On hearing that Nabal was dead, David said, "Blessed be the LORD, who has upheld my cause against the reproach of Nabal and has restrained His servant from evil. For the LORD has brought the wickedness of Nabal down upon his own head." Then David sent word to Abigail, asking for her in marriage. On hearing that Nabal was deadThis phrase marks a pivotal moment in the narrative. The Hebrew root for "hearing" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies not just the act of hearing but understanding and acknowledging the significance of the event. David's response to Nabal's death is not merely a reaction to news but an acknowledgment of divine intervention. Historically, the death of a wealthy man like Nabal would have been significant, affecting not just his household but the surrounding community. David's awareness of this event underscores the providential timing and justice of God. David said, 'Blessed be the LORD
The phrase "Blessed be the LORD" (בָּרוּךְ יְהוָה, baruch Yahweh) is a common expression of praise in the Hebrew Bible, reflecting a deep-seated acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and goodness. David's immediate response is to bless the LORD, indicating his recognition of God's hand in the unfolding events. This reflects a heart aligned with God's purposes, a key characteristic of David's relationship with God throughout the scriptures. who has championed my cause against Nabal's insult
The term "championed" (רִיב, rib) in Hebrew conveys the idea of contending or pleading a case, often used in legal contexts. David sees God as his divine advocate, taking up his cause against Nabal's "insult" (חֶרְפָּה, cherpah), which means reproach or disgrace. This highlights the biblical theme of God as the defender of the righteous, a recurring motif in the Psalms and prophetic literature. and restrained His servant from wrongdoing
The word "restrained" (כָּלָא, kala) suggests holding back or preventing. David acknowledges that it was God's intervention that kept him from committing sin in his anger against Nabal. This reflects the biblical principle that God not only judges but also guides and protects His servants from falling into sin, emphasizing His role as both judge and shepherd. The LORD has brought Nabal's wrongdoing down upon his own head
This phrase underscores the biblical principle of divine justice, where wrongdoing (רָעָה, ra'ah) is met with appropriate recompense. The imagery of bringing it "down upon his own head" suggests a boomerang effect of sin, where the consequences of one's actions return to them. This is consistent with the wisdom literature's teachings, such as in Proverbs, about the fate of the wicked. Then David sent word to Abigail, asking for her in marriage
David's action of sending "word" (מַלְאָךְ, mal'akh) to Abigail signifies a formal proposal, reflecting the customs of the time. Abigail's wisdom and intervention earlier in the chapter had already demonstrated her suitability as a partner for David. This marriage not only aligns with cultural practices but also signifies a new beginning for both David and Abigail, underlining themes of redemption and divine providence. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe future king of Israel, anointed by God, who is known for his heart after God. In this passage, he acknowledges God's justice and restraint. 2. NabalA wealthy but foolish man whose name means "fool" in Hebrew. He insulted David, leading to his eventual demise by God's judgment. 3. AbigailNabal's wise and discerning wife, who previously intervened to prevent David from taking vengeance on Nabal. She becomes David's wife after Nabal's death. 4. The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is portrayed as the righteous judge and protector of His anointed. 5. CarmelThe region where Nabal's estate was located and where the events of this chapter unfold. Teaching Points God's Justice and TimingTrust in God's perfect justice and timing. David's restraint allowed God to act on his behalf, demonstrating that divine justice is often more effective than human retaliation. The Role of RestraintPracticing restraint and leaving vengeance to God can prevent us from sinning and allow God to work in ways we might not expect. Wisdom in RelationshipsAbigail's wisdom and discernment saved her household and positioned her for a future with David. Seek wisdom in handling conflicts and relationships. God's Sovereignty in Our LivesRecognize God's sovereignty in orchestrating events for His purposes. David's acknowledgment of God's hand in Nabal's demise shows a deep trust in God's control over circumstances. The Importance of GratitudeDavid's response begins with blessing the LORD, highlighting the importance of gratitude and recognition of God's work in our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's response to Nabal's death reflect his understanding of God's justice, and how can we apply this understanding in our own conflicts? 2. In what ways does Abigail's intervention earlier in the chapter demonstrate the power of wisdom and discernment in tense situations? 3. How can we practice restraint in our own lives when faced with insults or wrongdoings, and what biblical principles support this approach? 4. What does this passage teach us about God's sovereignty and timing, and how can we trust Him more in our daily decisions? 5. How can we cultivate a heart of gratitude like David's, even when we face difficult or unjust situations? What other scriptures encourage us to maintain a thankful attitude? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 7:11-16This passage speaks of God as a righteous judge who brings the wickedness of the wicked to an end, similar to how God dealt with Nabal. Romans 12:19Paul instructs believers not to take revenge but to leave room for God's wrath, echoing the restraint David showed in this account. Proverbs 16:7This proverb highlights how God can make even enemies live at peace with the righteous, as seen in how God resolved the conflict between David and Nabal. 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, Asking, Avenged, Blessed, Cause, Communed, Contempt, David, Dead, Desiring, Evil, Evildoing, Evil-doing, Heareth, Hearing, Insult, Kept, Nabal, Nabal's, Pleaded, Praise, Praised, Proposal, Received, Reproach, Returned, Reward, Servant, Shame, Spake, Speaketh, Spoke, Treating, Upheld, Wickedness, Wife, Wooed, Wrong, WrongdoingDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 25:39 1075 God, justice of
5157 head
5934 restraint 1 Samuel 25:38-39 9210 judgment, God's 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 25:39 NIV1 Samuel 25:39 NLT1 Samuel 25:39 ESV1 Samuel 25:39 NASB1 Samuel 25:39 KJV
1 Samuel 25:39 Commentaries
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