When David's young men arrived, they relayed all these words to Nabal on behalf of David. Then they waited. When David’s young men arrivedThis phrase sets the scene for a significant encounter. The "young men" are emissaries of David, who at this time is not yet king but is recognized as a formidable leader. The Hebrew word for "young men" is "נַעַר" (na'ar), which can refer to servants or attendants. This highlights the hierarchical structure of David's group, emphasizing his leadership and the respect he commands. Historically, David's men were a band of loyal followers, many of whom were discontented or in distress, seeking refuge with David as he fled from Saul. Their arrival signifies a moment of diplomacy and potential conflict resolution. they relayed all these words
The act of relaying words indicates a formal communication, akin to a diplomatic mission. The Hebrew root "דָּבַר" (dabar) means to speak or declare, often used in contexts where the message is of importance or authority. This reflects the seriousness of the request made by David, who sought provisions from Nabal. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was a sacred duty, and David's request was not just for sustenance but also an appeal to the social norms of generosity and support for those in need. to Nabal
Nabal, whose name means "fool" in Hebrew, is a wealthy but churlish man. His character is central to this narrative, serving as a foil to David's righteousness and Abigail's wisdom. Nabal's wealth is contrasted with his lack of discernment and hospitality, which were highly valued in the culture of the time. His response to David's men would reveal his character and set the stage for the unfolding drama. on behalf of David
This phrase underscores the authority and representation of David by his men. The Hebrew preposition "בְּ" (be) can mean "in" or "on behalf of," indicating that the young men were acting as David's representatives. This reflects the trust and responsibility placed upon them, as well as the respect David commanded even while on the run from Saul. It also highlights the communal aspect of David's leadership, where his followers were actively involved in his mission and survival. Then they waited
The act of waiting here is pregnant with expectation and tension. The Hebrew word "חָכָה" (chakah) implies a sense of anticipation. This waiting period is crucial, as it allows for the possibility of a peaceful resolution or the escalation of conflict. In the broader biblical narrative, waiting often signifies a test of faith and patience, themes that are recurrent in David's life. This moment of waiting is a pause before the unfolding of God's providence, as seen in the subsequent actions of Abigail, Nabal's wife, who intervenes with wisdom and grace. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, who is currently leading a group of men while fleeing from King Saul. David is known for his faithfulness to God and his leadership qualities. 2. NabalA wealthy but foolish man from Maon, described as harsh and evil in his dealings. His name means "fool" in Hebrew, which reflects his character. 3. David’s Young MenServants or messengers sent by David to Nabal to request provisions. They represent David’s respectful and peaceful approach. 4. CarmelThe place where Nabal’s business and wealth are centered. It is a region known for its fertile land and agricultural prosperity. 5. EventDavid sends his men to Nabal during the sheep-shearing festival, a time of celebration and generosity, to request provisions in return for the protection David’s men had provided to Nabal’s shepherds. Teaching Points The Importance of Respectful CommunicationDavid’s young men approached Nabal with respect and humility, modeling how we should communicate with others, even when making requests. The Consequences of FoolishnessNabal’s foolish response to David’s request serves as a warning about the dangers of pride and lack of discernment. God’s Provision and TimingDavid’s reliance on God’s provision, even when facing rejection, teaches us to trust in God’s timing and resources. Peacemaking as a VirtueDavid’s initial approach to Nabal exemplifies the virtue of peacemaking, aligning with biblical teachings on living peaceably with others. The Role of IntercessionThe young men acted as intermediaries between David and Nabal, highlighting the importance of intercession in resolving conflicts. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David’s approach to Nabal reflect biblical principles of communication and respect? Can you think of a situation in your life where you can apply these principles? 2. In what ways does Nabal’s response to David’s request illustrate the dangers of pride and foolishness? How can we guard against these traits in our own lives? 3. How does this passage encourage us to trust in God’s provision, even when faced with rejection or difficult circumstances? 4. What can we learn from David’s initial peaceful approach to Nabal about being peacemakers in our own relationships? 5. How does the role of David’s young men as intermediaries relate to the concept of intercession in prayer and conflict resolution? How can you be an intercessor in your community or family? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 25:10-11Nabal’s response to David’s request, which is dismissive and insulting, sets the stage for the conflict and highlights his foolishness. Proverbs 18:23This verse contrasts the humble plea of the poor with the harsh response of the rich, similar to the interaction between David’s men and Nabal. Matthew 5:9Jesus’ teaching on peacemakers can be related to David’s initial peaceful approach to Nabal, seeking a peaceful resolution rather than conflict. People Abigail, Ahinoam, Caleb, David, Israelites, Jesse, Jezreel, Laish, Maon, Michal, Nabal, Palti, Paltiel, Phalti, Samuel, SaulPlaces Carmel, Gallim, Hebron, Maon, Paran, RamahTopics Arrived, Ceased, David, David's, Message, Nabal, Nothing, Rest, Spake, Speak, Spoke, WaitedDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 25:2-11 5965 temperament 1 Samuel 25:2-35 5745 women 1 Samuel 25:4-35 5325 gifts 1 Samuel 25:7-11 4418 bread 1 Samuel 25:9-11 5893 insults 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 25:9 NIV1 Samuel 25:9 NLT1 Samuel 25:9 ESV1 Samuel 25:9 NASB1 Samuel 25:9 KJV
1 Samuel 25:9 Commentaries
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