Meanwhile, one of Nabal's young men informed Nabal's wife Abigail, "Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, but he scolded them. MeanwhileThis word indicates a transition and suggests simultaneous events. In the Hebrew text, the word used is "וְהִנֵּה" (vehineh), which often serves to draw attention to a significant development. It sets the stage for a pivotal moment in the narrative, highlighting the urgency and importance of the message being delivered to Abigail. This word underscores the providential timing in God's plan, as Abigail's intervention becomes crucial in the unfolding events. one of Nabal’s young men
The phrase refers to a servant or a member of Nabal's household. In the Hebrew context, "נַעַר" (na'ar) can mean a young man or servant, indicating someone of lower status but with enough awareness and concern to act. This young man's initiative reflects the biblical theme of God using seemingly insignificant individuals to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating that wisdom and courage are not confined to those in positions of power. informed Abigail, Nabal’s wife
Abigail is introduced as Nabal's wife, a woman of intelligence and discernment. Her role is crucial, as she becomes the mediator between David and Nabal. The Hebrew name "אֲבִיגַיִל" (Avigayil) means "my father is joy," which contrasts with her husband's foolishness. This highlights the biblical principle that God often places wise and righteous individuals in positions to avert disaster and bring about His will. Look
The Hebrew word "הִנֵּה" (hinneh) is an interjection used to draw attention, similar to "behold." It emphasizes the urgency and importance of the message. This word serves as a call to action, urging Abigail to recognize the gravity of the situation and respond appropriately. It reflects the biblical theme of vigilance and readiness to act in accordance with God's guidance. David sent messengers from the wilderness
David, the anointed future king of Israel, is in the wilderness, a place of testing and preparation. The wilderness often symbolizes a place of trial and divine encounter in Scripture. David's sending of messengers reflects his initial peaceful intentions and respect for Nabal's household. This action underscores the biblical principle of seeking peace and reconciliation before resorting to conflict. to greet our master
The phrase indicates a gesture of goodwill and respect. In the Hebrew text, "לְבָרֵךְ" (levarekh) means "to bless" or "to greet," suggesting a desire for peaceful relations. This reflects the biblical value of hospitality and the expectation of reciprocal kindness, which Nabal fails to uphold. It serves as a reminder of the importance of treating others with respect and honor. but he scolded them
Nabal's response is one of harshness and disrespect. The Hebrew word "וַיָּעַט" (vayya'at) implies a rebuke or insult. This reaction reveals Nabal's character as foolish and arrogant, contrasting with David's humility and Abigail's wisdom. It highlights the biblical theme of the consequences of pride and the importance of responding to others with grace and understanding. Persons / Places / Events 1. NabalA wealthy but harsh and foolish man from Maon, whose name means "fool" in Hebrew. He is known for his ungracious behavior towards David's men. 2. AbigailNabal's intelligent and discerning wife, who plays a crucial role in averting disaster. Her name means "my father's joy" in Hebrew. 3. DavidThe future king of Israel, who at this time is a fugitive from King Saul. He sends messengers to Nabal seeking provisions. 4. Nabal’s Young MenServants of Nabal who witness his mistreatment of David’s messengers and report it to Abigail. 5. The WildernessRefers to the region where David and his men are hiding from Saul, specifically the wilderness of Paran. Teaching Points The Power of Wise InterventionAbigail's quick and wise action demonstrates the importance of discernment and intervention in preventing conflict. Believers are called to be peacemakers in their communities. The Consequences of FoolishnessNabal's folly serves as a warning about the dangers of pride and harshness. Christians are reminded to cultivate humility and kindness. The Role of Servants in God's PlanThe young man's decision to inform Abigail shows how God can use anyone, regardless of status, to fulfill His purposes. Believers should be attentive to God's leading, regardless of their position. Responding to InjusticeDavid's initial response to Nabal's insult was anger, but Abigail's intervention teaches the value of patience and seeking God's guidance before acting. The Importance of CommunicationThe young man's report to Abigail underscores the need for clear and honest communication in resolving conflicts. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the character of Nabal contrast with that of Abigail, and what can we learn from their differences about handling conflict? 2. In what ways does Abigail's response to the crisis reflect the teachings of Proverbs 15:1 and James 1:19-20? 3. How can we apply the principle of wise intervention in our own lives when we encounter potential conflicts? 4. What does the role of Nabal’s young man teach us about the importance of speaking up in difficult situations? 5. How can we ensure that our responses to insults or injustices align with biblical principles, as demonstrated by Abigail's actions? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 25:3Provides context about Nabal and Abigail's contrasting characters, highlighting Abigail's wisdom and Nabal's folly. Proverbs 15:1Relates to the theme of gentle responses and the consequences of harsh words, as seen in Nabal's scolding of David's men. James 1:19-20Encourages believers to be quick to listen and slow to speak, a principle Abigail exemplifies in her response to the crisis. People Abigail, Ahinoam, Caleb, David, Israelites, Jesse, Jezreel, Laish, Maon, Michal, Nabal, Palti, Paltiel, Phalti, Samuel, SaulPlaces Carmel, Gallim, Hebron, Maon, Paran, RamahTopics Abigail, Ab'igail, Behold, Bless, David, Declared, Desert, Flew, Flieth, Greet, Greetings, Hurled, Insulted, Insults, Kind, Master, Messengers, Nabal, Nabal's, Railed, Rough, Salute, Saying, Scorned, Waste, Wife, Wilderness, YouthsDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 25:14 5328 greeting
5818 contempt
5893 insults 1 Samuel 25:2-35 5745 women 1 Samuel 25:4-35 5325 gifts 1 Samuel 25:14-17 5964 temper 1 Samuel 25:14-19 4458 grape 1 Samuel 25:14-20 4548 wineskin 1 Samuel 25:14-28 6206 offence 1 Samuel 25:14-31 8458 peacemakers 1 Samuel 25:14-35 5744 wife
5922 prudence 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 25:14 NIV1 Samuel 25:14 NLT1 Samuel 25:14 ESV1 Samuel 25:14 NASB1 Samuel 25:14 KJV
1 Samuel 25:14 Commentaries
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