1 Samuel 25:8

Ask thy young men, and they will shew thee. Wherefore let the young men find favour in thine eyes: for we come in a good day: give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thine hand unto thy servants, and to thy son David.

Ask {H7592} thy young men {H5288}, and they will shew {H5046} thee. Wherefore let the young men {H5288} find {H4672} favour {H2580} in thine eyes {H5869}: for we come {H935} in a good {H2896} day {H3117}: give {H5414}, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh {H4672} to thine hand {H3027} unto thy servants {H5650}, and to thy son {H1121} David {H1732}.

Ask your own men; they'll tell you. Therefore, receive my men favorably, since we have come on a festive day. Please give what you can to your servants and to your son David.'"

Ask your young men, and they will tell you. So let my young men find favor with you, for we have come on the day of a feast. Please give whatever you can afford to your servants and to your son David.โ€™โ€

Ask thy young men, and they will tell thee: wherefore let the young men find favor in thine eyes; for we come in a good day: give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thy hand, unto thy servants, and to thy son David.

Commentary

Context of 1 Samuel 25:8

This verse is part of a crucial interaction between David and Nabal, a wealthy but ill-tempered man from Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel. David, while living as a fugitive from King Saul, had provided protection for Nabal's shepherds and flocks in the wilderness, preventing any harm or theft. Now, during the season of sheep-shearingโ€”a time of great festivity and feasting, akin to a harvest festival in ancient Israelโ€”David sends ten of his young men to Nabal. Their mission is to respectfully request provisions, expecting Nabal to reciprocate the kindness and protection David's men had extended.

The request is framed carefully, appealing to custom and Nabal's expected generosity during such a joyous occasion. David's men emphasize that they "come in a good day," implying that it is a suitable time for Nabal to share his abundance with those who had served him.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Expectation of Reciprocity: David's request highlights the ancient custom of mutual aid and the expectation that good deeds (like protecting flocks) would be acknowledged and rewarded, especially during times of plenty.
  • The "Good Day" (Yom Tov): The phrase "we come in a good day" (Hebrew: yom tov) signifies a festive occasion, a day of celebration and blessing. This context naturally encouraged generosity and sharing, as seen in other biblical celebrations like the feast described in Nehemiah 8:10. It implies that Nabal, as a man of wealth, should be particularly open-handed.
  • David's Humble Yet Authoritative Appeal: David, through his messengers, refers to himself as "thy son David." This was a respectful and deferential way to address Nabal, a wealthy landowner, while simultaneously reminding him of David's significant, albeit unofficial, status and the service rendered. Despite David's status as a fugitive leader, he approaches Nabal with an appeal to custom rather than a demand.
  • Provision for David's Men: This request underscores David's ongoing responsibility to provide for the 600 men who had gathered to him. Their sustenance depended on such provisions, making Nabal's response critical.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew phrase for "good day" is yom tov (ื™ื•ึนื ื˜ื•ึนื‘). While it literally means "good day," in this context, especially during a sheep-shearing festival, it carries the connotation of a prosperous, celebratory, and auspicious occasion. It sets the expectation for joy, feasting, and the sharing of blessings, making Nabal's subsequent refusal even more churlish and culturally offensive.

Practical Application

1 Samuel 25:8 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of gratitude and generosity. Just as David expected Nabal to acknowledge his service, we are called to be mindful of those who serve us or provide for us. It also highlights the significance of hospitality and sharing our blessings, especially during times of abundance. The verse subtly contrasts David's respectful request with Nabal's later arrogant refusal, setting the stage for lessons on humility, wisdom, and the consequences of churlishness versus graciousness.

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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

  • Esther 9:19 (4 votes)

    Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar [a day of] gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.

  • Nehemiah 8:10 (3 votes)

    Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for [this] day [is] holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

  • Nehemiah 8:12 (3 votes)

    And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.

  • Ecclesiastes 11:2 (2 votes)

    Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.

  • 1 Samuel 24:11 (2 votes)

    Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that [there is] neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it.

  • 1 Samuel 3:6 (2 votes)

    And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.

  • Esther 9:22 (2 votes)

    As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.