Am I אָ֙נֹכִי֙ (’ā·nō·ḵî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> I not הֲל֨וֹא (hă·lō·w) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no a Benjamite יְמִינִ֤י (yə·mî·nî) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1145.htm">Strong's 1145: </a> Benjamite -- a Benjaminite from the smallest מִקַּטַנֵּי֙‪‬ (miq·qa·ṭan·nê) Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6996.htm">Strong's 6996: </a> Small, young, unimportant tribe שִׁבְטֵ֣י (šiḇ·ṭê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7626.htm">Strong's 7626: </a> Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe of Israel, יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc and is not my clan וּמִשְׁפַּחְתִּי֙ (ū·miš·paḥ·tî) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4940.htm">Strong's 4940: </a> A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people the least הַצְּעִרָ֔ה (haṣ·ṣə·‘i·rāh) Article | Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6810.htm">Strong's 6810: </a> Little, insignificant, young of all מִכָּֽל־ (mik·kāl) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the clans מִשְׁפְּח֖וֹת (miš·pə·ḥō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4940.htm">Strong's 4940: </a> A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people of Benjamin? בִנְיָמִ֑ן (ḇin·yā·min) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1144.htm">Strong's 1144: </a> Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israelites So why וְלָ֙מָּה֙ (wə·lām·māh) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what would you say דִּבַּ֣רְתָּ (dib·bar·tā) Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue such a thing כַּדָּבָ֖ר (kad·dā·ḇār) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause to me?” אֵלַ֔י (’ê·lay) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/9-21.htm">1 Samuel 9:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/9-21.htm">1 Samuel 9:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/9-21.htm">1 Samuel 9:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/9-21.htm">1 Samuel 9:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/9-21.htm">1 Samuel 9:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/9-21.htm">1 Samuel 9:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/9-21.htm">1 Samuel 9:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/9-21.htm">1 Samuel 9:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/9-21.htm">1 Samuel 9:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/9-21.htm">1 Samuel 9:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-21.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 9:21 Saul answered Am I not a Benjamite (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/9-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 9:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 9:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/9-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 9:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 9:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>