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1 Samuel 10:26
Verse
Context
Saul Proclaimed King
25Then Samuel explained to the people the rights of kingship. He wrote them on a scroll and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, each to his own home.26Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, and the men of valor whose hearts God had touched went with him.
Sermons


Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
A band of men - Not a military band, as I imagine, but some secret friends, or companions, who were personally attached to him. Others think that all the men fit to bear arms are intended; but this seems inconsistent with the life that Saul led for some time afterwards; for he appears to have gone into his agricultural concerns, and waited for a call from the Divine providence. See Sa1 11:5.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And Saul also went home to Gibeah--near Geba. This was his place of residence (see Jdg 20:20), about five miles north of Jerusalem. there went . . . a band of men, whose hearts God had touched--who feared God and regarded allegiance to their king as a conscientious duty. They are opposed to "the children of Belial."
John Gill Bible Commentary
But the children of Belial said,.... Wicked, dissolute, lawless persons; men without a yoke, as the word signifies, who did not care to be under the yoke of government, at least not under the yoke of Saul; and these might be men of wealth, and of larger tribes, and better families than Saul was of, and therefore envied him, and thought themselves better for government than he was; and in a jeering scornful manner said: how shall this man save us? whose family is so mean, and whose tribe is so small, that they can give but little assistance to deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, the Philistines and Ammonites; intimating, that a king ought to have been of a rich family, and a large tribe, and a prince in it, 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; but what, as if they should say, can be expected from "this man?", this mean contemptible man, of no birth nor fortune, brought up in an obscure manner, and altogether inexpert in things civil and military? and they despised him; on account of the above things, not only in their hearts, but spared not to speak out, and use opprobrious language, and with which their actions and conduct agreed: and brought him no presents; as others did, and as it was usual when a king came to the throne; nor were any visits made unto him, in token of their subjection to him, and complacency in him, and by way of congratulation of him, see Kg1 4:21 the Targum is, they did not salute him, or ask of his welfare: but he held his peace, or "was as one that is deaf and dumb" (o); took no notice of what they said, as if he was deaf and heard it not, and was as silent as if he had been a dumb man, which showed his wisdom and prudence; for had he taken notice of them, he must have punished them, and he judged it more advisable to use lenity and mildness, and not begin his reign with contention and bloodshed. (o) "et fuit veluti surdus", Pagninus, Montanus, Vatablus; "fuit quasi obmutescens", Drusius; "veluti tacens aut silens", so some in Vatablus; so the Targum. Next: 1 Samuel Chapter 11
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:26–11:13 Saul proved his capacity for leadership by tolerating opposition and rescuing the town of Jabesh-gilead. 10:26 whose hearts God had touched: God gave people confidence in Saul’s ability to lead (cp. 10:9).
1 Samuel 10:26
Saul Proclaimed King
25Then Samuel explained to the people the rights of kingship. He wrote them on a scroll and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, each to his own home.26Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, and the men of valor whose hearts God had touched went with him.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
God’s Special Forces
By David Wilkerson0Spiritual WarfareGod's Calling1SA 10:26ISA 40:31DAN 11:32EPH 6:10David Wilkerson emphasizes that God is assembling a spiritual elite unit, akin to the U.S. Army's Special Forces, made up of dedicated volunteers who have been called and touched by God. This army, consisting of individuals from all walks of life, has been training in prayer and intimacy with Jesus, preparing to engage in spiritual battles against the enemy. Wilkerson draws parallels to biblical examples, such as Saul’s militia, highlighting that these warriors are being prepared for significant exploits in the name of Christ. He assures that although their work may currently be covert, it will soon manifest powerfully as God's Word prevails. The sermon encourages believers to recognize their strength in knowing God and to trust in His promise of renewal and empowerment.
I Samuel 26:21
By Chuck Smith0FollySubmission to God1SA 9:21SA 10:21SA 10:61SA 10:261SA 13:31SA 13:91SA 14:241SA 18:71SA 28:7PRO 3:5Chuck Smith explores the life of Saul, emphasizing how despite his physical advantages and opportunities to lead God's people, he ultimately played the fool by failing to submit fully to God. Saul's military pride, disobedience, and jealousy led him to make foolish decisions, including seeking counsel from a witch. The sermon teaches that true folly lies in resisting God's call and not yielding one's life completely to Him, as even those with great potential can fall into foolishness without divine guidance. Smith warns that pride and disobedience can lead to a life of regret and separation from God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
A band of men - Not a military band, as I imagine, but some secret friends, or companions, who were personally attached to him. Others think that all the men fit to bear arms are intended; but this seems inconsistent with the life that Saul led for some time afterwards; for he appears to have gone into his agricultural concerns, and waited for a call from the Divine providence. See Sa1 11:5.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And Saul also went home to Gibeah--near Geba. This was his place of residence (see Jdg 20:20), about five miles north of Jerusalem. there went . . . a band of men, whose hearts God had touched--who feared God and regarded allegiance to their king as a conscientious duty. They are opposed to "the children of Belial."
John Gill Bible Commentary
But the children of Belial said,.... Wicked, dissolute, lawless persons; men without a yoke, as the word signifies, who did not care to be under the yoke of government, at least not under the yoke of Saul; and these might be men of wealth, and of larger tribes, and better families than Saul was of, and therefore envied him, and thought themselves better for government than he was; and in a jeering scornful manner said: how shall this man save us? whose family is so mean, and whose tribe is so small, that they can give but little assistance to deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, the Philistines and Ammonites; intimating, that a king ought to have been of a rich family, and a large tribe, and a prince in it, 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; but what, as if they should say, can be expected from "this man?", this mean contemptible man, of no birth nor fortune, brought up in an obscure manner, and altogether inexpert in things civil and military? and they despised him; on account of the above things, not only in their hearts, but spared not to speak out, and use opprobrious language, and with which their actions and conduct agreed: and brought him no presents; as others did, and as it was usual when a king came to the throne; nor were any visits made unto him, in token of their subjection to him, and complacency in him, and by way of congratulation of him, see Kg1 4:21 the Targum is, they did not salute him, or ask of his welfare: but he held his peace, or "was as one that is deaf and dumb" (o); took no notice of what they said, as if he was deaf and heard it not, and was as silent as if he had been a dumb man, which showed his wisdom and prudence; for had he taken notice of them, he must have punished them, and he judged it more advisable to use lenity and mildness, and not begin his reign with contention and bloodshed. (o) "et fuit veluti surdus", Pagninus, Montanus, Vatablus; "fuit quasi obmutescens", Drusius; "veluti tacens aut silens", so some in Vatablus; so the Targum. Next: 1 Samuel Chapter 11
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:26–11:13 Saul proved his capacity for leadership by tolerating opposition and rescuing the town of Jabesh-gilead. 10:26 whose hearts God had touched: God gave people confidence in Saul’s ability to lead (cp. 10:9).