Samuel I, 9: On donkeys and kingship

Shaul merited the kingship [of Israel] only due to [his] humility, as it is said: "maybe my father will turn his attention away from the donkeys and will start to worry about us" (Samuel I 9:5). He considered his servant as [important as] himself. But Shmuel did not do so, but rather [he said], ‘Your father stopped worrying about the donkeys and is worried about you, saying “What will happen to my son?”’ (I Samuel 10:2) And when he (i.e. Shaul) runs away from [accepting his newly appointed role of] leadership what does it say? ‘And they have asked God, “Is the man even here?” and God said, “Here he is hiding by the vessels.”’

Moses told Joshua: "Chose men for us." He didn't say choose men for me, but for us. He compared the dignity of his student to that of his own. That is what the rabbis say: "May the dignity of your student be as important to you as your own." Saul also said to his servant: "Lest my father stop worrying about the donkeys and worry about us." That is why he achieved kingship.

"I am a but worm, not a man." ... God gives greatness to the righteous and they diminish themselves. Abraham said: "I am dust and ash." Moses and Aharon said: "and what are we?" David said: "I am a worm, not a ma." Saul said: "I am the son of a Benjaminite." Gideon said: "I am the smallest family in the tribe of Menashe." But the wicked ones, when God gives them greatness, they swear at God. Pharaoh said: "Who is God?" Goliath said: "I blasphemed." Sanheriv said: "Who among the Gods of all lands?" ...