“But the
children of Belial said, ‘How shall this man save us?’ And they despised him,
and brought no presents. But he held his peace.” (v.27)
Here in
verse 27 we see that not everyone was happy about God’s choice for king. The
children of Belial, most accurately translated “worthless men”, lead the
protest against Saul.
These men
scornfully questioned his ability to save them. After all, he was just a
herdsmen, from the tribe of Benjamin, a servant and no governing experience! Implying, that a king ought to have been of a rich
family, a large tribe, a prince, whose interest and influence were great, not
only in his own tribe, but in others, which would enable him to engage in war
with an enemy, and protect the people.
Our
text also shows that Saul’s detractors would not even call him by his name (an
insult), while describing him as a person who had no power to deliver them. So
complete was their despise for him, they brought him no token (Presents) of
their subjection to him, nor made any visits to him, as were the customs when a
king came into power. But, Saul held his peace.
Wow!
What an example of wisdom and self-control, and a fore- shadowing of king Jesus
as well. Saul remained silent, he took no notice of what they said, he bore the
insult rather than having to begin his reign with and act of severity against
his own people.
So
too Jesus, who was born in a stable, in the city of Nazareth, a carpenters son,
scorned and rejected by many, and became our great High Priest, is patiently
waiting for the modern day, “children of Belial” to call Him by name. And is
holding His peace until the fullness of the gentiles comes in.
Therefore,
call on the name of the LORD.
The
Truth
“The Lord
is not slack concerning His
promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing
that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter
3:9)
