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1 Samuel 10

1 Samuel 10:27

Saul Proclaimed King · 1 Samuel 10:17–27
Read 1 Samuel 10

Translations

Modern
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.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And sons of worthlessness said, “How can this one save us?” And they despised him and brought him no gift, and he was like one being silent.
Latin
Filii vero Belial dixerunt: Num salvare nos poterit iste? Et despexerunt eum, et non attulerunt ei munera: ille vero dissimulabat se audire.

Original

Hebrew
English
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.

Notes

1 Samuel 10:27

  • These men were wicked (see 1 Samuel 2:12) because they disrespected God’s chosen king.

  • People gave gifts to show respect (Genesis 32:13, 18, 20), build political friendships (2 Kings 20:12), or show submission (Judges 3:15, 17).

  • Saul remained silent about it: His calmness when insulted showed maturity. In contrast, Proverbs 16:14 warns about a king’s anger when challenged. See also 1 Samuel 11:12–13.

  • One Dead Sea Scrolls manuscript includes this additional paragraph that is not found in the Berean Standard Bible:

    "Nahash, king of the Ammonites, had viciously oppressed the people of Gad and Reuben, gouging out the right eye of each Israelite dwelling there. He would not allow anyone to rescue them, and there was no Israelite east of the Jordan whose right eye had not been gouged out. But 7,000 men had escaped from the Ammonites and settled in Jabesh-gilead" (see the marginal note on 1 Samuel 10:27 in the Berean Standard Bible).

    Whether this material was part of the original text is uncertain. However, it helps explain the background of the conflict between Nahash and Jabesh-gilead and gives historical context for 1 Samuel 11:1–15 (for example, 1 Samuel 11:2).

1 Samuel 10:26–11:13

Saul showed he could lead by handling opposition and saving the town of Jabesh-gilead.

1 Samuel 9:1–11:15

Saul became powerful through three main events:

  1. Samuel secretly anointed him (1 Samuel 9:1–10:16).

  2. He was chosen by casting lots (1 Samuel 10:17–27).

  3. He defeated the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11:1–15).

See also study note on 1 Samuel 13:1–16:13.

Theme notes and profiles

Samuel Saul

Events

People

Satan: The adversary, the devil, the tempter of humanity

Glossary

Belial, Beliar Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

Citizens: Wicked: Israelites Contempt: Children of Belial King: Presents Kings: Their Revenues Derived From: Voluntary Contributions Meekness: Saul Self-Control of Saul Tact of Saul, in Managing Malcontents Treason of the Israelites Against King Saul