Following the manner of Moses (Exodus 3:11; Exodus 4:10), Saul respectfully objected. Quite possibly it is meant to show his humility.1 As an aside, though Benjamin was small in number, their territory lay in a very strategic position. Located between north and south, they were in the heart of Israel and someone from their tribe would thus be in a good position to serve as king.2
21 Saül répondit: Ne suis-je pas Benjamite, de l'une des plus petites tribus d'Israël? et ma famille n'est-elle pas la moindre de toutes les familles de la tribu de Benjamin? Pourquoi donc me parles-tu de la sorte?