1 Samuel 25:22

So and more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that [pertain] to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.

So {H3541} and more {H3254} also do {H6213} God {H430} unto the enemies {H341} of David {H1732}, if I leave {H7604} of all that pertain to him by {H5704} the morning {H1242} light {H216} any that pisseth {H8366} against the wall {H7023}.

Then he swore, "May God do the same and more to David's enemies if I leave alive even one male of everything he owns."

May God punish David, and ever so severely, if I let one of Nabalโ€™s men survive until morning.โ€

God do so unto the enemies of David, and more also, if I leave of all that pertain to him by the morning light so much as one man-child.

Commentary

Context

This verse captures a moment of intense anger from David, who was at this time an outlaw fleeing from King Saul. David and his men had been protecting the flocks and shepherds of a wealthy but ill-tempered man named Nabal in the wilderness of Paran. When David sent messengers to request provisions from Nabal during sheep-shearing time, Nabal responded with contempt and insult, refusing to acknowledge David or his service. This provoked David's furious oath, where he vows to utterly destroy Nabal and every male in his household before morning light. The immediate narrative then shifts to Abigail's wise and courageous intervention, which ultimately prevents David from carrying out this rash act of vengeance.

Key Themes

  • Rash Vows and Anger: David's oath reveals his human capacity for intense wrath and a willingness to act impulsively when provoked. It highlights the danger of unchecked anger and the potential for sin even in a man after God's own heart.
  • Divine Oath and Vengeance: David invokes God's name ("So and more also do God unto the enemies of David"), making his vow a solemn declaration of intent for total destruction. This reflects an Old Testament understanding of justice and retribution, though in this case, David's personal wrath is the driving force.
  • Total Annihilation: The graphic nature of the threat ("any that pisseth against the wall") signifies David's intent to leave no male survivor, ensuring Nabal's lineage is completely cut off. This serves as a stark warning about the consequences of disrespecting God's anointed or those under His protection.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "any that pisseth against the wall" is a strong and somewhat crude Hebrew idiom (ืžึทืฉืึฐืชึผึดื™ืŸ ื‘ึผึฐืงึดื™ืจ, mashtin b'kir). It is a vivid and emphatic way of referring to "every male" or "every last male." This idiom is used in several other Old Testament passages (e.g., 1 Kings 14:10, 2 Kings 9:8) to denote a complete and utter destruction, leaving no male descendant alive. Its inclusion here underscores David's absolute and merciless intent in his moment of rage.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of uncontrolled anger. Even figures like David, chosen by God, were susceptible to human failings. It highlights:

  • The Need for Self-Control: David's near-catastrophe underscores the biblical admonition to "be ye angry, and sin not" (Ephesians 4:26). Our emotions, while natural, must be submitted to God's will.
  • God's Providence: Although David made this rash oath, God, through Abigail, intervened to prevent him from shedding innocent blood and incurring guilt. This shows God's grace in restraining His servants and guiding them even when they falter.
  • Consequences of Arrogance: Nabal's arrogance and foolishness directly led to David's murderous intent, demonstrating that disrespect and a lack of wisdom can invite severe repercussions.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 20:13

    The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father [to do] thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father.

  • 1 Kings 14:10

    Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, [and] him that is shut up and left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, till it be all gone.

  • 1 Samuel 3:17

    And he said, What [is] the thing that [the LORD] hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide [it] not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide [any] thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee.

  • 1 Kings 21:21

    Behold, I will bring evil upon thee, and will take away thy posterity, and will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel,

  • 2 Kings 9:8

    For the whole house of Ahab shall perish: and I will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel:

  • 1 Samuel 20:16

    So Jonathan made [a covenant] with the house of David, [saying], Let the LORD even require [it] at the hand of David's enemies.

  • 1 Samuel 14:44

    And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.
โ† Back