And David said to his men, "Strap on your swords!" So David and all his men put on their swords, and about four hundred men followed David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies. And David said to his menThis phrase introduces us to David, the anointed future king of Israel, who is currently in a period of exile and leadership over a band of men. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) often implies a decisive or authoritative command, reflecting David's role as a leader. Historically, David's men were a group of loyal followers, often described as mighty warriors, who supported him during his time of fleeing from King Saul. This context highlights David's leadership and the loyalty he commanded. Strap on your swords!
The command "Strap on your swords" is a call to arms, indicating preparation for battle or defense. The Hebrew word for "sword" (חֶרֶב, chereb) is often used in the Old Testament to symbolize warfare and judgment. This phrase reflects the urgency and seriousness of the situation, as David prepares to confront Nabal, who has insulted him. It also underscores the reality of living in a fallen world where conflict and defense are sometimes necessary. So David and all his men strapped on their swords
This repetition emphasizes the obedience and readiness of David's men to follow his command. The phrase "all his men" suggests unity and solidarity among David's followers. The act of strapping on swords signifies a collective commitment to action, reflecting the loyalty and discipline within David's ranks. This moment is pivotal, as it sets the stage for the unfolding narrative of David's encounter with Abigail, Nabal's wise and discerning wife. and about four hundred men went up with David
The number "four hundred" is significant, indicating a substantial force. In the context of ancient Israel, such a number would represent a formidable group capable of exerting considerable influence or force. The phrase "went up" suggests movement towards a higher elevation, possibly indicating a strategic advantage or the geographical setting of the narrative. This mobilization of men underscores the seriousness of David's intent and the potential for conflict. while two hundred stayed with the supplies
The decision to leave "two hundred" men with the supplies demonstrates strategic wisdom and foresight. In ancient military campaigns, protecting resources was crucial for sustaining an army. This division of forces reflects David's leadership skills and his ability to balance aggression with prudence. It also highlights the importance of logistics and support roles within any organized effort, a principle applicable to both ancient and modern contexts. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, and a man after God's own heart. At this point, he is leading a group of men while fleeing from King Saul. 2. David's MenA group of approximately 600 men who followed David during his time of fleeing from Saul. They were loyal to David and shared in his struggles and victories. 3. NabalThough not mentioned in this specific verse, Nabal is the wealthy but foolish man whose actions prompted David's response. His refusal to provide for David's men led to the conflict. 4. AbigailNabal's wise and discerning wife, who later intervenes to prevent bloodshed. Her actions are pivotal in the unfolding events. 5. The Wilderness of ParanThe region where David and his men were staying, a place of refuge and survival during their time of exile. Teaching Points The Impulse of AngerDavid's immediate reaction to strap on swords shows the human tendency to respond in anger. Believers are reminded to pause and seek God's guidance before acting. Leadership and ResponsibilityDavid's decision impacts not only himself but also his men. Leaders must consider the consequences of their actions on those they lead. The Role of PeacemakersAbigail's later intervention highlights the importance of peacemakers in resolving conflicts. Christians are called to be agents of peace in their communities. Trusting God's JusticeInstead of taking matters into our own hands, we should trust in God's justice and timing, as David ultimately does when he listens to Abigail. Community and SupportThe division of David's men into those who fight and those who stay with the supplies underscores the importance of different roles within a community, each contributing to the whole. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's initial reaction in 1 Samuel 25:13 compare to his actions in 1 Samuel 24, and what can we learn about handling anger and conflict? 2. In what ways does Abigail's intervention later in the chapter serve as a model for peacemaking, and how can we apply this in our own lives? 3. How does the division of David's men into fighters and those who stay with the supplies illustrate the importance of diverse roles within a community or church? 4. Reflect on a time when you acted impulsively in anger. What steps can you take to ensure a more measured response in the future? 5. How can we trust in God's justice and timing when we face situations where we feel wronged or slighted, as David did with Nabal? Consider other biblical examples of waiting on God's justice. Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 24The chapter preceding this event, where David spares Saul's life, demonstrating his restraint and respect for God's anointed. This contrasts with his initial reaction in 1 Samuel 25:13. Matthew 5:9Jesus' teaching on peacemakers being blessed, which can be related to Abigail's role in the account as a peacemaker who prevents violence. Proverbs 15:1The wisdom of a gentle answer turning away wrath, which is exemplified by Abigail's approach to David. People Abigail, Ahinoam, Caleb, David, Israelites, Jesse, Jezreel, Laish, Maon, Michal, Nabal, Palti, Paltiel, Phalti, Samuel, SaulPlaces Carmel, Gallim, Hebron, Maon, Paran, RamahTopics Abode, Baggage, Behind, David, Followed, Gird, Girded, Girdeth, Goods, Hundred, Kept, Stayed, Stuff, Supplies, Sword, Swords, Vessels, WatchDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 25:2-35 5745 women 1 Samuel 25:4-35 5325 gifts 1 Samuel 25:10-13 5496 revenge, examples 1 Samuel 25:11-13 5946 sensitivity Library If Then to Sin, that Others May not Commit a Worse Sin...
21. If then to sin, that others may not commit a worse sin, either against us or against any, without doubt we ought not; it is to be considered in that which Lot did, whether it be an example which we ought to imitate, or rather one which we ought to avoid. For it seems meet to be more looked into and noted, that, when so horrible an evil from the most flagitious impiety of the Sodomites was impending over his guests, which he wished to ward off and was not able, to such a degree may even that just …
St. Augustine—Against LyingJeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed.
"Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord."--Jeremiah i. 8. The Prophets were ever ungratefully treated by the Israelites, they were resisted, their warnings neglected, their good services forgotten. But there was this difference between the earlier and the later Prophets; the earlier lived and died in honour among their people,--in outward honour; though hated and thwarted by the wicked, they were exalted to high places, and ruled in the congregation. …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII How the Meek and the Passionate are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 17.) Differently to be admonished are the meek and the passionate. For sometimes the meek, when they are in authority, suffer from the torpor of sloth, which is a kindred disposition, and as it were placed hard by. And for the most part from the laxity of too great gentleness they soften the force of strictness beyond need. But on the other hand the passionate, in that they are swept on into frenzy of mind by the impulse of anger, break up the calm of quietness, and so throw into …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and the New Testament
THE Parables of the Ten Virgins' and of the Unfaithful Servant' close with a Discourse on the Last Things,' the final Judgment, and the fate of those Christ's Righ Hand and at His Left (St. Matt. xxv. 31-46). This final Judgment by our Lord forms a fundamental article in the Creed of the Church. It is the Christ Who comes, accompanied by the Angelic Host, and sits down on the throne of His Glory, when all nations are gathered before Him. Then the final separation is made, and joy or sorrow awarded …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Letters of St. Bernard
I To Malachy. 1141.[924] (Epistle 341.) To the venerable lord and most blessed father, Malachy, by the grace of God archbishop of the Irish, legate of the Apostolic See, Brother Bernard called to be abbot of Clairvaux, [desiring] to find grace with the Lord. 1. Amid the manifold anxieties and cares of my heart,[925] by the multitude of which my soul is sore vexed,[926] the brothers coming from a far country[927] that they may serve the Lord,[928] thy letter, and thy staff, they comfort …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh The Exile Continued.
"So David fled, and escaped and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done unto him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth" (1 Sam. xix. 18)--or, as the word probably means, in the collection of students' dwellings, inhabited by the sons of the prophets, where possibly there may have been some kind of right of sanctuary. Driven thence by Saul's following him, and having had one last sorrowful hour of Jonathan's companionship--the last but one on earth--he fled to Nob, whither …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David Barzillai
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. "There is nothing," says Socrates to Cephalus in the Republic, "I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom it is right to learn the character of the way, whether it is rugged or difficult, or smooth and easy" (p. 328 E.). It is to such an aged traveller that we are introduced in the person of Barzillai the Gileadite. And though he is one of the lesser-known characters …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Promise in 2 Samuel, Chap. vii.
The Messianic prophecy, as we have seen, began at a time long anterior to that of David. Even in Genesis, we perceived [Pg 131] it, increasing more and more in distinctness. There is at first only the general promise that the seed of the woman should obtain the victory over the kingdom of the evil one;--then, that the salvation should come through the descendants of Shem;--then, from among them Abraham is marked out,--of his sons, Isaac,--from among his sons, Jacob,--and from among the twelve sons …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 25:13 NIV1 Samuel 25:13 NLT1 Samuel 25:13 ESV1 Samuel 25:13 NASB1 Samuel 25:13 KJV
1 Samuel 25:13 Commentaries
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