1 Samuel 9:21 meaning

In a moment of divine providence, Saul, who is unaware of the significant role he is about to play as Israel's first king, finds himself on a quest to retrieve his father's lost donkeys. This seemingly mundane task brings him to Samuel, the prophet, who has been informed by God about Saul's future as a leader. When Saul converses with Samuel, he expresses self-doubt due to his humble background, identifying himself as a Benjamite from the least of the tribes of Israel. This moment highlights the theme of God's choice being often unconventional, as He selects someone seemingly unqualified for such an important role.

While initially focused on the tangible issue of lost animals, Saul's encounter with Samuel reveals God’s sovereign plan for Israel. Samuel's assurance that God has chosen Saul as a significant figure in Israel's future not only emphasizes God's power to see beyond human expectations but also prepares the reader for the complexities of Saul's imminent kingship. This underscores a critical lesson: God often chooses the humble and unlikely candidates to fulfill His purposes, reminding us that greatness in His kingdom is not determined by human standards but by His divine will.

The commentary on this can be summarized in the verse: "Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel?" .