Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 10:27. It's a really interesting and slightly mysterious part of the story about Samuel. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where someone is being treated unfairly – perhaps by people who are critical or unkind. The children of Belial, who were essentially rebels and haters, are saying, "How can this man save us?" And they’re actively trying to make his life miserable. Let's unpack it: “But he held his peace.” This is the key part. Samuel didn't respond with anger or a forceful defense. He simply remained calm and quiet. "The children of Belial said..." This refers to a group of people who were actively trying to make things difficult for Samuel. They were probably jealous, disgruntled, or maybe just trying to cause problems. "...How shall this man save us?" This is the core question. They’re asking why he's doing what he’s doing – why he's being treated poorly. They're desperately seeking a reason for his goodness. What does it mean? It suggests that Samuel was incredibly wise and patient. He wasn’t trying to prove himself or defend himself. Instead, he simply didn’t react with hostility. His quietness – his lack of confrontation – actually reinforced the good things happening around him. It shows a deep understanding of how to navigate difficult situations. Why is this important? This verse speaks to several important ideas: God's Sovereignty: Samuel’s calm response demonstrates God’s power and control over events. He doesn’t need our help or approval; he works through us in a way that’s perfect. The Value of Patience: It emphasizes the importance of remaining patient and not reacting impulsively, especially when faced with negativity. In short, this verse highlights Samuel's wisdom, his quiet strength, and the idea that sometimes, the best response is to simply remain calm and let things unfold naturally. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 1 Samuel 10? Discuss the significance of this verse in a broader context (like Samuel’s role)?