The term "Children of Belial" is a biblical expression used to describe individuals characterized by wickedness, lawlessness, and rebellion against God. The word "Belial" itself is often understood to mean "worthlessness" or "wickedness," and it is used in the Scriptures to denote those who are morally corrupt and devoid of virtue.

Biblical References:

1. Deuteronomy 13:13 : "Some worthless men have gone out from among you and have enticed the inhabitants of their city, saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods’—gods you have not known." Here, the term "worthless men" is translated from the Hebrew "bĕlîyaʿal," indicating individuals who lead others into idolatry and rebellion against God.

2. Judges 19:22 : "While they were enjoying themselves, some wicked men of the city surrounded the house, pounding on the door. They shouted to the old man who owned the house, 'Bring out the man who came to your house so we can have relations with him!'" The "wicked men" in this passage are described using the term "bĕlîyaʿal," highlighting their depravity and moral corruption.

3. 1 Samuel 2:12 : "Now the sons of Eli were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD." The phrase "wicked men" is again derived from "bĕlîyaʿal," emphasizing their contempt for divine authority and their engagement in sinful practices.

4. 1 Samuel 10:27 : "But some worthless men said, 'How can this man save us?' So they despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul remained silent." The "worthless men" here are those who reject God's chosen leader, Saul, demonstrating their rebellious nature.

5. 2 Samuel 23:6 : "But the worthless are all like thorns raked aside, for they can never be gathered by hand." This verse uses "worthless" to describe those who are spiritually barren and resistant to righteousness.

Characteristics:

The "Children of Belial" are consistently portrayed as individuals who reject God's commandments and pursue their own sinful desires. They are often associated with idolatry, sexual immorality, and rebellion against divinely appointed authority. Their actions are marked by a lack of moral integrity and a propensity to lead others astray.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the "Children of Belial" serve as a warning against the dangers of moral and spiritual corruption. They exemplify the consequences of turning away from God and embracing a life of sin. The term underscores the biblical theme of the struggle between righteousness and wickedness, highlighting the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, names and titles carried significant weight, often reflecting the character or destiny of individuals. The use of "Belial" as a descriptor for the wicked underscores the severity of their actions and the depth of their rebellion against the divine order. This term would have resonated with the original audience, conveying a strong message about the nature of evil and the importance of remaining steadfast in faith.

Conclusion:

The "Children of Belial" are a sobering reminder of the reality of evil and the necessity of adhering to God's righteous standards. Their presence in the biblical narrative serves to contrast the lives of the faithful with those who choose the path of wickedness, urging believers to remain vigilant and committed to the ways of the Lord.Deuteronomy 13:13
Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which you have not known;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 13:7
And there are gathered to him vain men, the children of Belial, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not withstand them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... this form of speaking, and these profane titles, derive their ... in commending most
wicked men, and wicked customs, that ... of men and things their own names is not ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

The Influence of the King James Version on English Literature
... Scott dismisses him with the phrase: "The wicked man, saith ... A few of these lesser
names will come to ... Anthony Trollope wrote sixty volumes, the titles of most ...
/.../mcafee/study of the king james bible/lecture iv the influence of.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... My reason for telling you, little children, that everyone ... Or Christ with Belial?"
As day is distinct from night ... to reach the goal: so in things wicked and sinful ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

The Dialogue against the Luciferians.
... the Lord by Moses, "from the tents of these wicked men, and ... and was an idolater;
or by the three titles he was led to believe in a God with three names, and so ...
/.../the principal works of st jerome/the dialogue against the luciferians.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... As for those whose names I mention, their crimes or ... and fomenting of their profane
and wicked words and ... pitchers have ears;[23] and, indeed, children make a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

The Doctrine
... O wicked wretch ... the Gospel experimentally, and the very language of the children
of God ... These are several titles which are set over the several TRUTHS contained ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm

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