New International Version“’Now I hear that it is sheep-shearing time. When your shepherds were with us, we did not mistreat them, and the whole time they were at Carmel nothing of theirs was missing.
New Living TranslationI am told that it is sheep-shearing time. While your shepherds stayed among us near Carmel, we never harmed them, and nothing was ever stolen from them.
English Standard VersionI hear that you have shearers. Now your shepherds have been with us, and we did them no harm, and they missed nothing all the time they were in Carmel.
Berean Standard BibleNow 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.
King James BibleAnd 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.
New King James VersionNow I have heard that you have shearers. Your shepherds were with us, and we did not hurt them, nor was there anything missing from them all the while they were in Carmel.
New American Standard BibleNow then, I have heard that you have shearers. Now, your shepherds have been with us; we have not harmed them, nor has anything of theirs gone missing all the days they were in Carmel.
NASB 1995‘Now I have heard that you have shearers; now your shepherds have been with us and we have not insulted them, nor have they missed anything all the days they were in Carmel.
NASB 1977‘And now I have heard that you have shearers; now your shepherds have been with us and we have not insulted them, nor have they missed anything all the days they were in Carmel.
Legacy Standard BibleSo now I have heard that you have shearers; now your shepherds have been with us; and we have not dishonored them, nor have they missed anything all the days they were in Carmel.
Amplified BibleNow I have heard that you have shearers. Now your shepherds have been with us and we have not harmed them, nor were they missing anything all the time they were in Carmel.
Christian Standard BibleI hear that you are 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.
Holman Christian Standard BibleI hear that you are 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 VersionAnd 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.
Contemporary English VersionI've heard that you are cutting the wool from your sheep. When your shepherds were with us in Carmel, we didn't harm them, and nothing was ever stolen from them.
English Revised VersionAnd 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.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationI hear that your sheepshearers are with you. Your shepherds have been with us, [and] we have not mistreated them. Nothing of theirs has been missing as long as they've been in Carmel.
Good News TranslationHe heard that you were shearing your sheep, and he wants you to know that your shepherds have been with us and we did not harm them. Nothing that belonged to them was stolen all the time they were at Carmel.
International Standard VersionNow, I've heard that the sheep shearers are with you. Now, your shepherds have been with us. We didn't harm them, and they didn't miss anything all the time they were in Carmel.
NET BibleNow I hear that they are shearing sheep for you. When your shepherds were with us, we neither insulted them nor harmed them the whole time they were in Carmel.
New Heart English BibleAnd now, look, I have heard that you have shearers. Now your shepherds have been with us in the wilderness, and we did not hurt them, neither was there anything missing from them, all the while they were in Carmel.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd now I have heard that thou hast shearers: now thy shepherds who were with us, we hurt them not, neither was there aught missing to them, all the while they were in Carmel. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow 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.
World English BibleNow I have heard that you have shearers. Your shepherds have now been with us, and we didn’t harm them. Nothing was missing from them all the time they were in Carmel. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd now, I have heard that you have shearers; now, the shepherds whom you have have been with us, we have not put them to shame, nor has anything been looked after by them, all the days of their being in Carmel.
Young's Literal Translation and, now, I have heard that thou hast shearers; now, the shepherds whom thou hast have been with us, we have not put them to shame, nor hath anything been looked after by them, all the days of their being in Carmel.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd now I heard that shearers were to thee: now the shepherds which are to thee were with us, we harmed them not, and not anything was missing to them all the days of their being in Carmel. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleI heard that thy shepherds that were with us in the desert were shearing: we never molested them, neither was there ought missing to them of the flock at any time, all the while they were with us in Carmel.
Catholic Public Domain VersionI have heard that your shepherds, who were with us in the desert, were shearing. We have never troubled them, nor was anything from the flock missing to them at any time, during the entire time that they have been with us in Carmel.
New American BibleI have just heard that shearers are with you. Now, when your shepherds were with us, we did them no injury, neither did they miss anything while they were in Carmel.
New Revised Standard VersionI hear that you have shearers; now your shepherds have been with us, and we did them no harm, and they missed nothing, all the time they were in Carmel. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleYour shepherds were with us and we did not harm them, and they did not miss anything all the time they were in Carmel.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedYour Shepherds were with us and we did not harm them, and they lost nothing all the days that they were in the wilderness OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And 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.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd now, behold, I have heard that thy shepherds who were with is in the wilderness are shearing thy sheep, and we hindered them not, neither did we demand any thing from them all the time they were in Carmel.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context David, Nabal, and Abigail… 6and say to him, ‘Long life to you, and peace to you and your house and to all that belongs to you. 7NowI hearthatit is time for shearing.When your shepherdswerewith us,we did notharass them,and nothingof theirswas missingthe wholetimethey werein Carmel.8Ask 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.’ ”…
Cross References John 10:11-14I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. ...
Luke 2:8And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night.
Matthew 9:36When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
1 Peter 5:2-4Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. / And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
John 21:15-17When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” / Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” / Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.
Acts 20:28Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.
Hebrews 13:20Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,
Ezekiel 34:2-4“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock? / You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock. / You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty.
Jeremiah 23:1-4“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD. / Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds, declares the LORD. / Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock from all the lands to which I have banished them, and I will return them to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and multiply. ...
Isaiah 40:11He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.
Psalm 23:1-4A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. / He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. / He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. ...
Zechariah 11:16-17For behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land who will neither care for the lost, nor seek the young, nor heal the broken, nor sustain the healthy, but he will devour the flesh of the choice sheep and tear off their hooves. / Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May a sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered and his right eye utterly blinded!”
Micah 5:4He will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD His God. And they will dwell securely, for then His greatness will extend to the ends of the earth.
Genesis 31:38-40I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock. / I did not bring you anything torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for what was stolen by day or night. / As it was, the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes.
Exodus 22:5If a man grazes his livestock in a field or vineyard and allows them to stray so that they graze in someone else’s field, he must make restitution from the best of his own field or vineyard.
Treasury of Scripture And now I have heard that you have shearers: now your shepherds which were with us, we hurt them not, neither was there ought missing to them, all the while they were in Carmel. We hurt [heb] we shamed 1 Samuel 25:15,16,21 But the menwere 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 22:2 And every onethat was in distress, and every one thatwas in debt, and every onethat was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men. Isaiah 11:6-9 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… Jump to Previous AughtCarmelEvilHarmHearHeardHurtInsultedKeepersMissedMissingMistreatOughtShameShearersSheepShepherdsTheirsTimeWholeWool-CuttersWordJump to Next AughtCarmelEvilHarmHearHeardHurtInsultedKeepersMissedMissingMistreatOughtShameShearersSheepShepherdsTheirsTimeWholeWool-CuttersWord1 Samuel 25 1.Samuel dies2.David in Paran sends to Nabal10.Provoked by Nabal's rudeness, he minds to destroy him14.Abigail understanding thereof18.takes a present23.and by her wisdom32.pacifies David36.Nabal hearing thereof, dies39.David takes Abigail and Ahinoam to be his wives44.Michal is given to PhaltiNow I hear that it is time for shearing.Sheep shearing was a significant event in ancient Israel, marking a time of celebration and festivity. It was a period when shepherds and landowners would gather to shear the wool from their flocks, often resulting in a time of feasting and hospitality. This context sets the stage for the narrative, as it was customary to share the abundance with others, especially those who had provided protection or assistance. The timing of this event is crucial, as it provides the backdrop for David's request to Nabal, highlighting the expectation of generosity during such prosperous times. When your shepherds were with us,
David and his men had been in the wilderness of Paran, near Carmel, where Nabal's shepherds were tending their flocks. This phrase indicates a period of interaction between David's men and Nabal's shepherds. David's presence in the area was significant, as he was a fugitive from King Saul, yet he maintained a peaceful and protective stance towards the local shepherds. This reflects David's leadership qualities and his ability to maintain order and goodwill even while on the run. we did not harass them,
David's assurance that his men did not harass Nabal's shepherds underscores the ethical conduct of David and his followers. In a time when banditry and raiding were common, David's restraint and protection of the shepherds were notable. This behavior aligns with biblical principles of justice and righteousness, as seen in passages likeProverbs 3:29, which advises against plotting harm against a neighbor. David's actions here can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the Good Shepherd, protecting His flock. and nothing of theirs was missing
This phrase emphasizes the integrity and honesty of David's men. In a culture where theft and loss were common, the fact that nothing was missing from Nabal's flocks speaks to the trustworthiness of David's group. This mirrors the biblical theme of stewardship and faithfulness, as seen inLuke 16:10, where those who are faithful with little are also faithful with much. David's men acted as faithful stewards, ensuring the safety and security of the resources entrusted to them. the whole time they were in Carmel.
Carmel, a region known for its fertile land and agricultural productivity, serves as the setting for this narrative. The mention of Carmel highlights the duration and consistency of David's protection over Nabal's shepherds. This ongoing protection further establishes David's reputation as a leader who values peace and security. The geographical context of Carmel, with its rich pastures, also underscores the potential wealth and resources available to Nabal, making his later refusal of David's request even more significant. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe future king of Israel, currently leading a group of men while on the run from King Saul. He is the central figure in this chapter, seeking provisions from Nabal. 2. NabalA wealthy but harsh and foolish man living in Maon, whose flocks are being sheared in Carmel. His name means "fool" in Hebrew, which reflects his character in the account. 3. AbigailNabal's wise and discerning wife, who later plays a crucial role in averting disaster by interceding with David. 4. CarmelA region in Judah where Nabal's sheep-shearing takes place. It is a time of festivity and abundance, which makes Nabal's refusal to help David even more significant. 5. David's MenLoyal followers of David who have been protecting Nabal's shepherds and flocks, ensuring their safety and prosperity. Teaching Points Integrity in LeadershipDavid's treatment of Nabal's shepherds reflects a leader's responsibility to act with integrity and protect those under their care. As Christians, we are called to lead with honesty and righteousness. The Importance of GratitudeNabal's lack of gratitude towards David's protection serves as a warning. We should recognize and appreciate the help and protection we receive from others, and ultimately from God. Peacemaking and WisdomAbigail's intervention highlights the power of wisdom and peacemaking. In conflicts, we should seek to be like Abigail, using discernment to bring about peace. God's ProvisionThe passage reminds us of God's provision through others. Just as David's men protected Nabal's flocks, God often uses people around us to provide for our needs. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 25
1 Samuel 25:21–22 – Why would David, future king, threaten such violence over a refusal of hospitality, seemingly contradicting biblical ethics of mercy?
Are there historical or logistical issues with Doeg, a single Edomite, carrying out the massacre of so many priests (1 Samuel 21:7 - 22:18-19)?
Why would a single burnt offering (1 Samuel 7:9) miraculously grant the Israelites victory if similar rituals elsewhere did not?
Why does Solomon's succession in 1 Kings 1:28-40 ignore the usual primogeniture, given the elder sons who remained alive?(7) Neither was there ought missing unto them.--These words doubtless refer to the protection which David's armed band had afforded to the herdsmen against the frequent raids of the neighbouring people--the Philistines and other more savage and unscrupulous tribes who dwelt on the borders of Palestine. The request was certainly a fair one, for, as Lange and Ewald remark, "apart from the Eastern custom of giving largely at such great merry-makings, according to which such a request would seem in no way strange, David had a certain right to ask a gift from Nabal's wealth. He had indirectly no small share in the festal joy of Nabal and his house. Without some part of the superfluity of the inhabitants whom he protected, he could not have maintained himself and his army."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Nowוְעַתָּ֣ה(wə·‘at·tāh)Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 6258:At this timeI hearשָׁמַ֔עְתִּי(šā·ma‘·tî)Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlythatכִּ֥י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionit is time for shearing.גֹזְזִ֖ים(ḡō·zə·zîm)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 1494:To cut off, to shear a, flock, shave the hair, to destroy an enemyWhen your shepherdsהָרֹעִ֤ים(hā·rō·‘îm)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 7462:To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate withwereהָי֣וּ(hā·yū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, bewith us,עִמָּ֔נוּ(‘im·mā·nū)Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 5973:With, equally withwe did notלֹ֣א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noharass them,הֶכְלַמְנ֗וּם(heḵ·lam·nūm)Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common plural | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3637:To wound, to taunt, insultand nothingוְלֹֽא־(wə·lō-)Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noof theirs was missingנִפְקַ֤ד(nip̄·qaḏ)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6485:To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, depositthe wholeכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everytimeיְמֵ֖י(yə·mê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3117:A daythey wereהֱיוֹתָ֥ם(hĕ·yō·w·ṯām)Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, bein Carmel.בַּכַּרְמֶֽל׃(bak·kar·mel)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3760:Carmel -- a mountain promontory on the Mediterranean, also a city near Hebron
Links 1 Samuel 25:7 NIV1 Samuel 25:7 NLT1 Samuel 25:7 ESV1 Samuel 25:7 NASB1 Samuel 25:7 KJV
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OT History: 1 Samuel 25:7 Now I have heard that you have (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
