1 Samuel 25:5

KJV

And David sent out ten young men, and David said unto the young men, Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name:

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} sent out {H7971} ten {H6235} young men {H5288}, and David {H1732} said {H559} unto the young men {H5288}, Get you up {H5927} to Carmel {H3760}, and go {H935} to Nabal {H5037}, and greet {H7592}{H7965} him in my name {H8034}:

Complete Jewish Bible

David sent off ten young men with these orders: "Go up to Naval in Karmel, and bring him greetings from me.

Berean Standard Bible

So David sent ten young men and instructed them, “Go up to Nabal at Carmel. Greet him in my name

American Standard Version

And David sent ten young men, and David said unto the young men, Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Samuel 25:5 marks a critical juncture in David's wilderness sojourn, illustrating his proactive leadership and reliance on established cultural norms for provision. As a fugitive leading a substantial company of 600 men, David dispatches a delegation of ten young men to Carmel, instructing them to formally greet Nabal, a wealthy local landowner, in his name. This seemingly simple act is a strategic diplomatic overture, intended to secure provisions from Nabal's abundant sheep-shearing feast in exchange for the protection David's men had provided his flocks and shepherds, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation that will expose Nabal's folly and highlight God's providential hand in David's life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the somber account of Samuel's death in [1 Samuel 25:1](/1_samuel/25-1 "1 Samuel 25:1 - Death of Samuel"), a pivotal moment signaling the end of an era of prophetic leadership and leaving David without his primary spiritual mentor. David's subsequent relocation from the wilderness of Maon to the wilderness of Paran underscores his continued existence as a fugitive from King Saul, constantly on the move and facing the practical challenge of sustaining a large band of loyal followers. The dispatch of messengers to Nabal is not an isolated incident but a direct response to these logistical pressures, showcasing David's pragmatic leadership in ensuring his men's welfare. This action initiates the narrative of David's encounter with Nabal and Abigail, a self-contained story within the broader arc of David's rise to kingship, which serves to further refine his character and demonstrate God's protective care over His anointed. The subsequent events, including Nabal's insulting refusal and David's enraged response, are direct consequences of the diplomatic mission described in this verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of Carmel and Maon was a region renowned for its pastoral wealth, particularly sheep and goats. Sheep-shearing was an annual event of immense economic and social significance, comparable to a harvest festival. It was a time of great celebration, feasting, and often, displays of generosity by wealthy landowners. In the precarious environment of ancient Israel's wilderness regions, where banditry was common, protection for flocks and shepherds was invaluable. David's men, by acting as an informal guard for Nabal's vast holdings (as later implied in [1 Samuel 25:7-8](/1_samuel/25-7-8 "1 Samuel 25:7-8 - David's Men Protect Nabal's Flocks")), had rendered a significant service. The custom of "greeting in my name" was far more than a casual salutation; it was a formal, culturally recognized request for hospitality and provisions, based on an expectation of reciprocity for services rendered. To refuse such a request, especially from a powerful figure like David who had provided protection, was not merely impolite but a grave insult, a violation of deeply ingrained social contracts, and a dangerous act of dishonor that could provoke severe consequences.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and develops several crucial themes that resonate throughout [1 Samuel 25](/1_samuel/25 "1 Samuel 25 - Nabal, Abigail, and David") and the broader narrative of David's life. **Leadership and Provision** are central, as David demonstrates his responsibility for his men's sustenance and his strategic wisdom in seeking it through customary means rather than force. The theme of **Reciprocity and Just Recompense** is highlighted, emphasizing the ancient expectation that good deeds should be acknowledged and rewarded. Nabal's subsequent actions will starkly contrast with this principle, introducing the theme of **Honor and Dishonor**, where Nabal's foolishness brings him disgrace, and Abigail's wisdom brings her honor. Furthermore, the narrative subtly underscores **Divine Providence**, as Nabal's stubbornness and Abigail's timely intervention ultimately serve God's overarching plan to protect David from taking vengeance into his own hands and to further His purposes for the future king of Israel, as seen in [1 Samuel 25:32-34](/1_samuel/25-32-34 "1 Samuel 25:32-34 - David Blessed for Not Taking Vengeance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sent out (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** From H7971, this primitive root means "to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)." In this context, it signifies a deliberate act of delegation and dispatch, indicating David's intentionality and his active role as a leader. It's not a casual sending but a formal initiation of a diplomatic mission, underscoring the gravity and purpose behind his request.
* **Young men (Hebrew, _naʻar'_):** From H5288, this term refers to "a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant." The use of "ten" such young men emphasizes the formality and weight of David's delegation. These were capable individuals, chosen to represent David's authority and convey the seriousness of his request, while also subtly indicating the strength of his company without appearing overtly aggressive.
* **Greet him in my name (Hebrew, _shâʼal l'shâlôwm bishmi'_):** This phrase combines elements from H7592 (_shâʼal_, "to inquire; by implication, to request"), H7965 (_shâlôwm_, "safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace"), and H8034 (_shêm_, "an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character"). Literally, it means "ask concerning his peace/welfare in my name." This was a formal, respectful salutation, but coming "in David's name" carried the authority and reputation of David, who was known as a formidable warrior and protector. It implied a legitimate claim for a share of the shearing bounty, based on the protection David's men had provided.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David sent out ten young men":** This opening clause establishes David's leadership initiative and strategic foresight. Facing the constant challenge of providing for his large company, David takes a proactive, organized approach. The number "ten" signifies a formal and respectful delegation, large enough to convey the seriousness of the mission without appearing threatening or demanding.
* **"and David said unto the young men, Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal":** David's instructions are clear and direct, demonstrating his command and purpose. "Carmel" is identified as the specific location of Nabal's sheep-shearing, a time of feasting and abundance. Nabal is explicitly named as the target of their mission, emphasizing that the request is directed to the wealthy landowner who had directly benefited from David's men's protective services.
* **"and greet him in my name":** This is the pivotal instruction, encapsulating the cultural and diplomatic essence of the mission. It is not a casual greeting but a formal, culturally recognized overture. To greet someone "in my name" meant to present oneself as an authorized representative, carrying the full weight of David's reputation and the unspoken expectation of reciprocal generosity for the protection his men had provided Nabal's shepherds and flocks. It was a polite yet firm request for a share of the harvest, rooted in the ancient customs of hospitality and mutual support.

#### Literary Devices
The verse subtly employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning and foreshadow the unfolding drama. **Foreshadowing** is evident in David's polite, customary request, which immediately sets up the impending conflict with Nabal's boorish refusal, hinting at the dramatic tension and moral clash that will define the chapter. The very act of "greeting in my name" carries a profound **Irony**, as David, the anointed future king of Israel, approaches Nabal, a man whose name literally means "fool" or "senseless," with respect and adherence to social custom, only to be met with contempt and ingratitude. This stark contrast highlights the moral and spiritual chasm between the two men. Furthermore, the mention of "Carmel" functions as **Symbolism**, representing a place of fertility, abundance, and celebration, which stands in sharp contrast to the spiritual barrenness and foolishness of its wealthy owner, Nabal, who fails to embody the generosity expected in such a prosperous setting.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple verse is rich with theological implications, speaking to divine provision, the nature of righteous leadership, and the ethical principles of human interaction. David, though an outlaw and fugitive, operates with a deep sense of order and seeks provision through legitimate, customary means, trusting that his past service will be recognized and honored. This reflects a broader biblical truth that God often provides for His people through human channels, mutual aid, and the upholding of righteous social contracts, rather than solely through miraculous intervention. The expectation of reciprocity, while a cultural norm, also echoes the divine principle that those who sow should also reap, and that acts of generosity and service should be met with gratitude and appropriate recompense. Nabal's subsequent failure to uphold this principle will starkly demonstrate the spiritual and practical consequences of selfishness, ingratitude, and disrespect, underscoring the biblical emphasis on hospitality and honoring those who serve others (cf. [Romans 12:13](/romans/12-13 "Romans 12:13 - Practice Hospitality")).

* [Proverbs 3:27](/proverbs/3-27 "Proverbs 3:27 - Do Not Withhold Good")
* [Luke 10:7](/luke/10-7 "Luke 10:7 - The Laborer Deserves His Wages")
* [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Hebrews 13:2 - Do Not Neglect Hospitality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's decision to send a diplomatic delegation to Nabal, rather than simply taking what he needed by force, is a profound testament to his character and his developing leadership. Even in a precarious and desperate situation, he chose to operate within established customs of honor, respect, and reciprocity. For believers today, this provides a powerful example of seeking peaceful and respectful solutions, even when we might feel entitled or possess the power to simply take. It challenges us to consider how we initiate interactions and make requests, recognizing that our approach can significantly impact outcomes and relationships. It reminds us to be mindful of the cultural and relational context of our appeals and to prioritize diplomacy and respect over aggression or coercion. Furthermore, David's proactive approach to providing for his men serves as a model for responsible leadership and stewardship: he does not passively wait for a crisis but actively seeks resources and opportunities to care for those under his charge. This verse challenges us to examine our own stewardship of resources and relationships: Are we quick to honor those who have served us? Do we approach others with respect, even when we believe we have a legitimate claim? The subsequent narrative of Nabal's folly and Abigail's wisdom further underscores that our initial responses to requests, whether characterized by generosity or contempt, have far-reaching and often unexpected consequences.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's diplomatic approach in this verse challenge our own tendencies to demand rather than respectfully request, especially when we feel we have a right to something?**
* **In what ways can we, like David, proactively and respectfully seek to meet the needs of those under our care or influence, rather than waiting for needs to escalate into crises?**
* **How do ancient cultural norms of reciprocity and hospitality, as exemplified here, translate into our modern relationships, communities, and even our interactions within the church?**

### FAQ
**Why did David send ten young men, and not just one or two, or even more?**

Answer: David's choice to send ten young men was a deliberate and strategic decision that conveyed both respect and subtle authority. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the number of messengers often communicated the importance of the message and the status of the sender. Sending ten was a formal delegation, large enough to be noticed and to lend significant weight to David's request, demonstrating that he was treating Nabal with the respect due to a wealthy landowner. However, it was also a number that was not so large as to appear overtly threatening or aggressive. It was a diplomatic gesture that subtly reminded Nabal of the considerable force David commanded and the valuable protection his men had provided for Nabal's flocks and shepherds (cf. [1 Samuel 25:7-8](/1_samuel/25-7-8 "1 Samuel 25:7-8 - David's Men Protect Nabal's Flocks")). This approach aimed to secure provisions through customary and honorable means, avoiding unnecessary conflict while still asserting David's legitimate claim.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While David's act of sending messengers to secure provision for his men showcases his earthly leadership and concern for his followers, it ultimately points to the greater, perfect provision of Christ. David, as a shepherd-king in waiting, sought to feed his flock, much as Jesus, the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"), continually provides for His sheep, both physically and spiritually. David's sending of "young men" to Nabal, requesting provision based on past service and an expectation of reciprocity, foreshadows Christ's ultimate act of provision, which is not based on human merit or earned reciprocity, but on boundless divine grace. Jesus, in His earthly ministry, frequently sent out His disciples (cf. [Matthew 10:5-7](/matthew/10-5-7 "Matthew 10:5-7 - Jesus Sends Out His Disciples")) to proclaim the kingdom and provide for others, mirroring David's concern for his company. However, unlike David, who sought provision from a reluctant and foolish human, Christ Himself is the [bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), offering Himself as the ultimate and unending provision for the spiritual hunger of humanity. His "greeting" to us is not a request for earthly goods or a demand for recompense, but a gracious invitation to receive eternal life, freely given through His sacrificial death on the cross (cf. [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). He is the true Lamb of God, whose ultimate "shearing" – His sacrifice – provides an eternal feast of grace and salvation for all who believe (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 17:22

And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren.

Genesis 43:23

And he said, Peace [be] to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them.