1 Samuel 10:27

KJV

But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the children {H1121} of Belial {H1100} said {H559}, How shall this man save {H3467} us? And they despised {H959} him, and brought {H935} him no presents {H4503}. But he held his peace {H2790}.

Complete Jewish Bible

True, there were some scoundrels who said, "How can this man save us?"They showed him no respect and brought him no gift, but he held his peace.

Berean Standard Bible

But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it.

American Standard Version

But certain worthless fellows said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no present. But he held his peace.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 10:27 captures a pivotal moment immediately following Saul's public acclamation as Israel's first king, revealing the instant emergence of cynical opposition. Despite the widespread rejoicing and divine appointment, a faction of "children of Belial" scorned his leadership, questioning his ability to deliver salvation and withholding the customary tokens of allegiance. In response to this direct challenge and disrespect, Saul remarkably chose silence, demonstrating an initial humility and restraint that would both define and foreshadow aspects of his complex reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic public selection of Saul by lot at Mizpah and his presentation to the assembled tribes of Israel by the prophet Samuel. Having previously been privately anointed by Samuel in [1 Samuel 10:1](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Saul's Private Anointing"), Saul was now publicly confirmed as king. The preceding verses ([1 Samuel 10:17-26](/1_samuel/10-17 "1 Samuel 10:17-26 - Saul Chosen at Mizpah")) detail Samuel's rebuke of Israel for rejecting God's direct rule in favor of a king, the process of the lot, and Saul's initial hiding due to humility or apprehension, before being brought forth and standing head and shoulders above the people. The people's enthusiastic acclamation, "Long live the king!", sets a celebratory tone that is abruptly interrupted by the dissent of the "children of Belial" in verse 27, highlighting the immediate challenges to Saul's nascent authority and foreshadowing the internal strife that would plague his reign.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The transition from a charismatic judgeship to a monarchy was a profound shift in Israelite governance, driven by the people's desire to be "like all the nations" ([1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel Demands a King")). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the presentation of "presents" (often tribute or gifts) was a customary act of homage and recognition of a newly established king's authority. To withhold such presents was a direct and public act of insubordination, a clear refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of the monarch. The term "children of Belial" (Hebrew: _bĕliyya‘al_) was a common cultural idiom for individuals who were worthless, lawless, rebellious, or morally depraved, often associated with those who defied divine or legitimate human authority. Their cynical question, "How shall this man save us?", reflects a common expectation that a king's primary role was to deliver military victory and security, a challenge to Saul's perceived lack of military experience or royal pedigree.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 1 Samuel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine appointment versus human skepticism**, illustrating that even a leader chosen by God can face immediate and vocal opposition from within the community. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **the nature of true leadership**, particularly in its initial stages, where Saul's response of "holding his peace" reflects humility and restraint rather than aggressive assertion of power, a stark contrast to his later impulsive actions. Thirdly, it highlights the **testing of a new leader**, demonstrating that the path to leadership is rarely smooth and often involves confronting internal dissent before external threats. Finally, it subtly reinforces the broader narrative of **Israel's transition to monarchy**, revealing the inherent tensions and challenges in establishing a new political order, even one divinely sanctioned. This immediate opposition sets the stage for Saul's first major test and victory against the Ammonites, where he would demonstrate his capacity to "save" Israel, leading to the vindication of his kingship and a temporary resolution to this initial dissent ([1 Samuel 11:12-13](/1_samuel/11-12 "1 Samuel 11:12-13 - Saul's Mercy After Victory")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Belial (Hebrew, _bĕliyya‘al'_):** This term, often translated as "worthlessness," "wickedness," or "depravity," is not a proper name but a descriptive epithet. It literally means "without profit" or "uselessness," and in this context, it designates individuals who are morally corrupt, rebellious, and openly contemptuous of legitimate authority, whether human or divine. To be a "child of Belial" implies an inherent character of lawlessness and defiance.
* **Despised (Hebrew, _bazah'_):** The verb _bazah_ conveys a strong sense of scorn, disdain, or contempt. It implies looking down upon someone as insignificant, worthless, or beneath one's consideration. The "children of Belial" did not merely disagree with Saul; they actively belittled and rejected him as a person and as a leader, reflecting a deep-seated contempt for his humble background or perceived lack of kingly qualities.
* **Held his peace (Hebrew, _chashah'_):** The verb _chashah_ means "to be silent," "to keep quiet," or "to hold one's peace." In this context, it signifies a deliberate and measured non-response from Saul. It is not a sign of weakness or fear, but rather of self-control, patience, and perhaps a strategic wisdom to allow God to vindicate him or for circumstances to prove his worth, rather than engaging in immediate confrontation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us?"**: This clause introduces the dissenting faction, identifying them by their morally corrupt character. Their question is rhetorical and cynical, challenging Saul's ability to fulfill the primary expectation of a king – to deliver his people from their enemies. It reveals their scorn for his ordinary background and their doubt in his capacity for military or political leadership.
* **"And they despised him, and brought him no presents."**: This part details the active manifestation of their contempt. "Despised him" reiterates their profound scorn, while "brought him no presents" signifies a deliberate and public act of rebellion. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the offering of gifts or tribute was a customary sign of allegiance and recognition of a new monarch's authority. Their refusal was a clear declaration that they did not acknowledge Saul as their king.
* **"But he held his peace."**: This concluding clause highlights Saul's remarkable initial response. Instead of reacting with anger, asserting his authority, or punishing the dissenters, he chose silence. This act of self-restraint demonstrates a nascent humility, patience, and perhaps a trust that his actions, or God's intervention, would ultimately prove his legitimacy and capability, contrasting sharply with his later impulsive and self-serving behaviors as king.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. **Contrast** is prominent, setting the enthusiastic acclamation of the majority against the cynical dissent of the "children of Belial." This highlights the immediate division within Israel regarding Saul's kingship. **Foreshadowing** is also evident in Saul's initial humility and restraint, which stands in stark contrast to the pride and impulsiveness that would later characterize his reign and lead to his downfall. This early display of quiet strength offers a glimpse of the potential for a righteous king, even as the seeds of future failure are implicitly present in the challenge to his authority. Furthermore, the use of the epithet "children of Belial" serves as a form of **characterization**, immediately labeling the dissenters as morally corrupt and rebellious, thus framing their opposition not merely as political disagreement but as a manifestation of inherent wickedness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the tension between divine appointment and human resistance, a recurring theme throughout biblical history. God's chosen leader, even when publicly affirmed, faces immediate skepticism and rejection from those whose hearts are not aligned with divine purposes. Saul's initial response of silence is a profound theological statement, reflecting a trust that God's vindication would eventually overcome human contempt. It underscores that true authority, particularly that which is divinely ordained, does not always need to assert itself through force or immediate retaliation, but can be established through patient endurance and reliance on God. The "children of Belial" represent a spirit of lawlessness and rebellion against legitimate authority, a spiritual condition that fundamentally opposes God's order and His chosen instruments.

* [Proverbs 15:1](/proverbs/15-1 "Proverbs 15:1 - A Gentle Answer")
* [Matthew 27:12](/matthew/27-12 "Matthew 27:12 - Jesus' Silence Before Accusers")
* [Romans 13:1-2](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1-2 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 10:27 offers timeless wisdom for navigating leadership, criticism, and personal integrity. Saul's initial response of "holding his peace" in the face of scorn provides a powerful model for leaders and individuals alike. It teaches us that not every insult requires an immediate defense, nor every challenge an instant rebuttal. There are moments when silence, patience, and trust in God's ultimate vindication are the wisest and most powerful responses. This humility, especially at the outset of power, is a rare and valuable trait, demonstrating self-control and a reliance on a higher authority. It reminds us that our character is often most revealed, and most refined, not in moments of triumph, but in the crucible of undeserved criticism and opposition. True strength is often found in restraint, allowing God to work on our behalf and demonstrate His purposes through our quiet endurance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically react when faced with unfair criticism or disrespect, especially when you feel divinely called or legitimately appointed?**
* **What does Saul's initial humility and silence teach us about trusting God's timing and methods for vindication?**
* **In what areas of your life might "holding your peace" be a more effective and God-honoring response than immediate retaliation or defense?**
* **How can we cultivate a spirit of patience and self-control, particularly when our authority or character is challenged?**

### FAQ

**Who were the "children of Belial" and why were they significant?**

Answer: The "children of Belial" (Hebrew: _bĕliyya‘al_) were not a specific group or tribe, but a descriptive term for individuals characterized by worthlessness, wickedness, and lawlessness. They were morally corrupt and openly rebellious against legitimate authority, whether human or divine. Their significance in 1 Samuel 10:27 lies in their immediate and vocal opposition to Saul's divinely appointed kingship. By questioning his ability to "save" Israel and refusing to bring him presents (a customary act of homage), they publicly rejected his authority. This highlights that even a leader chosen by God can face internal dissent from those whose hearts are not aligned with God's will. The term appears in other biblical contexts to describe wicked individuals, such as the men of Gibeah in [Judges 19:22](/judges/19-22 "Judges 19:22 - Men of Belial in Gibeah") or the sons of Eli in [1 Samuel 2:12](/1_samuel/2-12 "1 Samuel 2:12 - Sons of Belial").

**Why did Saul "hold his peace" instead of confronting his detractors?**

Answer: Saul's decision to "hold his peace" (Hebrew: _chashah_, meaning to be silent or keep quiet) was a remarkable display of initial humility, wisdom, and self-restraint. Instead of reacting with anger or asserting his newfound authority by punishing the dissenters, he chose not to engage them directly. This response can be interpreted in several ways: it might have been a sign of his genuine humility, his trust that God would ultimately vindicate him, or a strategic patience to avoid immediate conflict that could undermine his nascent reign. This quiet endurance stands in stark contrast to his later impulsive and disobedient actions as king. Indeed, after his first major victory against the Ammonites, Saul demonstrated a continued merciful spirit towards these very "children of Belial," refusing to allow them to be put to death ([1 Samuel 11:12-13](/1_samuel/11-12 "1 Samuel 11:12-13 - Saul's Mercy After Victory")), further illustrating his initial character of restraint.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The initial humility and silent endurance of Saul in the face of contempt in 1 Samuel 10:27 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, the true and eternal King. While Saul was a divinely appointed king who faced rejection, his reign ultimately faltered due to pride and disobedience. Jesus, however, is the King of kings, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who willingly embraced rejection and scorn without retaliating. Like Saul, Jesus was "despised and rejected by men" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected")), yet unlike Saul, He perfectly "held His peace" before His accusers, offering no defense when falsely charged ([Matthew 27:12-14](/matthew/27-12 "Matthew 27:12-14 - Jesus' Silence Before Pilate")). He did not come to establish an earthly kingdom by force, but a spiritual one through humble sacrifice, declaring that His kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")). Where Saul was questioned about his ability to "save," Jesus is the only one truly able to save His people from their sins ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Will Save His People")). His silent suffering, refusal to retaliate, and ultimate submission to the Father's will ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")) represent the perfect fulfillment of humble, righteous kingship, securing eternal salvation for all who believe, in stark contrast to the temporary and flawed salvation offered by any human king.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 13:13

[Certain] men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known;

2 Chronicles 17:5

Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.

1 Kings 10:25

And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and garments, and armour, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.

1 Samuel 2:12

Now the sons of Eli [were] sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.

Acts 7:35

This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send [to be] a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.

Isaiah 36:21

But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.

2 Samuel 8:2

And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And [so] the Moabites became David's servants, [and] brought gifts.