But Nabal asked them,Nabal's question reflects his dismissive and contemptuous attitude. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, hospitality was a significant virtue, and Nabal's refusal to provide for David's men was a breach of social norms. His question is rhetorical, indicating disdain rather than a genuine inquiry. Nabal's character is contrasted with that of his wife, Abigail, who later demonstrates wisdom and discernment.
“Who is David?
Nabal's question implies ignorance or a deliberate slight. David was already well-known in Israel as a warrior and the anointed future king. This question can be seen as an insult, as David's reputation had been established through his victory over Goliath and his service in Saul's army. Nabal's dismissal of David's identity reflects his arrogance and lack of spiritual insight.
Who is this son of Jesse?
By referring to David as "the son of Jesse," Nabal emphasizes David's humble origins. This phrase might suggest Nabal's scorn for David's lack of noble lineage. In the biblical narrative, David's rise from shepherd to king is a testament to God's sovereign choice, often using the lowly to accomplish His purposes, as seen in1 Samuel 16:1-13.
Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters.
Nabal's statement reflects the social instability of the time, as Saul's reign was marked by internal strife and division. This comment could be seen as a reference to David's status as a fugitive from King Saul, who viewed David as a threat to his throne. The phrase also highlights the broader theme of loyalty and rebellion, which is prevalent throughout the books of Samuel. Nabal's words unwittingly foreshadow the eventual division of the kingdom after Solomon's reign, as seen in1 Kings 12.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
NabalA wealthy but foolish man from Maon, described as harsh and evil in his dealings. His name means "fool" in Hebrew, which reflects his character and actions in this account.
2.
DavidThe future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, and at this time, a fugitive from King Saul. David and his men had been protecting Nabal's shepherds and flocks in the wilderness.
3.
JesseDavid's father, a Bethlehemite. Mentioning Jesse highlights David's humble beginnings and his lineage.
4.
MaonA town in the hill country of Judah, where Nabal lived. It is significant as the setting for this encounter.
5.
CarmelA place near Maon where Nabal was shearing his sheep. It is the location of the feast and the initial interaction between David's men and Nabal.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Pride and FoolishnessNabal's response to David's men reflects a prideful and foolish heart. Pride can blind us to the truth and lead to destructive decisions.
Recognizing God's AnointedNabal's failure to recognize David as God's anointed serves as a warning to discern and respect those whom God has chosen for His purposes.
Responding to InsultsDavid's initial reaction to Nabal's insult was anger, but he ultimately chose a path of restraint and wisdom, influenced by Abigail's intervention. This teaches the importance of seeking wise counsel and responding with patience.
The Role of ProvidenceGod's providence is evident in the account, as He uses Abigail to prevent David from committing bloodshed. Trusting in God's timing and intervention is crucial.
The Consequences of FoolishnessNabal's account ends tragically, illustrating that foolishness and a lack of discernment can lead to one's downfall.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 25:10?
2.How does Nabal's response in 1 Samuel 25:10 reflect a lack of wisdom?
3.What can we learn about humility from Nabal's attitude in this passage?
4.How does Nabal's behavior contrast with biblical teachings on hospitality and generosity?
5.In what ways can pride lead to conflict, as seen in 1 Samuel 25:10?
6.How can we apply the lessons from Nabal's response to our daily interactions?
7.Why did Nabal refuse David's request in 1 Samuel 25:10?
8.How does Nabal's response in 1 Samuel 25:10 reflect his character?
9.What cultural norms influenced Nabal's reaction in 1 Samuel 25:10?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 25?
11.What role did Abigail play in David's life?
12.1 Samuel 25:39–42 – How do we reconcile David marrying Abigail immediately after Nabal’s death with biblical laws and cultural norms on mourning and remarriage?
13.What does 'pisseth against the wall' indicate about gender roles?
14.Who was Nabal in the Bible?What Does 1 Samuel 25:10 Mean
But Nabal asked them“But Nabal asked them”. The messenger has barely finished speaking before Nabal fires back. His knee-jerk reply exposes a heart already set against generosity.
• Earlier the chapter calls him “harsh and evil in his dealings” (1 Samuel 25:3), so the question is not information-seeking but contemptuous.
•Proverbs 18:23 contrasts the gracious plea of the poor with the harsh answer of the rich—exactly what we witness here.
• Nabal’s dismissive tone anticipates the fool inPsalm 14:1 who says in his heart, “There is no God,” living as though God’s servants deserve nothing.
Who is David?“Who is David?”. By now David’s exploits against Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45-50) and his victories under Saul (18:7, 30) are household news. Nabal’s “Who?” is deliberate disrespect.
• Saul’s own servants sing David’s praises (21:11), and even Saul finally says, “You are more righteous than I” (24:17). Nabal cannot plead ignorance.
• Rejecting God’s anointed never ends well—consider Pharaoh hardening his heart against Moses (Exodus 5:2). Nabal is walking the same perilous path.
Who is this son of Jesse?“Who is this son of Jesse?”. The phrase echoes Saul’s scornful language (1 Samuel 20:27, 30), hinting that Nabal sides with the king who is hunting David.
• By stressing David’s father’s name instead of David’s own, Nabal reduces him to “that boy from Bethlehem,” ignoring the anointing of 16:13.
• Isaiah later celebrates “a shoot from the stump of Jesse” (Isaiah 11:1); Nabal’s sneer therefore stands in stark contrast to God’s honor.
Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters.“Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters”. Nabal brands David as a rebel, lumping him with runaway slaves.
• In truth David left Saul to save his life (1 Samuel 19:10; 20:33); he consistently refuses to harm the king (24:6; 26:11).
• Nabal’s accusation is slander, like the false rumor spread about Nehemiah’s motives (Nehemiah 6:6-8).
• The statement also justifies his stinginess. By painting David as an outlaw, he excuses keeping his considerable wealth to himself—contrary toLeviticus 25:35’s call to help a brother in need.
summaryNabal’s three contemptuous questions are not ignorance but insolence. He rejects the Lord’s anointed, belittles his lineage, and slanders his character to avoid showing kindness. His words reveal a heart hardened by pride and greed, setting the stage for the swift judgment that follows (1 Samuel 25:38). The verse warns us that scoffing at God’s servants and closing our hand against the needy invites divine correction, while humility and generosity—exemplified later by Abigail—align us with God’s purposes.
(10)
There be many servants now a days that break away.--This evident insult indicates that Nabal was of the faction of Saul at this time--was reckoned among those who hated David. It was the report of these words, doubtless, which so furiously excited David. In Nabal, the rich sheep-master, the churlish refuser of the fairly earned gift, he saw a deadly political adversary--one who, with men like Doeg and Cush, would hunt him down like a wild beast. Without this explanation, David's wrath and determination to take such speedy and bloody vengeance on a mere selfish churl is inexplicable. With the light, however, which such an open declaration of deadly hostility on the part of Nabal throws on the transaction, the subsequent passionate conduct of David, although deeply blameable, is not difficult to understand.
Verses 10, 11. -
There be many servants, etc. Nabal would scarcely have ventured to speak in so insulting a manner if David had been at Maon, but as he had moved with his men a long distance towards the south, he. gave free vent to his rude feelings without restraint. David was to him a mere slave who had run away from his master, Saul.
My bread,... my water. These are the necessaries of life, while the flesh was the special luxury provided for the festival. David's ten young men would not literally carry water to him at so great a distance, nor did Nabal mean more than our phrase "meat and drink." The use, nevertheless, of
water as equivalent to
drink marks the value of water in the hill country, and also the abstemious habits of the people.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
But Nabalנָבָ֜ל(nā·ḇāl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5037:Nabal -- a man of Carmelaskedוַיֹּ֔אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, saythem,עַבְדֵ֤י(‘aḇ·ḏê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5650:Slave, servant“Whoמִ֥י(mî)Interrogative
Strong's 4310:Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffixis David?דָוִ֖ד(ḏā·wiḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of JesseWho [is]וּמִ֣י(ū·mî)Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 4310:Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffixthis son ofבֶן־(ḇen-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121:A sonJesse?יִשָׁ֑י(yi·šāy)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3448:Jesse -- father of DavidManyרַבּ֣וּ(rab·bū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7235:To be or become much, many or greatservantsעֲבָדִ֔ים(‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5650:Slave, servantthese daysהַיּוֹם֙(hay·yō·wm)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A dayare breaking awayהַמִּתְפָּ֣רְצִ֔ים(ham·miṯ·pā·rə·ṣîm)Article | Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 6555:To break throughfromמִפְּנֵ֥י(mip·pə·nê)Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The facetheir masters.אֲדֹנָֽיו׃(’ă·ḏō·nāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 113:Sovereign, controller
Links
1 Samuel 25:10 NIV1 Samuel 25:10 NLT1 Samuel 25:10 ESV1 Samuel 25:10 NASB1 Samuel 25:10 KJV
1 Samuel 25:10 BibleApps.com1 Samuel 25:10 Biblia Paralela1 Samuel 25:10 Chinese Bible1 Samuel 25:10 French Bible1 Samuel 25:10 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Samuel 25:10 Nabal answered David's servants and said Who (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) 
