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.
Brought him no presents. In Eastern countries the honour of the sovereign and the splendour of the royal household are upheld, not by a fixed rate of taxation, but by presents brought at certain seasons, particularly on the accession of a new sovereign, by officials and men of wealth, from all parts of the kingdom, according to the means of the individual, and of a customary registered value. Such was the tribute which Saul's opponents withheld, and for want of which he was unable to set up a kingly establishment for a while. But 'biding his time,' he bore the insult with a prudence and magnanimity which was of great use in the beginning of his government.