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?
Saul answered Samuel with humility and surprise, pointing out that Benjamin was among the smallest tribes of Israel and that his own family was the least within Benjamin, and asking why such words were spoken to him. His answer was modest self-deprecation in response to the prophet's hint of a great destiny. Those humble words stood in sharp contrast to the great position Samuel was preparing him to hold. His reply reflected the contrast between his own humble view of himself and the nation's expectation of a king.
His coming from Benjamin, the smallest tribe, and from a family he regarded as the least in that tribe, meant his selection as king offended those who favored the larger and more powerful tribes of Judah and Ephraim. At that time he did not answer their insults or claim royal power.