1 Samuel 25:6

And thus shall ye say to him that liveth [in prosperity], Peace [be] both to thee, and peace [be] to thine house, and peace [be] unto all that thou hast.

And thus shall ye say {H559} to him that liveth {H2416} in prosperity, Peace {H7965} be both to thee, and peace {H7965} be to thine house {H1004}, and peace {H7965} be unto all that thou hast.

Say, 'Long life and shalom to you, shalom to your household, and shalom to everything that is yours!

and say to him, โ€˜Long life to you, and peace to you and your house and to all that belongs to you.

and thus shall ye say to him that liveth in prosperity, Peace be unto thee, and peace be to thy house, and peace be unto all that thou hast.

Commentary

In 1 Samuel 25:6, David's young men are instructed to deliver a specific, formal greeting to Nabal, a wealthy but ill-tempered man. This verse is part of a crucial interaction where David, having protected Nabal's shepherds in the wilderness, sends an envoy to request provisions during Nabal's sheep-shearing feast.

Context of 1 Samuel 25:6

At this point in the narrative, David is a fugitive from King Saul, living in the wilderness with his band of 600 men. For some time, David's men had provided protection for Nabal's shepherds and flocks from marauders (1 Samuel 25:7). The sheep-shearing season was a time of feasting and generosity, akin to a harvest festival. David, therefore, sent ten young men to Nabal with a polite request for supplies, prefacing their appeal with this elaborate and customary greeting. The phrase "him that liveth [in prosperity]" directly refers to Nabal's significant wealth and comfortable circumstances, setting the stage for David's expectation of a reciprocal gesture based on ancient Near Eastern social customs.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Comprehensive Nature of "Peace": The repeated emphasis on "peace" (Hebrew: shalom) is central. This isn't just about the absence of conflict but a holistic concept encompassing well-being, health, prosperity, completeness, and harmony in all aspects of life. It's a profound blessing extended to Nabal, his household, and all his possessions.
  • Customary Greetings and Social Protocol: This verse illustrates the importance of formal salutations in ancient Near Eastern culture. Such greetings were not mere formalities but crucial elements of social interaction, establishing respect and setting the tone for any subsequent request or negotiation.
  • Acknowledging Prosperity with a Request: David's message subtly acknowledges Nabal's wealth and extends a wish for continued well-being upon him, his household, and all his possessions. This polite approach was designed to appeal to Nabal's sense of obligation and generosity, given David's prior service to his shepherds.

Linguistic Insight: The Richness of Shalom

The Hebrew word translated as "peace" throughout this verse is shalom (ืฉึธืืœื•ึนื). While commonly understood as the opposite of war, shalom carries a much deeper, broader meaning in the biblical context. It denotes a state of wholeness, completeness, soundness, welfare, and prosperity. It implies flourishing in every area of life โ€“ physical, material, and spiritual. When David's men wished Nabal "peace," they were wishing him comprehensive well-being, reflecting a desire for him to thrive in all that he possessed and all his relationships.

Practical Application

The instruction in 1 Samuel 25:6 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • The Power of Respectful Communication: Even when making a request or dealing with potentially difficult individuals, approaching others with courtesy and respect can open doors and foster goodwill. This aligns with biblical principles of speaking truth in love.
  • Desiring Comprehensive Well-being for Others: The concept of shalom encourages us to genuinely desire and pray for the holistic welfare of those around usโ€”their health, their families, their possessions, and their spiritual state. This echoes the New Testament call to live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:18).
  • Recognizing God as the Source of True Peace: While here it's a human greeting, the ultimate source of true and lasting peace, or shalom, is God Himself. Christians are called to seek this divine peace in their lives, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

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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 Chronicles 12:18 (6 votes)

    Then the spirit came upon Amasai, [who was] chief of the captains, [and he said], Thine [are we], David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace [be] unto thee, and peace [be] to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.

  • Luke 10:5 (5 votes)

    And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace [be] to this house.

  • Psalms 122:7 (4 votes)

    Peace be within thy walls, [and] prosperity within thy palaces.

  • 1 Timothy 5:6 (4 votes)

    But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.

  • Matthew 10:12 (3 votes)

    And when ye come into an house, salute it.

  • Matthew 10:13 (3 votes)

    And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (3 votes)

    ยถ Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord [be] with you all.