So David's men turned around and went back, and they relayed to him all these words. So David’s menThis phrase refers to the loyal followers of David, who at this time was not yet king but was leading a group of men while fleeing from King Saul. The Hebrew word for "men" here is "אֲנָשִׁים" (anashim), which often denotes not just any group of males, but those who are warriors or men of valor. These men were committed to David, recognizing his anointing and future kingship. Their loyalty is a testament to David's leadership and God's favor upon him, as they were willing to follow him even in times of uncertainty and danger. turned around
The action of turning around signifies a change in direction, both physically and metaphorically. In the Hebrew context, the word "שׁוּב" (shuv) is often used, which can mean to return or to repent. Here, it indicates a physical return to David, but it also subtly underscores the theme of obedience and submission to leadership. David's men did not act on their own accord but followed the instructions given to them, demonstrating discipline and respect for their leader. and went back
This phrase emphasizes the completion of their mission, albeit not with the success they might have hoped for. The Hebrew "וַיֵּלְכוּ" (vayelechu) suggests a purposeful journey. The men went back to David, showing their commitment to report back and seek further guidance. This reflects the importance of communication and accountability within a community or group, especially in times of conflict or misunderstanding. and they relayed to him
The act of relaying information is crucial in maintaining trust and clarity within any leadership structure. The Hebrew root "נָגַד" (nagad) means to declare or make known. This indicates that the men faithfully communicated the message they received without alteration. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a call for believers to be truthful and transparent in their dealings, ensuring that messages are conveyed accurately and with integrity. every word
The phrase "every word" underscores the completeness and accuracy of the report given to David. The Hebrew "כָּל־הַדְּבָרִים" (kol-hadvarim) suggests a thorough and detailed account. This highlights the importance of precision in communication, especially in matters that could lead to conflict or misunderstanding. In a broader spiritual context, it reminds believers of the importance of God's Word, where every word is significant and purposeful, deserving careful attention and obedience. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, who is currently leading a group of men while on the run from King Saul. 2. David’s MenLoyal followers of David who serve as his messengers and soldiers during his time in the wilderness. 3. NabalA wealthy but foolish man who refuses to provide hospitality to David and his men, despite their protection of his shepherds. 4. AbigailNabal’s wise and discerning wife, who later intervenes to prevent David from taking vengeance on Nabal. 5. Wilderness of ParanThe region where David and his men are staying, a place of refuge and survival during David’s flight from Saul. Teaching Points The Importance of Wise CounselDavid’s initial reaction to Nabal’s insult is one of anger and a desire for revenge. This highlights the need for wise counsel and patience in decision-making. Responding to RejectionDavid’s men return with Nabal’s rejection, a reminder that not all efforts will be met with gratitude. Christians are called to respond to rejection with grace and trust in God’s provision. Trusting God’s JusticeDavid’s account encourages believers to trust in God’s justice rather than taking matters into their own hands. This is a call to faith and patience. The Role of HumilityAbigail’s later actions demonstrate the power of humility and wisdom in diffusing conflict, a model for believers in their interactions with others. Community and SupportDavid’s reliance on his men and their loyalty underscores the importance of community and support in times of trial. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David’s response to Nabal’s insult compare to his earlier decision to spare Saul’s life in 1 Samuel 24? What does this teach us about consistency in our actions? 2. In what ways can we seek and apply wise counsel in our own lives when faced with difficult decisions or conflicts? 3. How does the principle of leaving vengeance to God, as seen in Romans 12:19, apply to modern-day situations of injustice or personal offense? 4. What can we learn from Abigail’s later intervention about the power of humility and wisdom in resolving conflicts? 5. How can we cultivate a supportive community around us, similar to David’s men, to help us navigate challenges and remain faithful to God’s calling? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 24The chapter preceding this event, where David spares Saul’s life, demonstrating his restraint and trust in God’s timing for his kingship. Proverbs 15:1This verse highlights the power of a gentle answer, which is later exemplified by Abigail’s wise intervention. Romans 12:19This New Testament passage echoes the theme of leaving vengeance to God, a principle David struggles with in this account. People Abigail, Ahinoam, Caleb, David, Israelites, Jesse, Jezreel, Laish, Maon, Michal, Nabal, Palti, Paltiel, Phalti, Samuel, SaulPlaces Carmel, Gallim, Hebron, Maon, Paran, RamahTopics Account, Arrived, David, David's, Declare, Reported, Retraced, Sayings, Turn, TurningDictionary 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 25:12 NIV1 Samuel 25:12 NLT1 Samuel 25:12 ESV1 Samuel 25:12 NASB1 Samuel 25:12 KJV
1 Samuel 25:12 Commentaries
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