1 Samuel 10:27
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.
Original Language Analysis
וּבְנֵ֧י
But the children
H1121
וּבְנֵ֧י
But the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְלִיַּ֣עַל
of Belial
H1100
בְלִיַּ֣עַל
of Belial
Strong's:
H1100
Word #:
2 of 13
without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
יֹּֽשִׁעֵ֙נוּ֙
How shall this man save
H3467
יֹּֽשִׁעֵ֙נוּ֙
How shall this man save
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הֵבִ֥יאוּ
him and brought
H935
הֵבִ֥יאוּ
him and brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
9 of 13
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
מִנְחָ֑ה
him no presents
H4503
מִנְחָ֑ה
him no presents
Strong's:
H4503
Word #:
11 of 13
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 13:13Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known;1 Kings 10:25And they brought every man his present, vessels of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.2 Chronicles 17:5Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.1 Samuel 2:12Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.Isaiah 36:21But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.Acts 7:35This 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.Psalms 72:10The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.Psalms 38:13But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.1 Kings 4:21And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.2 Chronicles 13:7And there are gathered unto him vain men, the children of Belial, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not withstand them.
Historical Context
The term 'Belial' appears throughout the Old Testament for worthless or wicked persons. Its etymology is debated (perhaps 'without profit' or 'without yoke/restraint'). These opponents may have had tribal jealousies (non-Benjamites resenting Benjamin's elevation) or doubts about Saul's military credentials.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond to those who question or oppose your God-given calling?
- What does the contrast between early Saul's restraint and later Saul's violence teach about character development?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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.
The chapter concludes with immediate opposition from 'children of Belial' (benei beliya'al) - literally 'sons of worthlessness,' a Hebrew idiom for thoroughly wicked individuals. Their contemptuous question 'How shall this man save us?' (mah-yoshienu zeh) challenges both Saul's capacity and God's selection. Withholding customary gifts (minchah, tribute or present) constituted political rejection of his authority. Yet Saul's response - 'he held his peace' (vayehi kemaacharish, literally 'he was as one being silent') - demonstrates remarkable restraint. This self-control contrasts sharply with his later violent reactions to perceived slights. Early Saul could absorb insult without retaliation; later Saul would slaughter an entire priestly city for suspected disloyalty. The presence of opposition from day one shows that even God-chosen leaders face rejection; success depends not on universal approval but on faithful obedience to divine calling.