"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. Then, "every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is LORD, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:11)
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)
