1 Samuel 25:16

They were a wall unto us both by night and day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep.

They were a wall {H2346} unto us both by night {H3915} and day {H3119}, all the while {H3117} we were with them keeping {H7462} the sheep {H6629}.

They served as a wall protecting us day and night all the time we were with them caring for the sheep.

They were a wall around us, both day and night, the whole time we were herding our sheep near them.

they were a wall unto us both by night and by day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep.

Commentary

1 Samuel 25:16 is a pivotal verse in the dramatic encounter between David, the wealthy but foolish Nabal, and Nabal's wise wife, Abigail. It highlights the protective role David's men played for Nabal's shepherds in the wilderness.

Context

This verse is spoken by one of Nabal's young men to Abigail, his mistress. David, while living in the wilderness of Paran as a fugitive from King Saul, had established a presence in the area with his 600 men. Though outlaws in the eyes of the king, David's men acted as an unofficial protective force for the local shepherds, including Nabal's, against raiders and thieves. When Nabal was shearing his sheep, a time of feasting and generosity, David sent messengers to request provisions, acknowledging the protection his men had provided. Nabal, however, responded with insults and refused to give anything. This verse is the servant's desperate plea to Abigail, explaining the gravity of Nabal's offense and the genuine service David's men had rendered, emphasizing their constant vigilance and defense of Nabs's flocks and men.

Key Themes

  • Protection and Security: The verse vividly describes David's men as a constant source of security, guarding Nabal's shepherds and flocks from harm day and night. This highlights the vital need for protection in ancient Israelite pastoral life.
  • The Value of Service: David's men, though not officially employed by Nabal, provided invaluable security without compensation. This verse underscores the importance of recognizing and appreciating such service, contrasting it sharply with Nabal's ingratitude and disdain.
  • Foresight and Wisdom: The servant's direct appeal to Abigail demonstrates his own foresight and wisdom, recognizing the impending danger Nabal's foolishness has invited. Abigail's subsequent actions confirm this wisdom, preventing bloodshed and demonstrating true leadership. You can read more about Abigail's wise intervention in 1 Samuel 25:23.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "They were a wall unto us both by night and day" is a powerful metaphor. The Hebrew word for "wall," chomah (Χ—Χ•ΦΉΧžΦΈΧ”), signifies a strong, defensive barrier, typically built around a city for protection. This imagery conveys absolute, unwavering, and impenetrable security. It suggests that David's men acted as an ever-present shield, providing peace of mind to the shepherds, a stark contrast to Nabal's later vulnerability due to his own foolishness and lack of wisdom.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of the importance of gratitude and recognizing the value of those who protect or serve us, often without direct compensation. It also highlights the dangerous consequences of ingratitude, pride, and foolishness, as exemplified by Nabal, whose actions nearly led to disaster for his household. Furthermore, it can serve as a reminder of God's constant watchfulness and His protective care over His people, acting as a "wall" in times of trouble. We are called to be discerning, like the young man who spoke to Abigail, and to seek peaceful, wise solutions when faced with conflict.

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Cross-References

  • Job 1:10 (5 votes)

    Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

  • Exodus 14:22 (4 votes)

    And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry [ground]: and the waters [were] a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

  • Zechariah 2:5 (3 votes)

    For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.

  • Jeremiah 15:20 (2 votes)

    And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I [am] with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.