1 Samuel 25:36

¶ And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart [was] merry within him, for he [was] very drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light.

And Abigail {H26} came {H935} to Nabal {H5037}; and, behold, he held a feast {H4960} in his house {H1004}, like the feast {H4960} of a king {H4428}; and Nabal's {H5037} heart {H3820} was merry {H2896} within him, for he was very {H3966} drunken {H7910}: wherefore she told {H5046} him nothing {H1697}, less {H6996} or more {H1419}, until the morning {H1242} light {H216}.

Avigayil came to Naval; there he was in his house, holding a feast fit for a king. He was in high spirits, because he was very drunk. So she told him nothing whatever until the next morning.

When Abigail returned to Nabal, there he was in the house, holding a feast fit for a king, in high spirits and very drunk. So she told him nothing until morning light.

And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light.

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Commentary

1 Samuel 25:36 continues the narrative of Abigail's resourceful intervention, showcasing her wisdom in managing the volatile situation between David and her foolish husband, Nabal. This verse finds Abigail returning home after successfully appeasing David, only to discover Nabal in a state of profound inebriation, celebrating lavishly.

Context

The preceding verses describe a tense encounter: David, feeling slighted by Nabal's disrespectful refusal to provide provisions for his men, had set out with 400 armed men to destroy Nabal and his household. Nabal, whose name means "fool," lived up to his character by being churlish and ill-tempered. However, Abigail, Nabal's discerning wife, acted swiftly and secretly to intercept David, bringing a substantial gift and offering a humble, eloquent plea that averted bloodshed. Her wise intercession appealed to David's better nature and future kingship. Upon her return, she finds Nabal oblivious to the danger he narrowly escaped, immersed in a "feast of a king," signifying excessive indulgence and self-importance, characteristic of his affluent but morally bankrupt lifestyle. His drunkenness renders him incapable of rational thought or receiving crucial information.

Key Themes

  • Abigail's Prudence and Discretion: This verse highlights Abigail's extraordinary wisdom. Recognizing Nabal's drunken state, she understands that any attempt to explain the gravity of the situation would be futile and potentially dangerous. Her decision to wait until "the morning light" demonstrates remarkable patience and strategic thinking, ensuring her message would be heard when Nabal was sober and capable of comprehension.
  • Nabal's Foolishness and Self-Indulgence: Nabal's "feast of a king" and his extreme drunkenness underscore his character as a man consumed by his appetites and oblivious to the real threats around him. His merry heart is born of intoxication, not genuine joy or gratitude, starkly contrasting with Abigail's sober wisdom.
  • Divine Providence and Timing: Abigail's restraint in this moment implicitly serves God's purposes. By waiting, she allows Nabal to face the consequences of his actions in a clear state of mind, setting the stage for the fulfillment of David's blessing upon her for preventing him from taking vengeance into his own hands. This illustrates the importance of proper timing, a principle often found in biblical wisdom literature, such as Proverbs 15:23, which speaks of "a word fitly spoken."

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "merry within him" (KJV) for Nabal's heart, though often indicating simple joy, is immediately qualified by "for he was very drunken." This emphasizes that his merriment was not a virtuous state but a consequence of his intoxication, leading to impaired judgment. The Hebrew term for "merry" (ṭôb) in this context is linked to an excessive or unrestrained good feeling, often associated with feasting and drinking, highlighting his debauchery.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for contemporary life:

  • Discretion in Communication: Abigail's example teaches the importance of discerning the right time and circumstances to deliver crucial information, especially when dealing with difficult or impaired individuals. Not every truth needs to be spoken immediately, particularly if the listener is not receptive.
  • Patience and Wisdom in Conflict: When confronted with foolishness or hostility, sometimes the wisest course of action is to wait for a more opportune moment for engagement. Hasty words or actions can escalate conflict rather than resolve it.
  • Avoiding Impaired Judgment: Nabal's state serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of excessive indulgence and how it can blind one to reality and consequences, leading to foolish decisions.

Abigail's calculated silence sets the stage for the dramatic revelation and Nabal's subsequent fate in the following verses, further solidifying her reputation as a woman of profound wisdom and foresight.

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

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 13:28

    Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.

  • Proverbs 20:1

    ¶ Wine [is] a mocker, strong drink [is] raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:7

    For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:8

    But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

  • 1 Samuel 25:19

    And she said unto her servants, Go on before me; behold, I come after you. But she told not her husband Nabal.

  • 2 Samuel 13:23

    And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baalhazor, which [is] beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons.

  • Matthew 10:16

    Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
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