Lexical Summary
Nabal: Nabal
Original Word:נָבָל
Part of Speech:Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration:Nabal
Pronunciation:naw-BAWL
Phonetic Spelling:(naw-bawl')
KJV: Nabal
NASB:Nabal, Nabal's
Word Origin:[the same asH5036 (נָבָל - fool)]
1. dolt
2. Nabal, an Israelite
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Nabal
The same asnabal; dolt; Nabal, an Israelite -- Nabal.
see HEBREWnabal
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
nabalDefinitiona man of Carmel
NASB TranslationNabal (19), Nabal's (3).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
II. (on popular etymology see
1 Samuel 25:25 below); — a churlish man of Carmel, whose widow David married
1 Samuel 25:3,4,5,9,10,14,19,25 (twice in verse) (),
1 Samuel 25:26 10t. 1Samuel +
2 Samuel 2:2;
2 Samuel 3:3. .
Topical Lexicon
Identity and SettingNabal is introduced as “a very wealthy man, with three thousand sheep and a thousand goats” dwelling in Maon and conducting business in Carmel (1 Samuel 25:2). Scripture notes that “the man was harsh and evil in his dealings” (1 Samuel 25:3). His name becomes synonymous with folly and moral insensibility.
Narrative Summary
During a season of shearing, David’s men, who had peacefully protected Nabal’s shepherds, request provisions (1 Samuel 25:5-8). Nabal answers, “Who is David? … Shall I take my bread and my water and my meat that I have slaughtered for my shearers and give it to men whose origin I do not know?” (1 Samuel 25:10-11). David prepares to avenge the insult, but Abigail intervenes with gifts and wise words, turning aside bloodshed (1 Samuel 25:18-31). Ten days after Abigail’s plea, “the LORD struck Nabal, and he died” (1 Samuel 25:38). David then blesses God for upholding justice and marries the widowed Abigail (1 Samuel 25:39-42).
Moral and Theological Themes
1. Folly versus Wisdom: Nabal’s boorish response displays the hallmark of a fool—failure to recognize God’s anointed and to act kindly. His conduct echoesPsalm 14:1, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’”
2. Divine Vengeance: David’s restraint illustratesRomans 12:19’s principle later articulated by Paul: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay.” The narrative assures believers that God vindicates the righteous without their resorting to unrighteous violence.
3. Stewardship and Generosity: Nabal hoards his abundance, contrasting with the biblical mandate to show hospitality (Leviticus 19:34;Hebrews 13:2). His miserliness prefigures the rich fool ofLuke 12:16-21.
4. Speech and Destiny: Nabal’s words seal his fate. Scripture repeatedly warns that “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). His contemptuous dismissal of David becomes the instrument of his downfall.
Contrast with Abigail
Abigail is “discerning and beautiful” (1 Samuel 25:3). Her swift action—bringing bread, wine, sheep, parched grain, raisins, and figs—models peacemaking. She assumes covenant humility, referring to herself as David’s “servant” (1 Samuel 25:24). Her intercession typifies Christ’s mediatorial work, averting wrath and securing blessing. The juxtaposition of Nabal and Abigail highlights the path of death chosen by folly and the path of life secured by wisdom and faith.
Implications for Leadership and Stewardship
Nabal’s authority over resources and servants did not translate into moral leadership. Shepherds under his employ praised David’s protective presence (1 Samuel 25:15-16), yet Nabal ignored their testimony. The episode warns contemporary leaders that material success without godliness breeds ruin. Biblical stewardship demands attentiveness to God’s work and generosity toward His servants.
David’s Formation Through Nabal’s Folly
David’s anger was justifiable by cultural norms of reciprocal kindness, yet God uses Abigail to prevent David from shedding innocent blood before ascending the throne. The incident forms part of David’s spiritual training in patience and reliance on divine timing—an essential preparation for godly kingship.
Divine Justice and Providence
Nabal’s sudden death—“his heart failed within him, and he became like a stone. About ten days later, the LORD struck Nabal” (1 Samuel 25:37-38)—demonstrates that judgment can be swift and individualized. Providence is equally evident in Abigail’s timely arrival, the preservation of David’s conscience, and the later incorporation of Abigail into the Davidic household, advancing redemptive history.
Legacy and Subsequent Mentions
After the main narrative, Nabal’s name surfaces only in identifications of Abigail: “David’s wives were Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite” (1 Samuel 30:5;2 Samuel 2:2; 3:3). His legacy, therefore, is reduced to a cautionary footnote attached to the fame of a wise woman and a righteous king.
Practical Applications for Ministry
• Cultivate generosity; withhold nothing good when God prompts.
• Guard speech; contempt for God’s servants invites discipline.
• Trust divine justice; personal revenge can forfeit future blessing.
• Encourage wise intermediaries; peacemakers avert needless conflict.
• Teach that material prosperity is no shield against divine judgment when moral folly reigns.
Forms and Transliterations
כְנָבָל֙ כנבל לְנָבָ֛ל לנבל מִנָּבָ֔ל מנבל נָבָ֔ל נָבָ֖ל נָבָ֗ל נָבָ֛ל נָבָ֜ל נָבָ֡ל נָבָ֣ל נָבָ֥ל נָבָל֒ נָבָל֙ נבל chenaVal ḵə·nā·ḇāl ḵənāḇāl lə·nā·ḇāl lənāḇāl lenaVal min·nā·ḇāl minnāḇāl minnaVal nā·ḇāl nāḇāl naVal
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