Why did God choose Saul as the first king of Israel?

God often chooses the rejected to shame those who are accepted by the world. When God selected Saul from the tribe of Benjamin, it was significant because this tribe had previously rebelled against their own brothers.

In the story from Judges 19-21, a Levite was traveling with his concubine and stayed overnight in the territory of Benjamin. The men of that tribe committed a horrific act, assaulting the concubine nearly to death. This led to a civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other eleven tribes of Israel. Ultimately, Benjamin was defeated, leaving only 600 survivors, and the tribes made a covenant not to give their daughters in marriage to the Benjaminites.

When Samuel came to anoint Saul as the first king of Israel, he told him that all the precious things of Israel belonged to him. Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest of the tribes of Israel? And is not my family the least of all the families of the clans of Benjamin? Why then do you speak this way to me?” (1 Samuel 9:20-21).

In his response, Saul recognized his tribe’s low standing, a result of their ancestors’ great sin in the sight of the Lord. Not only was he from the tribe of Benjamin, but he also came from the least of all families within that tribe.
“God chose the first king of Israel from the rapist tribe.”
Remarkably, God chose the first king of Israel from a tribe known for such a grievous sin. This choice illustrates God’s nature: He does not judge according to past histories but offers forgiveness and redemption. This really underscores the sign of His forgiveness.

Personal testimony
When I reflect on my past, I realize that my grandfather practiced sorcery and engaged in magical activities that go against the teachings of the Bible. However, God has not only forgiven me through the blood of Jesus Christ but has also delivered me from the effects of generational curses and issues caused by my grandfather’s sorcery. Despite this, He chose me for His ministry.