What can we learn about human nature from the "worthless men" in 1 Samuel 10:27? Setting the Scene “Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, ‘Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?’” (1 Samuel 10:1). God Himself has chosen Saul, but verse 27 records a dissenting reaction: “But some worthless men said, ‘How can this man save us?’ So they despised him and brought him no gift. But Saul remained silent.” (1 Samuel 10:27) Seeing the Traits of the “Worthless Men” • Skepticism toward God’s appointed authority: “How can this man save us?” • Contempt expressed in action: “they despised him.” • Withholding honor and support: “brought him no gift.” • Hardened hearts unmoved by God’s clear revelation through Samuel’s prophetic signs (10:2-7). Lessons About the Human Heart • Pride resists God’s choices – Human nature reflexively prefers self-rule; “each of us has turned to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6). • Unbelief looks at outward appearance rather than divine calling – Similar to the crowd dismissing Jesus: “Is not this the carpenter’s son?” (Matthew 13:55-57). • Contempt breeds open rebellion – “Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD” (Proverbs 16:5). • Withholding good reveals inner corruption – James 2:16 warns against sending away needy brothers “without giving them the things required for the body.” These men withheld even a token of respect. • Silence of the righteous can highlight the folly of the wicked – Saul “remained silent,” foreshadowing Christ, “who, when He was reviled, did not retaliate” (1 Peter 2:23). New Testament Echoes and Contrasts • Worthlessness defined: A life disconnected from God’s purpose (John 15:6). • God’s answer to contempt: He exalts the rejected—David after Saul (1 Samuel 16:1-13), and ultimately Jesus, “the stone the builders rejected” (1 Peter 2:7). • Grace overcomes worthless beginnings: Paul calls himself “formerly a blasphemer” yet shown mercy (1 Timothy 1:13-16). Responding in Light of the Gospel • Examine motives when evaluating leaders God raises up (Hebrews 13:17). • Cultivate honor rather than contempt—“outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10). • Replace skepticism with faith rooted in God’s sovereignty (Daniel 4:35). • Stand firm but graciously silent when mocked, leaving vindication to the Lord (Romans 12:19). By confronting the attitude of the “worthless men,” Scripture exposes pride and unbelief still present in every heart, redirecting us to humble trust in God’s chosen King—Jesus Christ. |
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