1 Samuel 25:9

And when David's young men came, they spake to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David, and ceased.

And when David's {H1732} young men {H5288} came {H935}, they spake {H1696} to Nabal {H5037} according to all those words {H1697} in the name {H8034} of David {H1732}, and ceased {H5117}.

On arrival, David's men said all these things to Naval in David's name. When they had finished,

When David’s young men arrived, they relayed all these words to Nabal on behalf of David. Then they waited.

And when David’s young men came, they spake to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David, and ceased.

Commentary

1 Samuel 25:9 describes a pivotal moment in the interaction between David and the wealthy, but ill-tempered, Nabal. David's men, acting on his behalf, deliver a carefully worded request for provisions, reflecting David's strategic diplomacy during his time as an outlaw.

Context of 1 Samuel 25:9

At this point in his life, David is a fugitive from King Saul, leading a band of about 600 men in the wilderness of Paran (see 1 Samuel 23:14). David and his men had provided protection to the shepherds and flocks of Nabal, a very rich man from Maon, during their sheep-shearing season. This was a time of feasting and generosity, and David, through his young men, politely requested provisions as a form of payment or tribute for the protection offered. The phrase "spake to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David" emphasizes that the message was official and carried David's authority, expecting a favorable response based on the mutual benefit provided.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Diplomacy and Expectation: David's approach was not one of demand, but of respectful request, highlighting the service rendered. His men delivered the message completely, anticipating Nabal's expected generosity.
  • Authority and Representation: The phrase "in the name of David" underscores that these young men were official representatives, and their words carried the weight of David's growing influence and leadership. This was a test of Nabal's respect for David.
  • The Pause Before Conflict: "And ceased" indicates that the message was delivered in full, and the young men then waited for Nabal's reply. This pause builds dramatic tension, setting the stage for Nabal's notoriously foolish and insulting response, which would ignite David's wrath (1 Samuel 25:21).

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew verb translated "ceased" (וַיִּשְׁתָּא֖וּ, vayyishtā'û) literally means "they stopped" or "they paused." It signifies that the young men had finished delivering their message and were now waiting for Nabal's reaction. It doesn't imply they were silenced, but rather that they had completed their diplomatic task and were awaiting Nabal's reply, which proved to be shockingly rude (1 Samuel 25:10).

Practical Application

This verse, though brief, offers insights into communication and expectation. It reminds us of the importance of clear and respectful communication when making requests. Furthermore, it highlights how interactions can escalate based on the response received. Like David's men, we often deliver our message and then "cease," waiting for a response that can either foster goodwill or lead to conflict. The narrative serves as a precursor to understanding the consequences of foolish pride versus wise humility, as exemplified by Nabal and his wife Abigail.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 14:7 (2 votes)

    Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about [them] walls, and towers, gates, and bars, [while] the land [is] yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought [him], and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.

  • Genesis 8:4 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.

  • 2 Kings 2:15 (2 votes)

    And when the sons of the prophets which [were] to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.