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1 Samuel 25:14

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But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them.

But one {H259} of the young men {H5288} told {H5046} Abigail {H26}, Nabal's {H5037} wife {H802}, saying {H559}, Behold, David {H1732} sent {H7971} messengers {H4397} out of the wilderness {H4057} to salute {H1288} our master {H113}; and he railed {H5860} on them.

But one of Naval's men told Avigayil his wife, "David sent messengers from the desert to greet our master, and he flew on them in a rage,

Meanwhile, one of Nabal’s young men informed Nabal’s wife Abigail, “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, but he scolded them.

But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed at them.

Commentary

Context of 1 Samuel 25:14

This verse is a pivotal moment in the narrative of 1 Samuel chapter 25, which details the interaction between David, the wealthy but ill-tempered Nabal, and Nabal's wise wife, Abigail. David, while in the wilderness fleeing King Saul, had provided protection for Nabal's shepherds and flocks. During the sheep-shearing season, a time of feasting and generosity, David sent messengers to Nabal requesting provisions as a gesture of goodwill and a reciprocal act. However, Nabal, whose name means "fool," responded with contempt and harsh insults, refusing David's request and questioning his authority. Verse 14 highlights the immediate fallout of Nabal's foolishness: one of Nabal's own young servants, recognizing the grave danger Nabal had put their household in, discreetly informs Abigail of the severity of the situation, setting the stage for her decisive intervention.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Peril of Disrespect and Foolishness: Nabal's "churlish and evil" behavior directly precipitates a crisis. His railing against David's messengers demonstrates a profound lack of wisdom and hospitality, threatening the very safety of his household.
  • The Power of Wise Intervention: The servant's act of informing Abigail underscores the vital role of discernment and proactive action. It sets the stage for Abigail's remarkable wisdom and diplomacy, which ultimately saves her family from David's wrath. This narrative emphasizes how one person's prudent action can avert disaster.
  • Servant Loyalty and Foresight: The young man's decision to approach Abigail shows remarkable loyalty not to Nabal's foolishness, but to the well-being of the household. He foresees the severe consequences of Nabal's actions, demonstrating a practical understanding of the danger.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "he railed on them" uses a strong term to describe Nabal's response. The Hebrew word translated as "railed" is `ga'ar` (גער), which conveys a sense of rebuking, scolding, or showing contempt. It suggests not merely a refusal but a harsh, abusive, and scornful rejection. Nabal's words were intended to demean and insult David and his men, escalating the situation far beyond a simple refusal to share provisions.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons. Firstly, it reminds us of the destructive consequences of pride, foolishness, and disrespect, echoing sentiments found in Proverbs 18:12 which states that "before honour is humility." Secondly, it highlights the importance of listening to wise counsel, even when it comes from an unexpected source, as Abigail was willing to heed her servant's warning. Finally, it underscores the value of timely intervention and diplomacy in resolving conflicts. Abigail's subsequent actions exemplify how a "soft answer turneth away wrath," as described in Proverbs 15:1, preventing a violent confrontation.

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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

  • Mark 15:29 (2 votes)

    And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest [it] in three days,

  • 1 Samuel 13:10 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him.