And Saul went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched — Saul returns to Gibeah, his hometown. A 'band of men' (hevel giborim, literally a band of mighty men) accompanies him, 'whose hearts God had touched' (asher naga' elohim b'libam). The divine 'touching' of hearts suggests that God is moving people to support Saul's kingship through internal conviction and loyalty. But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents — not all accept Saul's kingship. 'Children of Belial' (bnei bli-ya'al, sons of worthlessness) mock Saul's ability to save Israel, implying skepticism about his military and political competence. They 'despise' (bazazu) him and refuse to offer the gifts (minchah) that would signal loyalty and submission. The division between supporters and detractors of Saul's kingship is immediate and acute. But he held his peace — Saul's response is dignified silence, suggesting restraint and acceptance of the people's mixed reception.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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