1 Samuel 25:38

KJV

And it came to pass about ten days [after], that the LORD smote Nabal, that he died.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass about ten {H6235} days {H3117} after, that the LORD {H3068} smote {H5062} Nabal {H5037}, that he died {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Some ten days later ADONAI struck Naval, and he died.

Berean Standard Bible

About ten days later, the LORD struck Nabal dead.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass about ten days after, that Jehovah smote Nabal, so that he died.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Samuel 25:38 records the direct divine judgment upon Nabal, a wealthy but arrogant and foolish man who had insulted and refused aid to David and his men. After Nabal's wife, Abigail, intervened to prevent David from taking personal vengeance, Nabal experienced a severe physical or psychological shock upon learning of his narrow escape. Approximately ten days later, the Lord Himself intervened, striking Nabal dead, thereby demonstrating God's sovereign justice, His protection of His anointed, and the ultimate consequences of pride and contempt for God's purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the dramatic climax to the narrative of David's encounter with Nabal and Abigail in [1 Samuel 25](/1_samuel/25 "1 Samuel 25 - David, Nabal, and Abigail"). The preceding verses detail Nabal's churlish refusal of David's polite request for provisions, despite David's men having provided protection to Nabal's shepherds in the wilderness. David, enraged by this insult and ingratitude, vows to destroy Nabal and his entire household ([1 Samuel 25:21-22](/1_samuel/25-21 "1 Samuel 25:21-22 - David's Vow of Vengeance")). Abigail's swift and wise intervention, bringing provisions and humbly interceding, successfully averts David's intended massacre ([1 Samuel 25:23-31](/1_samuel/25-23 "1 Samuel 25:23-31 - Abigail's Wise Intercession")). Upon her return, she finds Nabal drunk from a feast; the next morning, when she recounts the events, Nabal suffers a severe stroke-like episode, described as his "heart died within him, and he became as a stone" ([1 Samuel 25:37](/1_samuel/25-37 "1 Samuel 25:37 - Nabal's Paralysis")). The ten-day interval between this incapacitation and his death underscores the deliberateness of God's final judgment, setting the stage for David's ultimate vindication and marriage to Abigail.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds during David's period as a fugitive from King Saul, operating in the wilderness of Judah. David and his men were essentially outlaws, yet they maintained a degree of order and protection for local communities, often in exchange for provisions, a common practice in such environments. Nabal, a wealthy man from Maon with extensive flocks, represented the established, settled population. His contempt for David, whom he viewed as a mere runaway servant ([1 Samuel 25:10-11](/1_samuel/25-10 "1 Samuel 25:10-11 - Nabal's Scorn for David")), was not only a grave insult but a violation of the reciprocal obligations of hospitality and protection in ancient Near Eastern culture. Such an affront, especially to a powerful figure like David, could easily escalate into violent retribution, as David initially intended. The concept of divine judgment for such hubris was deeply embedded in Israelite understanding, where the Lord was seen as actively involved in the affairs of His people and their enemies.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Justice and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that vengeance ultimately belongs to the Lord, not to human hands ([Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance Belongs to God")). God intervenes directly to punish Nabal for his foolishness, arrogance, and disrespect towards David, His anointed, thereby preventing David from sinning. Secondly, it underscores the **Consequences of Pride and Folly**, as Nabal's name (meaning "fool") perfectly encapsulates his character and foreshadows his ultimate demise ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")). His death serves as a stark warning against defying God's chosen instruments and rejecting wisdom. Thirdly, the passage emphasizes **God's Protection of His Anointed**, as the Lord actively defends David, ensuring that His purposes for David's kingship are not derailed by personal vengeance or the actions of foolish men. Finally, it illustrates **God's Perfect Timing**, as the "about ten days" interval signifies a deliberate, measured act of divine judgment, not a hasty reaction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yahweh'_):** The use of the divine covenant name "Yahweh" (often translated as "the LORD" in English Bibles) is highly significant. It emphasizes that Nabal's death was not a natural occurrence or a mere consequence of his shock, but a direct, intentional act of the sovereign God of Israel. This is a personal, active intervention by the God who upholds justice and protects His chosen ones. It highlights God's character as one who sees injustice and acts decisively.
* **smote (Hebrew, _nakah'_):** This verb is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe a forceful, often fatal, blow or strike, particularly when inflicted by God as an act of judgment or punishment. Examples include God "smiting" the firstborn in Egypt ([Exodus 12:29](/exodus/12-29 "Exodus 12:29 - The Tenth Plague")), or striking Uzzah for touching the ark ([2 Samuel 6:7](/2_samuel/6-7 "2 Samuel 6:7 - Uzzah's Death")). Its application here unequivocally points to divine causation for Nabal's death, reinforcing that it was an act of God's direct judgment, not a natural illness or accident.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass about ten days [after]":** This phrase establishes a specific, though approximate, timeframe. The "ten days" refers to the period following Nabal's initial incapacitation described in [1 Samuel 25:37](/1_samuel/25-37 "1 Samuel 25:37 - Nabal's Paralysis"), where his "heart died within him, and he became as a stone." This interval is crucial, suggesting a deliberate waiting period. It allowed time for Nabal to perhaps reflect on his folly, for Abigail's actions to fully unfold, and for God to demonstrate His patient but certain justice, distinguishing His action from David's impulsive rage.
* **"that the LORD smote Nabal":** This is the core declaration of divine agency. The subject is explicitly "the LORD" (Yahweh), not a natural cause or human hand. The verb "smote" (Hebrew: _nakah_) denotes a direct, forceful, and divinely orchestrated blow. This indicates that Nabal's death was a supernatural act of judgment, a direct execution of divine wrath against his arrogance, ingratitude, and contempt for God's anointed. It highlights God's active involvement in human affairs and His commitment to justice.
* **"that he died":** This simple, conclusive statement confirms the immediate and fatal outcome of the Lord's action. Nabal's death is presented as the direct and undeniable consequence of God's judgment. It signifies the complete and final end of his rebellion and foolishness, bringing to a close the conflict that had threatened David and his men. His death paves the way for David to take Abigail as his wife, further demonstrating God's providential care for David's future kingship.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Nabal, whose name means "fool," lives up to his name through his actions and ultimately dies as a direct result of his foolishness, contrasting sharply with the wisdom of his wife, Abigail. There is also **Poetic Justice**, where Nabal's "heart died within him" (a metaphorical death or stroke) is followed by his literal death at the hand of God, a fitting end for one whose heart was hardened against wisdom and generosity. The narrative also uses **Foreshadowing** when Nabal's initial physical collapse in [1 Samuel 25:37](/1_samuel/25-37 "1 Samuel 25:37 - Nabal's Paralysis") hints at his impending demise. Most significantly, the text emphasizes **Divine Intervention**, explicitly stating that "the LORD smote Nabal," making God the primary actor in the resolution of the conflict. This direct attribution to God underscores His sovereignty and His active role in upholding justice and protecting His chosen ones.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The death of Nabal at the hand of the Lord is a profound theological statement on divine justice, sovereignty, and the consequences of human arrogance. It serves as a powerful reminder that while humans may seek to exact vengeance, true justice ultimately resides with God. God's intervention not only punished Nabal for his egregious disrespect and ingratitude but also protected David, His anointed, from the sin of shedding innocent blood and taking matters into his own hands. This event underscores that God is actively involved in the affairs of His people, defending their cause and ensuring His purposes are fulfilled, even when His servants are tempted to stray from His path. It highlights the principle that God will repay evil and vindicate the righteous in His perfect timing.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine, I Will Repay")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Do Not Avenge Yourselves")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Nabal's death offers timeless lessons for believers today. It calls us to trust in God's perfect justice and timing, especially when we feel wronged or insulted. In a world where immediate gratification and personal retribution often seem appealing, Nabal's story reminds us that vengeance belongs to the Lord. Our role is to extend grace, seek peace, and commit our grievances to God, confident that He will act righteously. Furthermore, Nabal's foolishness serves as a stark warning against arrogance, ingratitude, and a hardened heart. We are called to cultivate humility, wisdom, and generosity, recognizing that our blessings come from God and should be shared. The discerning actions of Abigail, in stark contrast to Nabal, highlight the importance of peacemaking and wise intervention in conflict, demonstrating how one person's humility can avert disaster and glorify God. Ultimately, this passage encourages us to rely on God's protection and provision, knowing that He defends His own and orchestrates events to fulfill His divine plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Nabal's story challenge your natural inclination to seek immediate justice or revenge when you feel wronged?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be exhibiting a "Nabal-like" arrogance or ingratitude, and how can you cultivate a more humble and generous spirit?**
* **How can Abigail's wisdom and peacemaking serve as a model for your interactions in difficult or contentious situations?**
* **What does Nabal's death reveal about God's character, particularly His justice and His commitment to protecting His people?**

### FAQ
**Was Nabal's death a natural consequence of his shock, or was it a direct act of God?**

Answer: The text explicitly states, "the LORD smote Nabal, that he died." While Nabal had a severe physical or psychological shock ("his heart died within him, and he became as a stone" in [1 Samuel 25:37](/1_samuel/25-37 "1 Samuel 25:37 - Nabal's Paralysis")), the subsequent death "about ten days after" is directly attributed to the Lord. The Hebrew verb "smote" (נָכָה, _nakah_) is frequently used to describe a direct, often fatal, divine judgment or affliction in the Old Testament. This strongly indicates that Nabal's death was not merely a natural consequence of his previous episode but a deliberate and supernatural act of divine judgment.

**Why did God wait "about ten days" to strike Nabal dead?**

Answer: The "ten days" interval underscores the deliberateness of God's justice. It was not an impulsive act, unlike David's initial rage. This period likely served several purposes: it allowed time for Nabal to fully comprehend the gravity of his near-fatal error and the consequences of his actions, perhaps even to experience a measure of fear or despair. It also allowed for the full unfolding of Abigail's wise intervention, demonstrating that God's justice operates on His own perfect timeline, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled and His character as a patient yet righteous judge is upheld. This delay highlights that God's judgment is measured and certain, not hasty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine judgment upon Nabal in [1 Samuel 25:38](/1_samuel/25-38 "1 Samuel 25:38 - The Lord Smote Nabal") foreshadows the ultimate and perfect justice administered by God through Jesus Christ. Nabal's death, a direct act of divine intervention, demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His protection of His anointed. In the New Testament, we see that God has committed all judgment to the Son ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - All Judgment Given to the Son")). While Nabal faced immediate temporal judgment for his foolishness and rebellion, Christ is the one who will execute final, eternal judgment upon all who reject God and His anointing ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Conversely, for those who are in Christ, the wrath and judgment that Nabal experienced have been fully absorbed by Jesus on the cross ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justified by His Blood")). Christ, the true and greater David, not only averts God's wrath from His people but also perfectly fulfills God's justice, ensuring that His followers are protected from the ultimate consequences of sin, not by their own vengeance, but by His perfect sacrifice and intercession ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Always Lives to Intercede")). Thus, Nabal's demise points to the righteous judgment of God that is both terrifying for the unrepentant and gloriously redemptive for those found in Christ.

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.