1 Samuel 25:7

KJV

And now I have heard that thou hast shearers: now thy shepherds which were with us, we hurt them not, neither was there ought missing unto them, all the while they were in Carmel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And now I have heard {H8085} that thou hast shearers {H1494}: now thy shepherds {H7462} which were with us, we hurt {H3637} them not, neither was there ought {H3972} missing {H6485} unto them, all the while {H3117} they were in Carmel {H3760}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I've heard that you now have shearers. Your shepherds were with us [for a while], we did them no harm, and they found nothing missing all the time they were in Karmel.

Berean Standard Bible

Now I hear that it is time for shearing. When your shepherds were with us, we did not harass them, and nothing of theirs was missing the whole time they were in Carmel.

American Standard Version

And now I have heard that thou hast shearers: thy shepherds have now been with us, and we did them no hurt, neither was there aught missing unto them, all the while they were in Carmel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 25:7 records David's diplomatic overture to Nabal during the sheep-shearing festival, a time of customary generosity. David, living as a fugitive in the wilderness with his men, respectfully reminds Nabal of the invaluable protection and blameless conduct his company provided to Nabal's shepherds and flocks in Carmel. This verse establishes David's legitimate expectation of provisions in return for their vigilance and integrity, setting the stage for Nabal's churlish refusal and the ensuing dramatic confrontation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is central to the narrative of David's interaction with Nabal and Abigail in 1 Samuel 25. Prior to this, David has been established as a fugitive from King Saul, gathering a company of men (approximately 600) and operating in the wilderness of Judah, often sustaining themselves by offering protection to local communities and shepherds. The chapter opens with the death of Samuel, a significant prophetic figure, leaving David without his spiritual mentor. David then hears of Nabal's sheep shearing, a festive and prosperous occasion, and sends ten young men to respectfully request provisions, framing it as a reciprocal gesture for the protection they had offered. Verse 7 specifically articulates the basis of David's claim, emphasizing the integrity and beneficial presence of his men. Nabal's subsequent harsh refusal (1 Samuel 25:10-11) ignites David's wrath, leading to his decision to destroy Nabal and his household, a plan averted only by the wise intervention of Abigail. The entire chapter serves as a pivotal moment, showcasing David's character, his need for sustenance, and the providential hand of God in providing for him and his men, even through unexpected means.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Sheep shearing in ancient Israel was far more than a mere agricultural task; it was a significant annual festival, akin to a harvest celebration, marked by feasting, generosity, and hospitality. Landowners, like Nabal, were expected to be particularly open-handed during this time, sharing their abundance with those who had served them or were in need. The wilderness of Judah, where David and his men operated, was a rugged and dangerous region, prone to raids by bandits and foreign invaders. Shepherds and their flocks were highly vulnerable. Therefore, the presence of a well-organized and disciplined force like David's men, who actively protected Nabal's property without demanding payment or taking anything, was an extraordinary service. David's request was not a demand for charity but an appeal to the established social custom of reciprocity, where protection and service were acknowledged with provisions, especially during times of plenty. Nabal's refusal was not merely impolite; it was a profound cultural insult and a breach of expected social conduct, particularly given David's status as an anointed, albeit exiled, leader.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. First, it highlights the theme of **Divine Providence and Provision**, demonstrating how God sustained David and his men even in their precarious fugitive state, often through the very people they protected. Second, it underscores **Integrity and Righteous Leadership**, contrasting David's disciplined and honorable conduct with the churlishness and folly of Nabal. David's men, despite being "outlaws," maintained a high moral standard, reflecting David's leadership (compare David's integrity in [sparing Saul's life](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul's Life")). Third, the passage explores the **Principle of Reciprocity and Hospitality**, a foundational aspect of ancient Near Eastern society. Nabal's failure to extend customary generosity, despite receiving significant protection, reveals his character and sets the stage for divine judgment. Finally, the narrative foreshadows the **Establishment of David's Kingdom**, showing his growing influence and the loyalty of his men, even as he navigates the challenges of exile. The incident also subtly introduces the theme of God using unexpected individuals, like Abigail, to guide His anointed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hurt (Hebrew, _kālam'_):** The Hebrew verb כָלַם (`kālam`) carries a nuanced meaning beyond mere physical harm. It implies shame, humiliation, disgrace, or being put to confusion. By stating "we hurt them not," David asserts that his men not only refrained from physical violence but also did not cause any dishonor, insult, or loss of face to Nabal's shepherds. This emphasizes the respectful and non-intrusive nature of their protective presence, highlighting their disciplined conduct and moral uprightness in stark contrast to potential brigands.
* **missing (Hebrew, _pāqad'_):** The Hebrew verb פָּקַד (`pāqad`) is rich in meaning, encompassing "to visit," "to muster," "to appoint," but also "to miss," "to lack," or "to be absent." In this context, "neither was there ought missing unto them" means that nothing was lost, stolen, or unaccounted for from Nabal's flocks or possessions while under David's men's watch. This attests to their diligent guardianship and honesty, reinforcing David's claim that his men were not a burden or a threat but a genuine asset, ensuring the complete safety and integrity of Nabal's valuable livestock.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now I have heard that thou hast shearers:"** David begins his appeal by acknowledging Nabal's prosperity and the timing of the sheep-shearing festival. This opening is polite and culturally astute, indicating David's awareness of Nabal's circumstances and the traditional season for generosity. It sets the stage for a request based on customary practice rather than outright demand.
* **"now thy shepherds which were with us, we hurt them not,"** This clause forms the core of David's argument, establishing the positive relationship and blameless conduct of his men. David emphasizes that his company, despite their armed presence in the wilderness, did not cause any harm, shame, or distress to Nabal's vulnerable shepherds. This assertion underscores the discipline of David's forces and their respectful interaction with those they encountered.
* **"neither was there ought missing unto them, all the while they were in Carmel."** This second part of David's claim further solidifies his argument for reciprocity. It highlights the protective and honest nature of his men, ensuring that Nabal's valuable flocks remained intact and complete. The phrase "all the while they were in Carmel" specifies the location and duration of their service, reinforcing the concrete nature of the protection provided in a region known for its pastoral richness but also its vulnerability to raids. This meticulous care for Nabal's property strengthens David's moral claim for a return of generosity.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several effective literary devices. **Contrast** is prominent, setting David's disciplined and honorable conduct against Nabal's churlishness and folly, which becomes evident in the subsequent verses. There is a subtle **Rhetorical Appeal** in David's words, as he carefully constructs his request by reminding Nabal of a past service, aiming to evoke a sense of obligation and gratitude. The mention of "shearers" and the sheep-shearing festival serves as a **Symbol** of abundance and a culturally prescribed time for generosity, making Nabal's subsequent refusal even more egregious. Furthermore, the narrative uses **Foreshadowing**, as David's reasonable and respectful request, when met with Nabal's insult, directly precipitates the dramatic escalation of events, leading to David's near-vengeance and Abigail's intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while seemingly a simple request for provisions, is deeply embedded in the theological fabric of the Old Testament, particularly concerning themes of justice, righteous living, and God's providential care. David's appeal is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern understanding of covenant and reciprocity, where service rendered justly expects a return. It reflects a divine principle that those who sow good deeds should reap benefit, and that integrity, even in challenging circumstances, is honored. Nabal's failure to acknowledge David's blameless protection is not just a social gaffe but a moral failing, demonstrating a lack of wisdom and generosity that stands in stark contrast to God's character. The narrative implicitly teaches that God upholds the righteous and provides for His anointed, even when human channels fail, often through unexpected means or individuals.

* [Proverbs 3:27](/proverbs/3-27 "Proverbs 3:27 - Do Not Withhold Good")
* [Luke 6:38](/luke/6-38 "Luke 6:38 - Give, and It Shall Be Given")
* [Galatians 6:9-10](/galatians/6-9-10 "Galatians 6:9-10 - Do Not Grow Weary in Well-Doing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of David and Nabal, with 1 Samuel 25:7 at its heart, provides profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider how we acknowledge and value the contributions of others, particularly those who serve us without explicit payment or recognition. David's men, despite their outlaw status, exhibited remarkable discipline and integrity, demonstrating that character is defined by actions, not by social standing. This calls us to maintain our integrity even when circumstances are difficult, unfair, or when we are operating outside conventional structures. Furthermore, the principle of reciprocity reminds us of the interconnectedness of community and the importance of generosity. Are we quick to recognize and reward good service, or do we, like Nabal, hoard our blessings? This narrative encourages a posture of gratefulness and open-handedness, fostering healthy relationships and reflecting the generous nature of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I tend to overlook or undervalue the uncompensated service and protection provided by others in my life or community?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of gratitude and intentionality in acknowledging and reciprocating good deeds?**
* **When faced with challenging or unconventional circumstances, how does my integrity reflect (or fail to reflect) the character of Christ?**
* **Am I more like Nabal, hoarding my resources and failing to recognize legitimate claims, or more like David, seeking just and honorable interactions?**

### FAQ
**Why was David's request to Nabal considered legitimate, and not a demand for tribute?**

Answer: David's request was legitimate because it was rooted in the ancient Near Eastern custom of reciprocity, particularly during festive occasions like sheep shearing. David's men had provided invaluable protection to Nabal's shepherds and flocks in the dangerous wilderness of Carmel (as explicitly stated in [1 Samuel 25:7](/1_samuel/25-7 "1 Samuel 25:7 - David's Claim of Protection")), preventing potential losses from raiders or wild animals. This was a significant, uncompensated service. During sheep shearing, landowners were culturally expected to show generosity and hospitality, especially to those who had rendered such beneficial service. David was not demanding tribute but appealing to a recognized social contract and the principle of a fair return for a valuable protective service. Nabal's refusal was therefore not just a discourtesy but a profound cultural insult and a breach of expected social conduct.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Samuel 25:7 speaks of David's earthly claim for provisions based on his men's blameless protection, it resonates with profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus is the ultimate Good Shepherd, who not only protects His flock from spiritual harm and loss but also lays down His life for them ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). Unlike David's men who "hurt them not" and ensured "nought missing," Christ perfectly preserves His own, ensuring that none whom the Father has given Him will be lost ([John 6:39](/john/6-39 "John 6:39 - None Shall Be Lost")). His integrity and blamelessness far surpass that of David's men, for He "committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")). Furthermore, the principle of reciprocity finds its ultimate expression in Christ's kingdom: He has given us everything, and He expects us to bear fruit in return, not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude for His immeasurable grace ([John 15:16](/john/15-16 "John 15:16 - You Did Not Choose Me, But I Chose You")). The "harvest" of Nabal's sheep shearing, which should have led to generosity, points to the spiritual harvest that Christ expects from His people, a harvest of righteousness and good works that flow from His protective and provisionary care.

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 25:21

Now David had said, Surely in vain have I kept all that this [fellow] hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that [pertained] unto him: and he hath requited me evil for good.

1 Samuel 25:15

But the men [were] very good unto us, and we were not hurt, neither missed we any thing, as long as we were conversant with them, when we were in the fields:

1 Samuel 25:16

They were a wall unto us both by night and day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep.

Isaiah 11:6

The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

Isaiah 11:9

They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Philippians 2:15

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

1 Samuel 22:2

And every one [that was] in distress, and every one that [was] in debt, and every one [that was] discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men.