So they despised him

But some rebels said, "How can this man save us?" So they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace. – 1 Samuel 10v27

Just a brief note this morning. The more I read and the more I study the more convinced I am about the importance of submission, obedience, and respect for those in authority.

We know the background here. Saul had been anointed king after Israel had plead for one despite the fact that they had been warned of the consequences. The nation is glad to have a king. Samuel confirms that this is God’s choice for king and the people had responded ‘God save the king.’ It looks like everything is ready to move forward.

But then we read about the ‘sons of Belial.’ This is a strong term and we cannot express clearly enough how bad this word is. Some translations say ‘wicked men.’ Some say ‘rebels.’ In other places this word is translated as evil or wicked or ungodly or worthless. To put it plainly these are not nice men.

The problem with these men is that they are the ones who question Saul’s kingship and despise him and do not honour him.

This is a trend through scripture. This is the kind of person throughout the word of God or rejects authority. This is what rebels are really like.

I have to wonder if it is fitting that men of God today put themselves in the same position of despising authority.