What does 1 Samuel 9:21 mean?
"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?" - 1 Samuel 9:21
The Bible verse 1 Samuel 9:21 states, "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?" This verse occurs in the context of the anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel. In this verse, Saul is expressing his unworthiness and surprise at being chosen to be king.
This verse is a significant moment in the biblical narrative as it marks the beginning of Saul's journey as the first king of Israel. The verse captures Saul's humility and his initial disbelief at being chosen for such a significant role. It also highlights the theme of God's sovereignty and his ability to choose unexpected individuals for important tasks.
The context of this verse is important to understanding its significance. In the preceding verses, the prophet Samuel has just revealed to Saul that he is the one whom God has chosen to be king over Israel. Saul's response in verse 21 reflects his astonishment and disbelief at this unexpected news. He identifies himself as a member of the tribe of Benjamin, a tribe known for its small size and insignificance. Furthermore, Saul emphasizes that his family is the least among the families of his tribe. This shows Saul's humility and his awareness of his own lowly status.
The verse also reveals Saul's initial resistance to the idea of being king. His question, "wherefore then speakest thou so to me?" indicates his doubt and confusion about why Samuel would choose him for such a significant role. Saul's response is a reflection of his humility and his reluctance to accept the responsibility of kingship.
This passage also carries symbolism and themes that are relevant to the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the idea that God often chooses unlikely and insignificant individuals to fulfill his purposes. Throughout the Bible, we see numerous examples of God using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. The choice of Saul, a member of the humble tribe of Benjamin, to be the first king of Israel is consistent with this theme. It underscores the idea that God's ways are not the ways of man, and he often works through the weak and the humble to accomplish his plans.
Furthermore, Saul's response in this verse reveals the tension between human inadequacy and divine calling. Saul sees himself as unworthy and inadequate for the role of king, yet God has chosen him for this task. This tension is a recurring theme in the Bible, as many of the individuals called by God express feelings of unworthiness and inadequacy. This tension ultimately points to the sufficiency of God's grace and power to work through human weakness.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 9:21 captures a significant moment in the biblical narrative, marking the beginning of Saul's reign as the first king of Israel. It underscores themes of humility, divine sovereignty, and the unexpected ways in which God chooses to work. Saul's initial disbelief and reluctance to accept the role of king reflects the tension between human inadequacy and divine calling, a theme that is relevant throughout the Bible. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to work through the weak and the humble to accomplish his purposes.
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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 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?" - 1 Samuel 9:21
1 Samuel 9:1-2
1 Samuel 8:21 - "And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD."
1 Samuel 3:21 - "And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD."
1 Samuel 21:9 - "And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that here. And David said, There is none like that; give it me."
1 Samuel 21:9 (KJVA) 9 And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that here. And David said, There is none like that; give it me.
1 Samuel 21:9 (KJVA) 9 And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that here. And David said, There is none like that; give it me.
1 Samuel 21:9 (KJVA) 9 And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that here. And David said, There is none like that; give it me.
1 Samuel 21:10-15
1 Samuel 9:15 - "¶ Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,"
1 Samuel 22:21 - "And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD'S priests."
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1 Samuel 2:21 - "And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD."
1 Samuel 23:21 - "And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me."
1 Samuel 9:25 - "¶ And when they were come down from the high place into the city, Samuel communed with Saul upon the top of the house."
1 Samuel 9:18 - "Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, where the seer's house is."
1 Samuel 18:9 - "And Saul eyed David from that day and forward."
1 Samuel 21:10 - "¶ And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath."
1 Samuel 7:9 - "¶ And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him."
1 Samuel 13:21 - "Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads."
1 Samuel 17:21 - "For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army."
1 Samuel 1:21 - "And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow."
1 Samuel 9:17 - "And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people."
1 Samuel 21:12 - "And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath."
1 Chronicles 9:21 - "And Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was porter of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation."
1 Samuel 9:14 - "And they went up into the city: and when they were come into the city, behold, Samuel came out against them, for to go up to the high place."
1 Chronicles 21:9 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Gad, David's seer, saying,"
1 Samuel 9:23 - "And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee."
1 Samuel 16:21 - "And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer."