But certain worthless fellows said, “How could this man save us?” They despised him, and brought him no tribute. But he held his peace.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 27. Belial; seditious men, perhaps of the tribe of Ephraim, (Judges 12) or of Juda, to whom the regal power seemed to belong. Genesis 49. Salien.—Presents, in testimony of their submission. See Judges 3:15. 3 Kennicott. 4:21. The eastern kings still expect that ambassadors should bring noble presents, otherwise they deem themselves insulted. P. Martyr.—Subjects dare not appear before their king, in Thrace, without some such offering. Xenophon, Anab. vii. and so forth Calmet.—Not. He knew that the throne is established by mercy. Proverbs 20:28. Hence he chose to pardon these discontented people after he had obtained the victory, and was even solicited to make an example of them. Salien, A. 2962.—Severity might have alienated the minds of many, as he was hardly yet confirmed in his dignity, and the war against Ammon was threatening. Menochius.