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1 Samuel 25:5

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And David sent out ten young men, and David said unto the young men, Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name:

And David {H1732} sent out {H7971} ten {H6235} young men {H5288}, and David {H1732} said {H559} unto the young men {H5288}, Get you up {H5927} to Carmel {H3760}, and go {H935} to Nabal {H5037}, and greet {H7592}{H7965} him in my name {H8034}:

David sent off ten young men with these orders: "Go up to Naval in Karmel, and bring him greetings from me.

So David sent ten young men and instructed them, “Go up to Nabal at Carmel. Greet him in my name

And David sent ten young men, and David said unto the young men, Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name:

Commentary

In 1 Samuel 25:5, David, while living as a fugitive from King Saul, takes a proactive step to secure provisions for his men. This verse marks the beginning of a significant encounter that highlights themes of leadership, cultural customs, and the consequences of character.

Context of 1 Samuel 25:5

At this point in his life, David and his band of about 600 men are living in the wilderness, often providing protection to local communities and their flocks from raiders. Nabal, a very wealthy man from Maon with extensive sheep and goats, was shearing his sheep in Carmel. Sheep-shearing was a time of great celebration and feasting, akin to a harvest festival, where landowners were expected to show generosity, especially to those who had provided services or protection. David, having learned of Nabal's prosperity and having previously protected Nabal's shepherds, sends ten young men to respectfully request a share of the bounty.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Reciprocity and Expectation: David's message is a clear expectation of reciprocity for the protection his men had offered Nabal's shepherds. It reflects the ancient custom where mutual aid was essential for survival and prosperity in the wilderness.
  • David's Leadership: This act demonstrates David's practical leadership and his concern for providing for his large company. He seeks to obtain provisions through a respectful request rather than force, adhering to customary protocols.
  • Cultural Customs: The "greeting" itself is more than mere politeness; it's a formal salutation acknowledging Nabal's status and serving as a prelude to a request for provisions, a common practice during harvest or shearing seasons.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "greet him in my name" (KJV) is significant. In Hebrew, this involves a formal salutation (שָׁלוֹם, shalom), wishing peace and prosperity. Coming "in David's name" carries the weight of his reputation and authority as a respected warrior and protector, implying not just a friendly hello, but a request backed by the unspoken service David's men had rendered. It was a polite but firm assertion of their legitimate claim to a share of the harvest.

Practical Application

This verse sets the stage for understanding the importance of respectful communication and the cultural nuances of requests. It reminds us that:

  • Relationships are Built on Reciprocity: Just as David expected Nabal to acknowledge the protection provided, healthy relationships often involve mutual give-and-take.
  • Initial Interactions Matter: The way a request or greeting is delivered can significantly influence the outcome, as seen in Nabal's subsequent disrespectful response and the conflict it ignited.
  • Wisdom in Engagement: David's initial approach was diplomatic, seeking a peaceful resolution, which stands in contrast to Nabal's later foolishness and Abigail's wise intervention.
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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

  • 1 Samuel 17:22 (2 votes)

    And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren.

  • Genesis 43:23 (2 votes)

    And he said, Peace [be] to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them.