From Small Beginnings to Great Assignments: A Devotional on 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?" - 1 Samuel 9:21
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 poignant moment in Scripture captures an interaction between God’s chosen vessel and the prophet Samuel, all while unveiling the humility and self-doubt that characterized Saul as he embarked on the path laid before him.
To fully grasp the weight of this verse, we must delve into the significance of Saul’s self-identification as a Benjaminite. The tribe of Benjamin was indeed the smallest among the tribes of Israel, both in terms of population and land inheritance. Saul’s family being described as the least among this already diminutive tribe underscores a profound theme in God’s story: He often chooses the unlikely candidate to bring about His purposes. In the grand narrative of Scripture, God takes pleasure in utilizing the small, the overlooked, and the weak to demonstrate His strength and glory.
Saul’s question, "wherefore then speakest thou so to me?" echoes the uncertainty and incredulity that often floods our hearts when called to serve God in mighty ways. How often do we feel inadequate in the face of empowering calls? How often do we wrestle with feelings of insignificance or inferiority when considering the needs of the world around us and our ability to contribute? Saul’s response is relatable; it reflects common human sentiments when confronted by the grandeur of God’s divine plans.
As we reflect on our own lives, we may find ourselves in situations that mirror Saul’s moment of doubt. Each of us can identify with that inner voice that questions our abilities, our worthiness, or our suitability for the tasks set before us. Yet, it is vital that we recognize the pattern demonstrated in Scripture. God often ignites a fire in the hearts of those who least believe they can carry such a flame. Moses, David, and countless others shared similar reservations when stepping into their God-given roles. God was never deterred by their self-perception; instead, He saw their potential and their heart's readiness to follow.
1 Samuel 9:21 directs us to a critical understanding that God does not measure us by our immediate status or outward qualifications. He sees beyond our familial backgrounds and tribal affiliations. In God's economy, greatness is not determined by earthly standards but by our surrender and obedience to His divine calling.
In our journeys of faith, we may wonder why we are called to fulfill certain purposes or take up roles that seem beyond our grasp. This tension can be fertile ground for growth, provided we remain open to God’s leading.
Consider how Saul’s appointment as king was ultimately shaped by divine orchestration. Despite his humble beginnings, he was anointed for great things. Similarly, God has a plan for each of us, one that may begin in obscurity and ascend to heights we never imagined. What is crucial is not the size of our starting point but the enormity of our faith to respond to God’s call.
As we ponder on Saul's self-identification, let us turn our eyes toward Christ, who embodies the ultimate act of humility, transcending all earthly definitions of strength and prestige. In Him, the smallest and least have the potential for purpose beyond comprehension. So, when you feel small, remember that God specializes in using small vessels to accomplish His magnificent work. He invites us to rise from our place of insecurity into the abundant purpose He has etched for us before the foundations of the world.
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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."