Now consider carefully what you must do, because disaster looms over our master and all his household. For he is such a scoundrel that nobody can speak to him!" Now consider carefullyThe phrase "consider carefully" is a call to deliberate action and thoughtful decision-making. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "yada," which means to know or perceive. This implies a deep understanding and awareness of the situation. The servant is urging Abigail to use wisdom and discernment, reflecting the biblical principle that wisdom is a gift from God ( James 1:5). In a broader scriptural context, this call to careful consideration is a reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance in times of crisis. what you must do
This phrase emphasizes the necessity of action. The Hebrew word "asah" is used here, meaning to do or make. It suggests not just any action, but the right action, one that aligns with God's will. The urgency in the servant's words highlights the biblical theme of responsibility and stewardship, as seen in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). Abigail is being called to act wisely and righteously, a reflection of the Proverbs 31 woman who is praised for her wisdom and industriousness. because disaster is hanging over
The word "disaster" in Hebrew is "ra," which can mean evil, calamity, or distress. The imagery of disaster "hanging over" suggests an imminent threat, much like a storm cloud ready to burst. This reflects the biblical understanding of the consequences of sin and folly, as seen in the account of Jonah and Nineveh (Jonah 3:4). The servant's warning is a call to repentance and intervention, echoing the prophetic tradition of warning against impending judgment. our master and his whole household
The term "master" refers to Nabal, whose name means "fool" in Hebrew. His household is at risk due to his actions, illustrating the biblical principle that the sins of a leader can have dire consequences for those under their care (Proverbs 29:12). This phrase underscores the interconnectedness of community and family in biblical times, where the actions of one could affect many, as seen in the account of Achan (Joshua 7). He is such a wicked man
The description of Nabal as "wicked" uses the Hebrew word "belial," which denotes worthlessness or lawlessness. This term is often used in the Old Testament to describe those who are morally corrupt and opposed to God's ways (Deuteronomy 13:13). Nabal's character is contrasted with that of David, a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), highlighting the biblical theme of righteousness versus wickedness. that no one can speak to him
This phrase indicates Nabal's stubbornness and pride, traits that are condemned throughout Scripture (Proverbs 16:18). The inability to receive counsel is a hallmark of folly, as seen in the account of Rehoboam, who rejected wise advice and caused division in Israel (1 Kings 12:1-19). This serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of humility and the willingness to listen to wise counsel, a key aspect of biblical wisdom literature. Persons / Places / Events 1. NabalA wealthy but foolish and harsh man, whose name means "fool" in Hebrew. He is the husband of Abigail and the master referred to in the verse. 2. AbigailNabal's wise and discerning wife, who later becomes David's wife. She plays a crucial role in averting disaster for her household. 3. DavidThe future king of Israel, who is at this time a fugitive from King Saul. He and his men have been protecting Nabal's shepherds and are seeking provisions. 4. David's MenLoyal followers of David who have been safeguarding Nabal's flocks in the wilderness. 5. Nabal's ServantsThey recognize the impending danger due to Nabal's foolishness and seek Abigail's intervention. Teaching Points The Consequences of FoolishnessNabal's behavior serves as a warning about the dangers of pride and foolishness. His inability to listen to others leads to potential disaster. The Role of Wisdom and DiscernmentAbigail's intervention demonstrates the power of wisdom and discernment in resolving conflicts and preventing harm. The Importance of Humility and PeacemakingAbigail's humble approach to David exemplifies the biblical principle of peacemaking and the blessings that come from it. Listening to Wise CounselThe servants' awareness and Abigail's response highlight the importance of listening to wise counsel and taking decisive action. God's Sovereignty in ProtectionThe unfolding events show God's providential care in protecting David and his future, as well as Abigail's household. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Nabal's character and actions serve as a warning for us in our daily interactions with others? 2. In what ways can we apply Abigail's example of wisdom and discernment in our own lives, especially in conflict situations? 3. How does the concept of peacemaking in this passage connect with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament? 4. What can we learn from the servants' decision to seek Abigail's help, and how can we apply this in seeking wise counsel in our lives? 5. How does this account illustrate God's sovereignty and protection, and how can this assurance impact our faith and trust in Him? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 15:1This verse highlights the power of a gentle answer to turn away wrath, which is exemplified by Abigail's wise and humble approach to David. James 1:19-20These verses emphasize the importance of being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, reflecting Abigail's prudent actions in contrast to Nabal's folly. Matthew 5:9Jesus' teaching on peacemakers being blessed can be seen in Abigail's role as a peacemaker who prevents bloodshed. People Abigail, Ahinoam, Caleb, David, Israelites, Jesse, Jezreel, Laish, Maon, Michal, Nabal, Palti, Paltiel, Phalti, Samuel, SaulPlaces Carmel, Gallim, Hebron, Maon, Paran, RamahTopics Anything, Base, Belial, Can't, Consider, Determined, Evil, Fellow, Good-for-nothing, Hanging, Household, Ill-natured, Master, Plotted, Possible, Speak, Spoken, Store, Talk, Wicked, Wilt, Worthless, WorthlessnessDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 25:17 5965 temperament 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 25:17 NIV1 Samuel 25:17 NLT1 Samuel 25:17 ESV1 Samuel 25:17 NASB1 Samuel 25:17 KJV
1 Samuel 25:17 Commentaries
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