1 Samuel 25:17

KJV

Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he [is such] a son of Belial, that [a man] cannot speak to him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore know {H3045} and consider {H7200} what thou wilt do {H6213}; for evil {H7451} is determined {H3615} against our master {H113}, and against all his household {H1004}: for he is such a son {H1121} of Belial {H1100}, that a man cannot speak {H1696} to him.

Complete Jewish Bible

So now decide what you are going to do, for clearly harm is on its way to our master and all his household, but he's so mean that no one can tell him anything."

Berean Standard Bible

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!”

American Standard Version

Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his house: for he is such a worthless fellow, that one cannot speak to him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 25:17 captures a moment of profound urgency and desperation, as one of Nabal's young men implores Abigail, Nabal's discerning wife, to intervene. The verse vividly portrays the immediate and severe danger facing Nabal's entire household due to his foolish, arrogant, and irredeemable behavior towards David and his men. It serves as a stark warning and a desperate plea for swift, decisive action, emphasizing Nabal's utter unreasonableness and the impending doom his actions have invited.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is situated within the dramatic narrative of [1 Samuel chapter 25](/1_samuel/25 "1 Samuel 25 - David, Nabal, and Abigail"), a significant episode during David's period as a fugitive from King Saul. David, having provided protection for Nabal's shepherds and flocks in the wilderness, sent his men to request provisions during the sheep-shearing festival—a customary time for generosity and reciprocal hospitality. Nabal, a wealthy but churlish man, responded with contemptuous insults and a blatant refusal, questioning David's identity and legitimacy, as recorded in [1 Samuel 25:10-11](/1_samuel/25-10-11 "1 Samuel 25:10-11 - Nabal's Insult and Refusal"). Enraged by this profound disrespect and ingratitude, David swore an oath to annihilate Nabal and every male in his household, a vow explicitly stated in [1 Samuel 25:22](/1_samuel/25-22 "1 Samuel 25:22 - David's Oath of Vengeance"). It is at this critical juncture, with David's vengeful party already on the march, that a servant, witnessing Nabal's folly and recognizing the imminent catastrophe, bypasses his master and turns directly to Abigail, hoping her renowned wisdom and discernment can avert the impending disaster. The verse highlights the servant's initiative and his desperate attempt to prevent the tragic consequences of Nabal's actions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the wilderness of Paran, a semi-arid region where nomadic or semi-nomadic groups like David's men often interacted with settled agriculturalists like Nabal. Sheep-shearing was not merely an economic activity but a festive occasion, often marked by banquets and generous hospitality, making Nabal's refusal particularly egregious. In a society without a strong central government or police force, protection from bandits was a valuable service, and the expectation of tribute or reciprocal generosity for such protection was common. Nabal's rejection of David's request was not just impolite but a profound insult, challenging David's honor and authority in a culture where honor was paramount. The patriarchal structure of the household meant Nabal's actions had direct, life-threatening consequences for his entire family, not just himself. The servant's appeal to Abigail also underscores the societal recognition of a wise woman's influence, even within a patriarchal framework, especially when the male head of the household is incapable or unwilling to act reasonably.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel - The Rise of David and the Decline of Saul"): The Peril of Foolishness and Arrogance, exemplified by Nabal's character, described earlier as "churlish and evil in his doings" in [1 Samuel 25:3](/1_samuel/25-3 "1 Samuel 25:3 - Nabal's Character"), where his arrogance and refusal to listen or reason lead directly to a determination of "evil" against his entire household, illustrating how one person's folly can bring widespread calamity, standing in stark contrast to the wisdom and humility that characterize those favored by God. The Urgency of Intervention and Discernment, as the servant's desperate plea underscores the critical need for immediate, discerning action when facing a determined threat, highlighting the importance of recognizing danger and seeking wise counsel, especially when the principal actor is beyond reason, with Abigail's subsequent actions exemplifying the power of timely and prudent intervention to avert disaster. The Contrast Between Characters, as the narrative implicitly sets up a profound contrast between Nabal, the "son of Belial" who cannot be spoken to, and Abigail, the woman of "good understanding" and "beautiful countenance" as described in [1 Samuel 25:3](/1_samuel/25-3 "1 Samuel 25:3 - Abigail's Character and Wisdom"), where this verse is the catalyst that brings Abigail's wisdom to the forefront, demonstrating its redemptive power against Nabal's destructive folly. Finally, Divine Providence and Restraint, as while not explicitly stated in this verse, the unfolding narrative reveals how God uses Abigail's intervention to prevent David from taking vengeance into his own hands, thus preserving David's integrity and preventing him from incurring bloodguilt before becoming king, with the "evil determined" against Nabal ultimately resolved by divine intervention through human agency.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Belial (Hebrew, _bᵉlîyaʻal_ H1100):** This powerful Hebrew term literally means "worthlessness," "wickedness," or "nothingness." When someone is called a "son of Belial," it signifies a person of extreme moral depravity, a scoundrel, a good-for-nothing, or one utterly without restraint or regard for proper conduct. It implies a character so corrupt or rebellious that they are beyond redemption, reason, or communication. In this context, it is the ultimate condemnation from Nabal's own servant, underscoring Nabal's incorrigible nature and the servant's despair regarding any direct appeal to him.
* **determined (Hebrew, _kâlâh_ H3615):** This verb means "to end," "to cease," "to be finished," "to be consumed," or "to be decided." The use of this word here indicates that the "evil" (destruction) is not merely a possibility but a fixed, inevitable outcome, a settled matter that will be executed unless drastic measures are taken. It conveys a sense of finality and impending doom, amplifying the urgency of the servant's appeal to Abigail.
* **speak (Hebrew, _dâbar_ H1696):** This primitive root means "to arrange," but figuratively, "to speak," "to communicate," or "to reason." The servant's declaration that Nabal is such that "a man cannot speak to him" highlights Nabal's utter unreasonableness and imperviousness to counsel. It signifies that any attempt at rational discourse, persuasion, or warning is futile, emphasizing Nabal's stubborn, unyielding nature and the necessity of finding an alternative solution through Abigail.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do;":** This opening phrase is a direct, urgent appeal to Abigail's agency and wisdom. The servant is not merely informing her of a problem but is actively calling her to assess the situation ("know" - _yâdaʻ_ H3045, to ascertain by seeing/experience; "consider" - _râʼâh_ H7200, to see/discern) and to take decisive, immediate action ("what thou wilt do" - _ʻâsâh_ H6213, to do or make). It implies that the situation requires a plan and execution beyond what he or anyone else can manage, placing the burden of salvation squarely on her shoulders.
* **"for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household:":** This clause states the grave and imminent threat. The "evil" (Hebrew, _raʻ_ H7451, bad or moral evil) here refers to the violent destruction that David has sworn to inflict upon Nabal. The phrase "is determined" (as discussed above) conveys an unalterable fate if no intervention occurs. Crucially, the threat extends beyond Nabal himself to "all his household" (Hebrew, _bayith_ H1004, house/family), encompassing every male, highlighting the collective peril and the innocent who stand to suffer due to one man's folly.
* **"for he [is such] a son of Belial, that [a man] cannot speak to him.":** This final clause provides the critical justification for the servant's desperate appeal to Abigail and the urgency of the situation. Nabal's character is so utterly depraved and unreasonable ("a son of Belial") that any attempt at rational communication, persuasion, or warning is futile. This renders Nabal impervious to counsel and leaves Abigail as the only conceivable hope for averting the catastrophe, as she is the only one who might possess the wisdom and influence to navigate such an impossible situation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its urgent message. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the servant's stark warning about "evil... determined" against Nabal's household directly anticipates David's vengeful oath and Nabal's eventual demise. **Characterization** is powerfully achieved through the servant's description of Nabal as a "son of Belial," a concise yet devastating indictment that reinforces the narrator's earlier portrayal of Nabal as "churlish and evil" in [1 Samuel 25:3](/1_samuel/25-3 "1 Samuel 25:3 - Nabal's Character"). This phrase functions as a definitive label, instantly communicating Nabal's incorrigible nature and the impossibility of reasoning with him. The verse also sets up a strong **contrast** between Nabal's destructive folly and Abigail's potential for wise, redemptive action, which becomes the central dynamic of the chapter. The overall tone is one of intense **urgency** and **pathos**, as the servant's desperate plea underscores the high stakes and the profound despair felt by those under Nabal's leadership, appealing to Abigail's compassion and discernment as the last hope.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 25:17 serves as a powerful illustration of the profound and often devastating consequences of unbridled foolishness and arrogance, particularly when coupled with a refusal to receive counsel. Nabal's character as a "son of Belial" highlights a spiritual condition of moral bankruptcy and an unwillingness to acknowledge authority or wisdom, whether human or divine. This narrative underscores the principle that personal character has far-reaching ripple effects, impacting not only the individual but also their entire community or household. Furthermore, the verse implicitly points to the necessity of intercession and wise intervention in the face of impending judgment or self-inflicted harm, demonstrating how God can use unexpected agents to avert disaster and guide the paths of His chosen ones. It emphasizes the divine value placed on wisdom, discernment, and humility, contrasting them sharply with the destructive nature of pride and folly.

* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")
* [Proverbs 18:6](/proverbs/18-6 "Proverbs 18:6 - A Fool's Lips Bring Strife")
* [Proverbs 29:1](/proverbs/29-1 "Proverbs 29:1 - He Who Is Often Rebuked and Hardens His Neck")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The desperate plea in 1 Samuel 25:17 offers profound lessons for contemporary life, urging us to cultivate discernment and act wisely in the face of escalating conflict or impending crisis. Nabal's story is a stark reminder that unchecked arrogance and an unwillingness to listen to reason can lead to catastrophic outcomes, not just for ourselves but for those connected to us. We are called to be attentive to the "evil determined" in our own spheres—be it in personal relationships, community dynamics, or societal trends—and to recognize when prudent, timely intervention is required. Like the servant, we must have the courage to speak truth and seek out wisdom, even when it means bypassing conventional channels or confronting difficult realities. Like Abigail, we are challenged to embody wisdom, humility, and a willingness to act decisively and peacemakingly, becoming instruments of de-escalation and reconciliation in a world often driven by pride and impulsiveness. Our character, whether marked by Nabal's folly or Abigail's wisdom, inevitably shapes the destiny of those around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we recognize the "sons of Belial" (or "daughters of Belial") in our own contexts—those whose unreasonableness or destructive behavior threatens to bring "evil" upon a situation or group?**
* **When faced with a "determined evil" or an inevitable crisis, what is the balance between taking proactive, prudent action and trusting in God's sovereign plan?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate the wisdom, discernment, and courage of Abigail in our own lives, enabling us to act as peacemakers and problem-solvers in challenging circumstances?**
* **How does our personal character—our willingness to listen, to be humble, and to act with integrity—impact not only our own lives but also the well-being of our families, communities, and workplaces?**

### FAQ
**What does "son of Belial" truly mean in the biblical context?**

Answer: The term "son of Belial" (Hebrew: _ben beliya'al_) is a strong pejorative phrase used throughout the Old Testament to describe an individual of extreme worthlessness, wickedness, or moral depravity. "Belial" itself means "worthlessness," "wickedness," or "nothingness." Therefore, a "son of Belial" is someone characterized by utter depravity, a scoundrel, a good-for-nothing, or one who is rebellious and lawless. It implies a person who is beyond redemption or reasoning, utterly without restraint or regard for proper conduct, often associated with rebellion against God or legitimate authority. In [1 Samuel 25:17](/1_samuel/25-17 "1 Samuel 25:17 - Nabal, a Son of Belial"), it signifies Nabal's incorrigible nature, making him impossible to reason with or persuade.

**Why did the servant go to Abigail instead of Nabal directly?**

Answer: The servant explicitly states the reason: Nabal "is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him." This indicates that Nabal was so unreasonable, arrogant, and churlish that any attempt to warn him or reason with him would be futile and potentially dangerous for the speaker. The servant recognized Nabal's stubbornness and lack of discernment, understanding that Nabal would not listen to counsel or acknowledge the gravity of the situation. Therefore, he bypassed Nabal and turned to Abigail, whom he knew to be a woman of "good understanding" and wisdom, as highlighted in [1 Samuel 25:3](/1_samuel/25-3 "1 Samuel 25:3 - Abigail's Wisdom"), believing she was the only one capable of devising and executing a plan to avert the impending disaster.

**How does this verse relate to the broader narrative of David's rise to kingship?**

Answer: This verse, and the subsequent actions of Abigail, are crucial to David's narrative. It highlights David's human impulsiveness and his initial intent to take vengeance into his own hands, which would have resulted in bloodguilt and stained his future reign. Abigail's intervention, prompted by the servant's warning, prevents David from acting rashly and committing a great sin. This episode thus serves as a divine test and a moment of restraint for David, demonstrating God's providence in guiding his future king away from personal vengeance and towards a reliance on divine justice. It shows how God uses unexpected individuals—a wise woman and a fearful servant—to shape David's character and preserve his integrity as the anointed king, preventing him from becoming like Saul, who often acted out of uncontrolled anger.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The desperate plea in 1 Samuel 25:17, warning of "evil determined" against Nabal's household due to his incorrigible nature, powerfully foreshadows humanity's perilous state under the dominion of sin and our inability to save ourselves. Nabal, the "son of Belial" who cannot be reasoned with, stands as a type of fallen humanity, alienated from God by our own rebellion and foolishness, incapable of responding to divine counsel on our own. The "evil determined" against Nabal's household mirrors the righteous judgment that stands against a sinful world, a consequence of humanity's rejection of God's authority and wisdom, as articulated in [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Sin"). In this dire situation, Abigail's courageous and wise intercession, acting as a mediator to avert David's wrath, beautifully prefigures the ultimate intercession of Jesus Christ. Just as Abigail stood between David's righteous anger and Nabal's undeserving household, Christ stands as our mediator, reconciling us to God through His sacrificial death. We, like Nabal's household, were dead in our trespasses and sins, with a "determined evil" (the just consequence of sin) hanging over us, as described in [Ephesians 2:1-3](/ephesians/2-1-3 "Ephesians 2:1-3 - Alive in Christ Through Grace"). But God, in His rich mercy, demonstrated His love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners, unable to speak for ourselves or make amends, as [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love") proclaims. Jesus, the true Son of God, became the ultimate intercessor, taking away the sin of the world, as declared in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and canceling the record of debt that stood against us, as [Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Triumph in Christ") affirms. Through His perfect wisdom and sacrifice, the "evil determined" against us is averted, and we receive peace with God, a truth foundational to [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith"). He is our advocate, who ever lives to make intercession for us, as assured in [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Eternal Intercessor"), delivering us from the wrath to come.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 20:7

If he say thus, [It is] well; thy servant shall have peace: but if he be very wroth, [then] be sure that evil is determined by him.

Deuteronomy 13:13

[Certain] men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known;

1 Samuel 25:25

Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, [even] Nabal: for as his name [is], so [is] he; Nabal [is] his name, and folly [is] with him: but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send.

2 Samuel 23:6

But [the sons] of Belial [shall be] all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:

2 Samuel 23:7

But the man [that] shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the [same] place.

Esther 7:7

¶ And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath [went] into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king.

Judges 19:22

¶ [Now] as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, [and] beat at the door, and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him.