Now I hear that it is time for shearing. When your shepherds were with us, we did not harass them, and nothing of theirs was missing the whole time they were in Carmel. Now I hearThis phrase indicates the reception of news or information, suggesting a network of communication in ancient Israel. The Hebrew root for "hear" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just the act of hearing but also understanding and responding. In a spiritual sense, it reflects the importance of being attentive to God's word and the needs of others, emphasizing the value of active listening in our faith journey. that it is sheep-shearing time
Sheep-shearing was a significant event in ancient agrarian societies, marking a time of harvest and celebration. The Hebrew term for "sheep-shearing" is "גֵּז" (gez), which denotes a period of economic activity and festivity. This context highlights the prosperity and communal aspects of the time, reminding us of the importance of gratitude and sharing our blessings with others, as David sought to do. When your shepherds were with us
This phrase underscores the presence and interaction between David's men and Nabal's shepherds. The Hebrew word for "shepherds" is "רֹעִים" (ro'im), which not only refers to those who tend flocks but also carries connotations of leadership and care. This reflects the biblical theme of shepherding as a metaphor for guidance and protection, as seen in the life of David and ultimately in Christ, the Good Shepherd. we did not mistreat them
The phrase emphasizes the ethical conduct of David's men. The Hebrew root "כָּלַם" (kalam) for "mistreat" suggests causing shame or harm. David's assurance of non-aggression and respect towards Nabal's shepherds highlights the biblical principle of treating others with kindness and integrity, aligning with the Golden Rule taught by Jesus. and nothing of theirs was missing
This statement reflects the honesty and protective nature of David's men. The Hebrew word "פָּקַד" (paqad) for "missing" implies oversight or loss. By ensuring that nothing was lost, David's men demonstrated stewardship and responsibility. This serves as a reminder of the Christian call to be faithful stewards of what God entrusts to us, ensuring that we safeguard and respect the property and well-being of others. the whole time they were in Carmel
Carmel, a fertile region, was known for its agricultural abundance. The Hebrew "כַּרְמֶל" (Karmel) means "garden" or "vineyard," symbolizing fruitfulness and blessing. The mention of Carmel situates the narrative in a place of provision and beauty, reminding us of God's provision and the importance of living in harmony with His creation. It also sets the stage for the unfolding account of David's interaction with Nabal, highlighting themes of hospitality and divine justice. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe future king of Israel, currently leading a group of men while on the run from King Saul. He is the central figure in this chapter, seeking provisions from Nabal. 2. NabalA wealthy but harsh and foolish man living in Maon, whose flocks are being sheared in Carmel. His name means "fool" in Hebrew, which reflects his character in the account. 3. AbigailNabal's wise and discerning wife, who later plays a crucial role in averting disaster by interceding with David. 4. CarmelA region in Judah where Nabal's sheep-shearing takes place. It is a time of festivity and abundance, which makes Nabal's refusal to help David even more significant. 5. David's MenLoyal followers of David who have been protecting Nabal's shepherds and flocks, ensuring their safety and prosperity. Teaching Points Integrity in LeadershipDavid's treatment of Nabal's shepherds reflects a leader's responsibility to act with integrity and protect those under their care. As Christians, we are called to lead with honesty and righteousness. The Importance of GratitudeNabal's lack of gratitude towards David's protection serves as a warning. We should recognize and appreciate the help and protection we receive from others, and ultimately from God. Peacemaking and WisdomAbigail's intervention highlights the power of wisdom and peacemaking. In conflicts, we should seek to be like Abigail, using discernment to bring about peace. God's ProvisionThe passage reminds us of God's provision through others. Just as David's men protected Nabal's flocks, God often uses people around us to provide for our needs. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's treatment of Nabal's shepherds reflect the biblical principle of loving your neighbor? Consider how this principle is echoed in the New Testament. 2. In what ways can we demonstrate gratitude for the protection and provision we receive from others and from God? 3. How does Abigail's response to the situation with David and Nabal illustrate the role of wisdom in conflict resolution? Can you think of a New Testament example of peacemaking? 4. Reflect on a time when you were in a position to protect or provide for someone else. How did you handle it, and what biblical principles guided your actions? 5. How can we apply the lessons from this passage to our roles as leaders, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities? Consider other biblical examples of godly leadership. Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 23The imagery of shepherds and protection connects to David's own psalm, where God is depicted as a shepherd providing and protecting His flock. Proverbs 18:10The concept of protection and safety is echoed in the idea of God being a strong tower, offering refuge to those who seek Him. Matthew 5:9Abigail's peacemaking efforts can be related to Jesus' teaching on the blessedness of peacemakers. People Abigail, Ahinoam, Caleb, David, Israelites, Jesse, Jezreel, Laish, Maon, Michal, Nabal, Palti, Paltiel, Phalti, Samuel, SaulPlaces Carmel, Gallim, Hebron, Maon, Paran, RamahTopics Anything, Aught, Carmel, Evil, Harm, Hast, Hurt, Insulted, Keepers, Missed, Missing, Mistreat, Nothing, Ought, Shame, Shearers, Sheep, Sheep-shearing, Shepherds, Theirs, Wool-cuttersDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 25:7 4684 sheep 1 Samuel 25:2-11 5965 temperament 1 Samuel 25:2-35 5745 women 1 Samuel 25:4-35 5325 gifts 1 Samuel 25:7-8 7785 shepherd, occupation 1 Samuel 25:7-11 4418 bread 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 25:7 NIV1 Samuel 25:7 NLT1 Samuel 25:7 ESV1 Samuel 25:7 NASB1 Samuel 25:7 KJV
1 Samuel 25:7 Commentaries
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