But Nabal asked them, "Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters. But Nabal asked themThe phrase introduces us to Nabal, a wealthy but foolish man whose name means "fool" in Hebrew. His question is not one of genuine inquiry but of disdain and contempt. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, hospitality was a sacred duty, and Nabal's dismissive attitude towards David's men reflects a breach of social norms and a lack of wisdom. This sets the stage for the conflict that follows, highlighting the importance of wisdom and discernment in leadership. Who is David?
This rhetorical question is laden with scorn. David, though anointed by Samuel and known for his victory over Goliath, is still on the run from King Saul. Nabal's question dismisses David's anointing and achievements, reflecting a worldly perspective that values status and power over God's calling. Historically, this reflects the tension between the house of Saul and David, emphasizing the theme of divine election versus human recognition. Who is this son of Jesse?
By referring to David as "the son of Jesse," Nabal diminishes David's identity and significance. In the Hebrew tradition, lineage was important, but Nabal uses it here to belittle David, ignoring his divine anointing. This phrase underscores the conflict between human perception and divine purpose, reminding readers that God's plans often defy human expectations. Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters
Nabal's statement reflects a cynical view of the social upheaval during Saul's reign. It implies that David is merely a rebellious servant, not a legitimate leader. This reflects a broader biblical theme of rebellion and loyalty, where true allegiance is to God's anointed, not merely to human authority. Historically, this period was marked by instability, and Nabal's words capture the fear and suspicion of the time. Persons / Places / Events 1. 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 and actions in this account. 2. DavidThe future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, and at this time, a fugitive from King Saul. David and his men had been protecting Nabal's shepherds and flocks in the wilderness. 3. JesseDavid's father, a Bethlehemite. Mentioning Jesse highlights David's humble beginnings and his lineage. 4. MaonA town in the hill country of Judah, where Nabal lived. It is significant as the setting for this encounter. 5. CarmelA place near Maon where Nabal was shearing his sheep. It is the location of the feast and the initial interaction between David's men and Nabal. Teaching Points The Danger of Pride and FoolishnessNabal's response to David's men reflects a prideful and foolish heart. Pride can blind us to the truth and lead to destructive decisions. Recognizing God's AnointedNabal's failure to recognize David as God's anointed serves as a warning to discern and respect those whom God has chosen for His purposes. Responding to InsultsDavid's initial reaction to Nabal's insult was anger, but he ultimately chose a path of restraint and wisdom, influenced by Abigail's intervention. This teaches the importance of seeking wise counsel and responding with patience. The Role of ProvidenceGod's providence is evident in the account, as He uses Abigail to prevent David from committing bloodshed. Trusting in God's timing and intervention is crucial. The Consequences of FoolishnessNabal's account ends tragically, illustrating that foolishness and a lack of discernment can lead to one's downfall. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Nabal's response to David's men reflect his character, and what can we learn about the dangers of pride and foolishness from his example? 2. In what ways does this passage challenge us to recognize and respect those whom God has anointed or placed in positions of authority? 3. How can we apply Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:44 to situations where we feel insulted or wronged, as David did with Nabal? 4. What role does Abigail play in this account, and how can her actions inspire us to be peacemakers in our own lives? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's providence in preventing you from making a rash decision. How can this account encourage you to trust in God's timing and intervention? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 16This chapter details David's anointing by Samuel, establishing his divine selection as king, which contrasts with Nabal's dismissive attitude. Proverbs 18:2This verse speaks about the foolishness of a person who does not seek understanding, paralleling Nabal's behavior. Matthew 5:44Jesus' teaching on loving enemies can be contrasted with David's initial reaction to Nabal's insult, highlighting the challenge of responding to offense with grace. People Abigail, Ahinoam, Caleb, David, Israelites, Jesse, Jezreel, Laish, Maon, Michal, Nabal, Palti, Paltiel, Phalti, Samuel, SaulPlaces Carmel, Gallim, Hebron, Maon, Paran, RamahTopics Answereth, Break, Breaking, David, David's, Jesse, Master, Masters, Multiplied, Nabal, Nowadays, Now-a-days, Running, Servants, To-dayDictionary 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 1 Samuel 25:10-11 5818 contempt
5885 indifference
8447 hospitality, examples
8800 prejudice 1 Samuel 25:10-13 5496 revenge, examples 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 25:10 NIV1 Samuel 25:10 NLT1 Samuel 25:10 ESV1 Samuel 25:10 NASB1 Samuel 25:10 KJV
1 Samuel 25:10 Commentaries
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