1 Samuel · Chapter 25

V. 1. Lamented him-Those have hard hearts, that can bury their faithful ministers with dry eyes, and are not sensible of the loss of them who have prayed for them, and taught them the way of the Lord.

Verse 1. And Samuel died] Samuel lived, as is supposed, about ninety-eight years; was in the government of Israel before Saul from sixteen to twenty years; and ceased to live, according to the Jews, about four months before the death of Saul; but according to Calmet and others, two years. But all this is very uncertain; how long he died before Saul, cannot be ascertained. For some account of his character, see the end of the chapter. See Clarke “1 Samuel 25:44”.

Buried him in his house] Probably this means, not his dwelling-house, but the house or tomb he had made for his sepulture; and thus the Syriac and Arabic seem to have understood it.

David-went down to the wilderness of Paran.] This was either on the confines of Judea, or in Arabia Petræa, between the mountains of Judah and Mount Sinai; it is evident from the history that it was not far from Carmel, on the south confines of Judah.

Verse 1. And Samuel died — According to the best chronologers, he governed Israel after the death of Eli sixteen years or upward, and lived about forty years after in the reign of Saul; and all the Israelites lamented him — It is no wonder that so wise and holy a man, so righteous a ruler, so just a judge, and so enlightened a prophet, should be uncommonly and universally lamented; especially when the wisdom and equity of his government, compared with Saul’s tyranny and extravagance, made his memory more dear and his loss more regretted. “Those have hard hearts,” says Henry, “that can bury their faithful ministers with dry eyes, and are not sensible of the loss of them who have prayed for them, and taught them the way of the Lord.” And buried him in his house in Ramah — Where, it is likely, there was a burying-place for his family in some part of his garden, or some field adjacent. For they had then no public places of interment. He was now attended by all Israel to his grave, and his remains, many centuries after, were removed with incredible pomp, and almost one continued train of attendants, from Ramah to Constantinople, by the Emperor Arcadius, A.D. 401.

Verse 1. Samuel died, four months, say the rabbins, before the death of Saul. The elders of the nation from all the tribes attended, to behold the glory of a setting sun, which left its lustre bright on high. His bones, says Jerome, were long after removed to Constantinople, over which Justin the emperor raised a monument.

NABAL AND ABIGAIL, 1-44.

The episode of this chapter is a narrative so clear and simple as to require little textual comment; but it furnishes us several most interesting pictures of domestic life in the East, and also shows that David and his men were neither idle nor useless during all the time of their life in the wilderness.

1. Samuel died — This fact seems to have been recorded here because it occurred about this period of David’s wanderings. Lamented him — And well they might, not only in view of his historical greatness and moral worth, but also in view of their past ingratitude to him. They probably felt that many of the disasters of Saul’s reign had befallen them because they rejected Samuel and clamoured for a king like the nations. Buried him in his house — In the buryingplace belonging to his house, perhaps in the court or garden immediately contiguous thereto, where, like Joseph of Arimathea, (Matthew 27:60,) he may have had his tomb prepared long before his decease. Wilderness of Paran — This bounds the wilderness of Judah on the south. See on Genesis 21:21, and Numbers 10:12.

V. 2. Carmel-In some part of this wilderness Israel wandered, when they came out of Egypt. The place would bring to mind God’s care concerning them, which David might now improve for his own encouragement.

Verse 2. Whose possessions were in Carmel — In some part of this wilderness Israel wandered, when they came out of Egypt. The place would bring to David’s mind God’s care over them, which he might now improve for his own encouragement.

2. Carmel — Not the noted promontory of this name in Central Palestine, on the seacoast of the Mediterranean; but one of the cities of Judah about six miles, south of Hebron and one mile northwest of Maon, where Saul erected his monument. 1 Samuel 15:12. See also Joshua 15:55. Nabal’s work kept him most of the time at Carmel, though his residence was at Maon, and therefore it was at Carmel that David sent his young men to greet him. Verse 5.

V. 3. Abigail-That is, the joy of his father: yet he could not promise himself much joy of her, when he married her to such an husband: it seems, in inquiring, (no unfrequent thing) more after his wealth, than after his wisdom. Caleb-This is added to aggravate his crime, that he was a degenerate branch of that noble stock of Caleb, and consequently of the tribe of Judah, as David was.

Verse 3. The name of the man was Nabal] The word lbn nabal signifies to be foolish, base, or villanous; and hence the Latin word nebulo, knave, is supposed to be derived.

The name of his wife Abigail] The joy or exultation of my father. A woman of sense and beauty, married to the boor mentioned above, probably because he was rich. Many women have been thus sacrificed. Of the house of Caleb] yblk awhw vehu Chalibbi, “he was a Calebite.” But as the word caleb signifies a dog, the Septuagint have understood it as implying a man of a canine disposition, and translate it thus, kai o anqrwpov kunikov, he was a doggish man. It is understood in the same way by the Syriac and Arabic.

Verse 3. The name of his wife was Abigail — That is, the joy of his father; yet he could not promise himself much joy of her, when he married her to such a husband; it seems, by inquiring (no unfrequent thing) more after his wealth than after his wisdom. He was of the house of Caleb — This is added to aggravate his crime, that he was a degenerate branch of that noble stock of Caleb, and consequently of the tribe of Judah, as David was.

Ver. 3. The name of the man was Nabal, a stubborn foolish man. His estates lay in Carmel, where his thousand goats could leap on the rocks, and his sheep feed on the hills. These flocks David had protected, and had fair claims of hospitality. David had retired into those borders of Tyre to avoid collision with the court of Saul.

3. Churlish — Harsh, stern, cross, and surly. Of the house of Caleb — Who inherited Hebron. Joshua 14:13; 15:13. The Septuagint renders yblk, Calebite, by kunikov, doggish.

V. 4. Shear sheep-Which times were celebrated with feasting.

Verses 4-6. Nabal did shear his sheep — Which times were celebrated with feasting. That liveth in prosperity — In the Hebrew it is, To him that liveth, but the word life in Scripture often signifies happiness, as death signifies misery. By speaking thus, David both congratulates Nabal’s felicity, and tacitly intimates to him the distress in which he and his men were.

NABAL AND ABIGAIL, 1-44.

The episode of this chapter is a narrative so clear and simple as to require little textual comment; but it furnishes us several most interesting pictures of domestic life in the East, and also shows that David and his men were neither idle nor useless during all the time of their life in the wilderness.

1. Samuel died — This fact seems to have been recorded here because it occurred about this period of David’s wanderings. Lamented him — And well they might, not only in view of his historical greatness and moral worth, but also in view of their past ingratitude to him. They probably felt that many of the disasters of Saul’s reign had befallen them because they rejected Samuel and clamoured for a king like the nations. Buried him in his house — In the buryingplace belonging to his house, perhaps in the court or garden immediately contiguous thereto, where, like Joseph of Arimathea, (Matthew 27:60,) he may have had his tomb prepared long before his decease. Wilderness of Paran — This bounds the wilderness of Judah on the south. See on Genesis 21:21, and Numbers 10:12.

Verses 4-6. Nabal did shear his sheep — Which times were celebrated with feasting. That liveth in prosperity — In the Hebrew it is, To him that liveth, but the word life in Scripture often signifies happiness, as death signifies misery. By speaking thus, David both congratulates Nabal’s felicity, and tacitly intimates to him the distress in which he and his men were.

NABAL AND ABIGAIL, 1-44.

The episode of this chapter is a narrative so clear and simple as to require little textual comment; but it furnishes us several most interesting pictures of domestic life in the East, and also shows that David and his men were neither idle nor useless during all the time of their life in the wilderness.

1. Samuel died — This fact seems to have been recorded here because it occurred about this period of David’s wanderings. Lamented him — And well they might, not only in view of his historical greatness and moral worth, but also in view of their past ingratitude to him. They probably felt that many of the disasters of Saul’s reign had befallen them because they rejected Samuel and clamoured for a king like the nations. Buried him in his house — In the buryingplace belonging to his house, perhaps in the court or garden immediately contiguous thereto, where, like Joseph of Arimathea, (Matthew 27:60,) he may have had his tomb prepared long before his decease. Wilderness of Paran — This bounds the wilderness of Judah on the south. See on Genesis 21:21, and Numbers 10:12.

V. 6. Prosperity-By this expression David both congratulates Nabal’s felicity, and tacitly minds him of the distress in which he and his men were.

Verse 6. Peace be both to thee] This is the ancient form of sending greetings to a friend: Peace to THEE, peace to thy HOUSEHOLD, and peace to all that THOU HAST. That is, May both thyself, thy family, and all that pertain unto thee, be in continual prosperity!

Perhaps David, by this salutation, wished Nabal to understand that he had acted so towards him and his property that nothing had been destroyed, and that all had been protected; see 1 Samuel 25:15-17.

Verses 4-6. Nabal did shear his sheep — Which times were celebrated with feasting. That liveth in prosperity — In the Hebrew it is, To him that liveth, but the word life in Scripture often signifies happiness, as death signifies misery. By speaking thus, David both congratulates Nabal’s felicity, and tacitly intimates to him the distress in which he and his men were.

6. That liveth in prosperity — It is better to regard the word yjl as a salutation, For life! that is, Health! Prosperity! Then render: Thus shall ye say, Health! Peace be both to thee, etc.

V. 7. We hurt not-This considering the licentiousness of soldiers, and the necessities David and his men were exposed to, was no small favour, which Nabal was bound both in justice, and gratitude, and prudence to requite.

Verse 7. Thy shepherds which there with us, we hurt them not] It is most evident that David had a claim upon Nabal, for very essential services performed to his herdmen at Carmel. He not only did them no hurt, and took none of their flocks for the supply of his necessities, but he protected them from the rapacity of others; they were a WALL unto us, said Nabal’s servants, both by night and day. In those times, and to the present day, wandering hordes of Arabs, under their several chiefs, think they have a right to exact contributions of provisions, &c., wherever they come; David had done nothing of this kind, but protected them against those who would.

Verses 7, 8. We hurt them not, &c. — This, considering the licentiousness of soldiers, and the necessities David and his men were exposed to, was no small favour, which Nabal was bound both in justice and gratitude, and prudence, to requite. We come in a good day — That is, in a day of feasting and rejoicing; when men are most cheerful and liberal; when thou mayest relieve us out of thy abundance without damage to thyself; when thou art receiving the mercies of God, and therefore obliged to pity and relieve distressed and indigent persons. Give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thy hand — Most obliging words, and full of respect, mixed with strong arguments; and they did not desire delicacies, but any thing that was at hand which he could spare.

NABAL AND ABIGAIL, 1-44.

The episode of this chapter is a narrative so clear and simple as to require little textual comment; but it furnishes us several most interesting pictures of domestic life in the East, and also shows that David and his men were neither idle nor useless during all the time of their life in the wilderness.

1. Samuel died — This fact seems to have been recorded here because it occurred about this period of David’s wanderings. Lamented him — And well they might, not only in view of his historical greatness and moral worth, but also in view of their past ingratitude to him. They probably felt that many of the disasters of Saul’s reign had befallen them because they rejected Samuel and clamoured for a king like the nations. Buried him in his house — In the buryingplace belonging to his house, perhaps in the court or garden immediately contiguous thereto, where, like Joseph of Arimathea, (Matthew 27:60,) he may have had his tomb prepared long before his decease. Wilderness of Paran — This bounds the wilderness of Judah on the south. See on Genesis 21:21, and Numbers 10:12.

V. 8. A good day-That is, in a day of feasting and rejoicing; when men are most chearful and liberal; when thou mayst relieve us out of thy abundance without damage to thyself; when thou art receiving the mercies of God, and therefore obliged to pity and relieve distressed and indigent persons.

Verse 8. Whatsoever cometh to thine hand] As thou art making a great feast for thy servants, and I and my men, as having essentially served thee, would naturally come in for a share were we present; send a portion by my ten young men, for me and my men, that we also may rejoice with you. Certainly this was a very reasonable and a very modest request. This mode of address is not unfrequent among the Hindoos: “O father, fill the belly of thy son; he is in distress.”

Verses 7, 8. We hurt them not, &c. — This, considering the licentiousness of soldiers, and the necessities David and his men were exposed to, was no small favour, which Nabal was bound both in justice and gratitude, and prudence, to requite. We come in a good day — That is, in a day of feasting and rejoicing; when men are most cheerful and liberal; when thou mayest relieve us out of thy abundance without damage to thyself; when thou art receiving the mercies of God, and therefore obliged to pity and relieve distressed and indigent persons. Give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thy hand — Most obliging words, and full of respect, mixed with strong arguments; and they did not desire delicacies, but any thing that was at hand which he could spare.

Ver. 8. We come in a good day. The christian can say the same of sacraments and of divine ordinances.

8. We come in a good day — A day of festivity and rejoicing. The occasion of sheep-shearing was accompanied with a festal meal, and the owner of the flocks was expected to deal liberally with all who had helped care for his possessions. Compare 2 Samuel 13:24. Give I pray thee — “On such a festive occasion near a town or village, even in our own time, an Arab sheik of the neighbouring desert would hardly fail to put in a word, either in person or by message; and his message, both in form and substance, would be only the transcript of that of David.” — Robinson.

9. Ceased — Rather, as the margin has it, they rested. They sat down to wait the fulfilment of their request.

Verse 10. Who is David?] Nabal’s answer shows the surliness of his disposition. It was unjust to refuse so reasonable a request; and the manner of the refusal was highly insulting. It is true what his own servants said of him, He is such a son of Belial that one cannot speak to him, 1 Samuel 25:17.

Verse 10. Who is David? — There be many servants, &c. — He reproaches them all as a company of fugitives and vagabonds; and, in effect, taxes David with infidelity to his master Saul; a most rude and brutish answer to such a civil message and humble request.

NABAL AND ABIGAIL, 1-44.

The episode of this chapter is a narrative so clear and simple as to require little textual comment; but it furnishes us several most interesting pictures of domestic life in the East, and also shows that David and his men were neither idle nor useless during all the time of their life in the wilderness.

1. Samuel died — This fact seems to have been recorded here because it occurred about this period of David’s wanderings. Lamented him — And well they might, not only in view of his historical greatness and moral worth, but also in view of their past ingratitude to him. They probably felt that many of the disasters of Saul’s reign had befallen them because they rejected Samuel and clamoured for a king like the nations. Buried him in his house — In the buryingplace belonging to his house, perhaps in the court or garden immediately contiguous thereto, where, like Joseph of Arimathea, (Matthew 27:60,) he may have had his tomb prepared long before his decease. Wilderness of Paran — This bounds the wilderness of Judah on the south. See on Genesis 21:21, and Numbers 10:12.

NABAL AND ABIGAIL, 1-44.

The episode of this chapter is a narrative so clear and simple as to require little textual comment; but it furnishes us several most interesting pictures of domestic life in the East, and also shows that David and his men were neither idle nor useless during all the time of their life in the wilderness.

1. Samuel died — This fact seems to have been recorded here because it occurred about this period of David’s wanderings. Lamented him — And well they might, not only in view of his historical greatness and moral worth, but also in view of their past ingratitude to him. They probably felt that many of the disasters of Saul’s reign had befallen them because they rejected Samuel and clamoured for a king like the nations. Buried him in his house — In the buryingplace belonging to his house, perhaps in the court or garden immediately contiguous thereto, where, like Joseph of Arimathea, (Matthew 27:60,) he may have had his tomb prepared long before his decease. Wilderness of Paran — This bounds the wilderness of Judah on the south. See on Genesis 21:21, and Numbers 10:12.

NABAL AND ABIGAIL, 1-44.

The episode of this chapter is a narrative so clear and simple as to require little textual comment; but it furnishes us several most interesting pictures of domestic life in the East, and also shows that David and his men were neither idle nor useless during all the time of their life in the wilderness.

1. Samuel died — This fact seems to have been recorded here because it occurred about this period of David’s wanderings. Lamented him — And well they might, not only in view of his historical greatness and moral worth, but also in view of their past ingratitude to him. They probably felt that many of the disasters of Saul’s reign had befallen them because they rejected Samuel and clamoured for a king like the nations. Buried him in his house — In the buryingplace belonging to his house, perhaps in the court or garden immediately contiguous thereto, where, like Joseph of Arimathea, (Matthew 27:60,) he may have had his tomb prepared long before his decease. Wilderness of Paran — This bounds the wilderness of Judah on the south. See on Genesis 21:21, and Numbers 10:12.

NABAL AND ABIGAIL, 1-44.

The episode of this chapter is a narrative so clear and simple as to require little textual comment; but it furnishes us several most interesting pictures of domestic life in the East, and also shows that David and his men were neither idle nor useless during all the time of their life in the wilderness.

1. Samuel died — This fact seems to have been recorded here because it occurred about this period of David’s wanderings. Lamented him — And well they might, not only in view of his historical greatness and moral worth, but also in view of their past ingratitude to him. They probably felt that many of the disasters of Saul’s reign had befallen them because they rejected Samuel and clamoured for a king like the nations. Buried him in his house — In the buryingplace belonging to his house, perhaps in the court or garden immediately contiguous thereto, where, like Joseph of Arimathea, (Matthew 27:60,) he may have had his tomb prepared long before his decease. Wilderness of Paran — This bounds the wilderness of Judah on the south. See on Genesis 21:21, and Numbers 10:12.

Verses 14-17. But one of the young men told Abigail, &c. — One of those belonging to Nabal. Who can help admiring the wisdom and fidelity of this shepherd, who admonished his mistress of the danger her family was in; as he rationally concluded from the rude abuse that had been put upon David, whose merits he honestly set forth before her. They were a wall unto us — This servant says more than David’s men had said of themselves; that they not only did them no harm, but were a guard to them against robbers and against wild beasts. A man cannot speak to him — But he flies into a passion. Nabal must have been a most brutish, churlish man, to extort such a character of himself from his own servants.

NABAL AND ABIGAIL, 1-44.

The episode of this chapter is a narrative so clear and simple as to require little textual comment; but it furnishes us several most interesting pictures of domestic life in the East, and also shows that David and his men were neither idle nor useless during all the time of their life in the wilderness.

1. Samuel died — This fact seems to have been recorded here because it occurred about this period of David’s wanderings. Lamented him — And well they might, not only in view of his historical greatness and moral worth, but also in view of their past ingratitude to him. They probably felt that many of the disasters of Saul’s reign had befallen them because they rejected Samuel and clamoured for a king like the nations. Buried him in his house — In the buryingplace belonging to his house, perhaps in the court or garden immediately contiguous thereto, where, like Joseph of Arimathea, (Matthew 27:60,) he may have had his tomb prepared long before his decease. Wilderness of Paran — This bounds the wilderness of Judah on the south. See on Genesis 21:21, and Numbers 10:12.

Verses 14-17. But one of the young men told Abigail, &c. — One of those belonging to Nabal. Who can help admiring the wisdom and fidelity of this shepherd, who admonished his mistress of the danger her family was in; as he rationally concluded from the rude abuse that had been put upon David, whose merits he honestly set forth before her. They were a wall unto us — This servant says more than David’s men had said of themselves; that they not only did them no harm, but were a guard to them against robbers and against wild beasts. A man cannot speak to him — But he flies into a passion. Nabal must have been a most brutish, churlish man, to extort such a character of himself from his own servants.

NABAL AND ABIGAIL, 1-44.

The episode of this chapter is a narrative so clear and simple as to require little textual comment; but it furnishes us several most interesting pictures of domestic life in the East, and also shows that David and his men were neither idle nor useless during all the time of their life in the wilderness.

1. Samuel died — This fact seems to have been recorded here because it occurred about this period of David’s wanderings. Lamented him — And well they might, not only in view of his historical greatness and moral worth, but also in view of their past ingratitude to him. They probably felt that many of the disasters of Saul’s reign had befallen them because they rejected Samuel and clamoured for a king like the nations. Buried him in his house — In the buryingplace belonging to his house, perhaps in the court or garden immediately contiguous thereto, where, like Joseph of Arimathea, (Matthew 27:60,) he may have had his tomb prepared long before his decease. Wilderness of Paran — This bounds the wilderness of Judah on the south. See on Genesis 21:21, and Numbers 10:12.

Verses 14-17. But one of the young men told Abigail, &c. — One of those belonging to Nabal. Who can help admiring the wisdom and fidelity of this shepherd, who admonished his mistress of the danger her family was in; as he rationally concluded from the rude abuse that had been put upon David, whose merits he honestly set forth before her. They were a wall unto us — This servant says more than David’s men had said of themselves; that they not only did them no harm, but were a guard to them against robbers and against wild beasts. A man cannot speak to him — But he flies into a passion. Nabal must have been a most brutish, churlish man, to extort such a character of himself from his own servants.

16. A wall unto us both by night and day — This shows that David used his men not for purposes of plunder, but for the protection of the helpless. The son of Jesse therefore had a just claim on Nabal for the services he had rendered him.

V. 17. Can not speak-But he flies into a passion.

Verses 14-17. But one of the young men told Abigail, &c. — One of those belonging to Nabal. Who can help admiring the wisdom and fidelity of this shepherd, who admonished his mistress of the danger her family was in; as he rationally concluded from the rude abuse that had been put upon David, whose merits he honestly set forth before her. They were a wall unto us — This servant says more than David’s men had said of themselves; that they not only did them no harm, but were a guard to them against robbers and against wild beasts. A man cannot speak to him — But he flies into a passion. Nabal must have been a most brutish, churlish man, to extort such a character of himself from his own servants.

17. Son of Belial — See note on 1 Samuel 1:16.

V. 18. Abigail took, &c.-This she did without his leave, because it was a case of apparent necessity, for the preservation of herself, and husband, and all the family from imminent ruin. And surely, that necessity which dispenseth with God’s positive commands, might dispense with the husband’s right, in this case. Bottles-Casks or rundlets.

Verse 18. Took two hundred loaves] The Eastern bread is ordinarily both thin and small; and answers to our cakes.

Two bottles of wine] That is, two goat-skins full. The hide is pulled off the animal without ripping up; the places where the legs, &c., were are sewed up, and then the skin appears one large bag. This is properly the Scripture and Eastern bottle. There is one such before me. Five sheep] Not one sheep to one hundred men.

Clusters of raisins] Raisins dried in the sun.

Cakes of figs] Figs cured, and then pressed together. We receive the former in jars, and the latter in small barrels; and both articles answer the description here given.

Now all this provision was a matter of little worth, and, had it been granted in the first instance, it would have perfectly satisfied David, and secured the good offices of him and his men. Abigail showed both her wisdom and prudence in making this provision. Out of three thousand sheep Nabal could not have missed five; and as this claim was made only in the time of sheep-shearing, it could not have been made more than once in the year: and it certainly was a small price for such important services.

Verses 18, 19. Then Abigail took two hundred loaves, &c. — This shows he was a great man, who had plenty of provisions in his house. Abigail did this of her own accord, without her husband’s leave, because it was a case of apparent necessity, for the preservation of herself and husband, and all the family, from imminent ruin. She said unto her servants, Go on before me, &c. — They carried the present, that David, beholding it, might be a little mitigated before she came to him.

Ver. 18. Two bottles of wine. Bruce calls these gerbashes, strong hides sewed close, and thrown over the back of a beast.

NABAL AND ABIGAIL, 1-44.

The episode of this chapter is a narrative so clear and simple as to require little textual comment; but it furnishes us several most interesting pictures of domestic life in the East, and also shows that David and his men were neither idle nor useless during all the time of their life in the wilderness.

1. Samuel died — This fact seems to have been recorded here because it occurred about this period of David’s wanderings. Lamented him — And well they might, not only in view of his historical greatness and moral worth, but also in view of their past ingratitude to him. They probably felt that many of the disasters of Saul’s reign had befallen them because they rejected Samuel and clamoured for a king like the nations. Buried him in his house — In the buryingplace belonging to his house, perhaps in the court or garden immediately contiguous thereto, where, like Joseph of Arimathea, (Matthew 27:60,) he may have had his tomb prepared long before his decease. Wilderness of Paran — This bounds the wilderness of Judah on the south. See on Genesis 21:21, and Numbers 10:12.

Verses 18, 19. Then Abigail took two hundred loaves, &c. — This shows he was a great man, who had plenty of provisions in his house. Abigail did this of her own accord, without her husband’s leave, because it was a case of apparent necessity, for the preservation of herself and husband, and all the family, from imminent ruin. She said unto her servants, Go on before me, &c. — They carried the present, that David, beholding it, might be a little mitigated before she came to him.

NABAL AND ABIGAIL, 1-44.

The episode of this chapter is a narrative so clear and simple as to require little textual comment; but it furnishes us several most interesting pictures of domestic life in the East, and also shows that David and his men were neither idle nor useless during all the time of their life in the wilderness.

1. Samuel died — This fact seems to have been recorded here because it occurred about this period of David’s wanderings. Lamented him — And well they might, not only in view of his historical greatness and moral worth, but also in view of their past ingratitude to him. They probably felt that many of the disasters of Saul’s reign had befallen them because they rejected Samuel and clamoured for a king like the nations. Buried him in his house — In the buryingplace belonging to his house, perhaps in the court or garden immediately contiguous thereto, where, like Joseph of Arimathea, (Matthew 27:60,) he may have had his tomb prepared long before his decease. Wilderness of Paran — This bounds the wilderness of Judah on the south. See on Genesis 21:21, and Numbers 10:12.

Verse 20. She came down-and David-came down] David was coming down Mount Paran; Abigail was coming down from Carmel.-Calmet.

20. Covert of the hill — A concealed place in the fastnesses of the mountains, away from human habitation.

Verse 21. Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow hath — Though David justly thought he had no right to take any part of the flock of Nabal by way of plunder; yet, when he and his men had taken the trouble of defending them for some time from all damage, which, probably, they otherwise could not have escaped, he concluded, with much reason, that he and his men, when reduced to necessity, had cause to expect something by way of gratuity from Nabal, for the services they had done him.

NABAL AND ABIGAIL, 1-44.

The episode of this chapter is a narrative so clear and simple as to require little textual comment; but it furnishes us several most interesting pictures of domestic life in the East, and also shows that David and his men were neither idle nor useless during all the time of their life in the wilderness.

1. Samuel died — This fact seems to have been recorded here because it occurred about this period of David’s wanderings. Lamented him — And well they might, not only in view of his historical greatness and moral worth, but also in view of their past ingratitude to him. They probably felt that many of the disasters of Saul’s reign had befallen them because they rejected Samuel and clamoured for a king like the nations. Buried him in his house — In the buryingplace belonging to his house, perhaps in the court or garden immediately contiguous thereto, where, like Joseph of Arimathea, (Matthew 27:60,) he may have had his tomb prepared long before his decease. Wilderness of Paran — This bounds the wilderness of Judah on the south. See on Genesis 21:21, and Numbers 10:12.

V. 22. Enemies of David-That is, unto David himself. But because it might seem ominous to curse himself, therefore instead of David, he mentions David’s enemies. But is this the voice of David? Can he speak so unadvisedly with his lips? Has he been so long in the school of affliction, and learned no more patience therein? Lord, what is man? And what need have we to pray, lead us not into temptation.

Verse 22. So and more also do God] Nothing can justify this part of David’s conduct. Whatever his provocation might have been, he had suffered, properly speaking, no wrongs; and his resolution to cut off a whole innocent family, because Nabal had acted ungenerously towards him, was abominable and cruel, not to say diabolic. He who attempts to vindicate this conduct of David is, at least constructively, a foe to God and truth. David himself condemns this most rash and unwarrantable conduct, and thanks God for having prevented him from doing this evil, 1 Samuel 25:32, &c.

Any that pisseth against the wall.] This expression certainly means either men or dogs, and should be thus translated, if I leave-any male; and this will answer both to men and dogs, and the offensive mode of expression be avoided. I will not enter farther into the subject: Bochart and Calmet have done enough, and more than enough; and in the plainest language too.

Verse 22. So and more also do God unto the enemies of David — That is, unto David himself. But because it might seem ominous to curse himself, therefore, instead of David, he mentions David’s enemies: see 1 Samuel 20:16. The meaning seems to be, that he wishes God might bless his enemies, and pour evil upon himself, if he did not destroy Nabal and all the males of his family before the morning. But is this the voice of David? Can he speak so unadvisedly with his lips? Has he been so long in the school of affliction, and learned no more patience therein? Lord, what is man? And what need have we to pray, Lead us not into temptation! David’s wrath, though perhaps justly moved, here carried him to a pitch that, if executed, would have filled him with remorse, sorrow, and shame, as it could by no means have been reconciled to the laws of that God who was his defender, and whom alone he confided in for support under, and deliverance out of, his troubles. In which laws, too, he was well instructed, and therefore ought to have been governed by them, and not by his furious resentment.

22. Any that pisseth against the wall — Here this proverbial expression first occurs, and we give the reader the several opinions on it. Bochart, Rodiger and Keil understand by the phrase a male person. But it is a sufficient objection to this opinion that in the East, men perform this office of nature in a sitting posture. And were this objection removed, there is no apparent reason for characterizing men generally by this term. For similar reasons we regard as unsatisfactory the opinion that a little boy is meant. More plausibility attaches to the explanation of Ephraem Syrus, Vatablus, and others, that the expression characterizes a dog. But it seems clear from 1 Kings 14:10; 16:11, and some other passages, that persons are intended; and Jahn, Furst and others have well inferred that, from being primarily applied to dogs, which are thus fittingly characterized, the expression was at length used of slaves and persons of the lowest class. Thus the phrase would be used contemptuously of an enemy whom one designed utterly to exterminate. He would cut off an entire household, even to the lowest, most insignificant, and contemptible member. Compare marginal references.

NABAL AND ABIGAIL, 1-44.

The episode of this chapter is a narrative so clear and simple as to require little textual comment; but it furnishes us several most interesting pictures of domestic life in the East, and also shows that David and his men were neither idle nor useless during all the time of their life in the wilderness.

1. Samuel died — This fact seems to have been recorded here because it occurred about this period of David’s wanderings. Lamented him — And well they might, not only in view of his historical greatness and moral worth, but also in view of their past ingratitude to him. They probably felt that many of the disasters of Saul’s reign had befallen them because they rejected Samuel and clamoured for a king like the nations. Buried him in his house — In the buryingplace belonging to his house, perhaps in the court or garden immediately contiguous thereto, where, like Joseph of Arimathea, (Matthew 27:60,) he may have had his tomb prepared long before his decease. Wilderness of Paran — This bounds the wilderness of Judah on the south. See on Genesis 21:21, and Numbers 10:12.

V. 24. And said, &c.-Impute Nabal’s sin to me, and if thou pleasest, punish it in me, who here offer myself as a sacrifice to thy just indignation. This whole speech of Abigail shews great wisdom, by an absolute submitting to mercy, without any pretence of justification, of what was done, (but rather with aggravation of it) she endeavours to work upon David’s generosity, to pardon it. And there is hardly any head of argument, whence the greatest orator might argue in this case, which she doth not manage to the best advantage.

Verse 24. Upon me, my lord, let this iniquity be, &c. — Impute Nabal’s sin to me; and, if thou pleasest, punish it in me, who here offer myself as a sacrifice to thy just indignation. This whole speech of Abigail shows great wisdom. By an absolute submitting to mercy, without any pretence of justification of what was done, (but rather with aggravation of it,) she endeavours to work upon David’s generosity, to pardon it. And there is hardly any head of argument, whence the greatest orator might argue in this case, which she doth not manage to the best advantage.

NABAL AND ABIGAIL, 1-44.

The episode of this chapter is a narrative so clear and simple as to require little textual comment; but it furnishes us several most interesting pictures of domestic life in the East, and also shows that David and his men were neither idle nor useless during all the time of their life in the wilderness.

1. Samuel died — This fact seems to have been recorded here because it occurred about this period of David’s wanderings. Lamented him — And well they might, not only in view of his historical greatness and moral worth, but also in view of their past ingratitude to him. They probably felt that many of the disasters of Saul’s reign had befallen them because they rejected Samuel and clamoured for a king like the nations. Buried him in his house — In the buryingplace belonging to his house, perhaps in the court or garden immediately contiguous thereto, where, like Joseph of Arimathea, (Matthew 27:60,) he may have had his tomb prepared long before his decease. Wilderness of Paran — This bounds the wilderness of Judah on the south. See on Genesis 21:21, and Numbers 10:12.

V. 25. Nabal is his name-Nabal signifies a fool.

Verse 25. Let not my lord regard this man of Belial, &c. — She represents him as a man that offended out of folly, rather than malice; which might in some degree excuse his rudeness. For as his name is, so is he — Nabal in the Hebrew signifies a fool, though not one by nature, but rather through pride and insolence.

25. Nabal… his name, and folly… with him — In the Hebrew there is a play upon the words, the word for folly being nebalah; Nabal is his name and nebalah is with him.

V. 26. As Nabal-Let them be as contemptible as Nabal is, and will be for this odious action; let them be as unable to do thee any hurt as he is; let them be forced to yield to thee, and implore thy pardon, as Nabal now doth by my mouth: let the vengeance thou didst design upon Nabal and his family fall upon their heads, who, by their inveterate malice against thee, do more deserve it than this fool for this miscarriage; and much more than all the rest of our family, who, as they are none of thine enemies, so they were in way guilty of this wicked action. And therefore spare these, and execute thy vengeance upon more proper objects.

Verse 26. Seeing the Lord hath withholden thee from coming to shed blood — Nothing could possibly be spoken to David with more effect, to turn away his wrath, than thus to insinuate such an opinion of his goodness and clemency, as already to conclude she had diverted him from his purpose; or, rather, that God had interposed by his good providence to hinder him from shedding blood. Now let thine enemies be as Nabal — Let them be as contemptible as Nabal is, and will be for this odious action; let them be as unable to do thee any hurt as he is; let them be forced to yield to thee, and implore thy pardon, as Nabal now doth by my mouth; let the vengeance thou didst design upon Nabal and his family fall upon their heads, who, by their inveterate malice against thee, do more deserve it than this fool for this miscarriage; and much more than all the rest of our family, who, as they are none of thine enemies, so they were no way guilty of this wicked action. And therefore spare these, and execute thy vengeance upon more proper objects.

26. The Lord hath withholden thee from coming to shed blood — By providentially bringing Abigail in his way to appease him with presents and words of prudent counsel. David’s dark purpose against Nabal was rash and unjustifiable; for, though certainly treated with contempt, he had suffered no wrongs sufficient to demand such bloody vengeance as he had purposed in his heart. Be as Nabal — Be such a fool as he is, for that is sufficient punishment in itself.

V. 27. Blessing-So a gift or present is called here, and elsewhere; not only because the matter of it comes from God’s blessing; but also because it is given with a blessing, or with a good will. Unto the young men-As being unworthy of thine acceptance or use.

Verse 27. Now this blessing — That is, this present or gift. The same phrase is used, 1 Samuel 30:26; 2 Kings 5:15. A present is termed a blessing, not only because the matter of it comes from God’s blessing, but also because it is given with a blessing, or with a good will. Let it be given unto the young men — As being unworthy of David’s own acceptance. Thus humbly she speaks of the noble present she had brought.

NABAL AND ABIGAIL, 1-44.

The episode of this chapter is a narrative so clear and simple as to require little textual comment; but it furnishes us several most interesting pictures of domestic life in the East, and also shows that David and his men were neither idle nor useless during all the time of their life in the wilderness.

1. Samuel died — This fact seems to have been recorded here because it occurred about this period of David’s wanderings. Lamented him — And well they might, not only in view of his historical greatness and moral worth, but also in view of their past ingratitude to him. They probably felt that many of the disasters of Saul’s reign had befallen them because they rejected Samuel and clamoured for a king like the nations. Buried him in his house — In the buryingplace belonging to his house, perhaps in the court or garden immediately contiguous thereto, where, like Joseph of Arimathea, (Matthew 27:60,) he may have had his tomb prepared long before his decease. Wilderness of Paran — This bounds the wilderness of Judah on the south. See on Genesis 21:21, and Numbers 10:12.

V. 28. The trespass-That is, which I have taken upon myself, and which, if it be punished, the punishment will reach to me. Sure house-Will give the kingdom to thee, and to thy house for ever, as he hath promised thee. And therefore let God’s kindness to thee, make thee gentle and merciful to others; do not sully thy approaching glory with the stain of innocent blood; but consider, that it is the glory of a king, to profit by offences: and that it will be thy loss to cut off such as will shortly be thy subjects. The battles-For the Lord, and for the people of the Lord against their enemies; especially, the Philistines. And as this is thy proper work, and therein thou mayest expect God’s blessing; so it is not thy work to draw thy sword in thy own private quarrel against any of the people of the Lord; and God will not bless thee in it. Evil hath not, &c.-Though thou hast been charged with many crimes by Saul and others; yet thy innocency is evident to all men: do not therefore by this cruel act, justify thine enemies reproaches, or blemish thy great and just reputation.

Verse 28. And evil hath not been found in thee] Thou hast not committed any act of this kind hitherto.

Verse 28. Forgive the trespass of thy handmaid — That is, the trespass which I have taken upon myself, and which, if it be punished, the punishment will reach to me. Sure house — Will give the kingdom to thee, and to thy house for ever, as he hath promised thee. And therefore let God’s kindness to thee make thee gentle and merciful to others; do not sully thy approaching glory with the stain of innocent blood; but consider that it is the glory of a king to pass by offences: and that it will be thy loss to cut off such as will shortly be thy subjects.

My lord fighteth the battles, &c. — For the Lord, and for the people of the Lord, against their enemies; especially the Philistines. And, as this is thy proper work, and therein thou mayest expect God’s blessing; so it is not thy work to draw thy sword in thy own private quarrel against any of the people of the Lord; and God will not bless thee in it. Evil hath not been found in thee, &c. — Though thou hast been charged with many crimes, by Saul and others, yet thy innocence is evident to all men. Do not therefore, by this cruel act, justify thine enemies’ reproaches, or blemish thy great and just reputation.

28. Forgive the trespass of thine handmaid — The trespass of coming unbidden into thy way and opposing thy purposes. For — This casual particle refers to what is implied in the preceding words. Thou canst afford to forgive, for the Lord, etc.

V. 29. A man-Saul though no way injured. Thy soul-To take away thy life. Bundle of life-Or, in the bundle: that is, in the society, or congregation of the living; out of which, men are taken, and cut off by death. The phrase is taken from the common usage of men, who bind those things in bundles, which they are afraid to lose. The meaning is, God will preserve thy life; and therefore it becomes not thee, unnecessarily to take away the lives of any; especially of the people of thy God. With the Lord-That is, in the custody of God, who by his watchful providence, preserves this bundle, and all that are in it; and thee in a particular manner, as being thy God in a particular way, and special covenant. The Jews understand this. not only of the present life, but of that which is to come, even the happiness of departed souls, and therefore use it commonly, as an inscription on their grave-stones. “Here we have laid the body, trusting the soul is bound up in the bundle of life with the Lord.” Sling out-God himself will cut them off suddenly, violently, and irresistibly; and cast them far away; both from his presence, and from thy neighbourhood, and from all capacity of doing thee hurt.

Verse 29. Shall be bound in the bundle of life] Thy life shall be precious in the sight of the Lord: it shall be found in the bundle of life; it shall be supported by Him who is the Spring and Fountain of life, and ever be found united to those who are most favoured by the Almighty. Them shall he sling out] Far from being bound and kept together in union with the Fountain of life, he will cast them off from himself as a stone is cast out from a sling. This betokens both force and violence.

Verse 29. A man hath risen to pursue thee — Saul, though no way injured. To seek thy soul — To take away thy life. Bundle of life — Or, in the bundle: that is, in the society, or congregation of the living; out of which men are taken, and cut off by death. The phrase is taken from the common usage of men, who bind those things in bundles which they are afraid to lose. The meaning is, God will preserve thy life; and therefore it becomes not thee, unnecessarily, to take away the lives of any; especially of the people of thy God. With the Lord — That is, in the custody of God, who, by his watchful providence, preserves this bundle, and all that are in it; and thee in a particular manner, as being thy God in a particular way, and special covenant. The Jews understand this, not only of the present life, but of that which is to come, even the happiness of separate souls; and therefore use it commonly as an inscription on their grave-stones. “Here we have laid the body, trusting the soul is bound up in the bundle of life with the Lord.” Them shall he sling out — God himself will cut them off suddenly, violently, and irresistibly; and cast them far away; both from his presence and from thy neighbourhood, and from all capacity of doing thee hurt.

Ver. 29. The bundle of life; a Hebraism for the immortality of the soul, and the happiness of separate spirits under the throne of glory. So rabbi Solomon Ben Gabirol, a Hebrew poet, uses the phrase, “Thou hast prepared under the throne of thy glory an abode for the souls of thy saints: there the souls of the sanctified dwell, who are bound up in the bundle of life. There the weary find repose; there they renew their strength, after the toils and fatigues of the present world. There they enjoy consolation, and unlimited pleasures and delight.”

29. A man is risen to pursue thee — Saul. All David’s persecutions and his royal destiny, seem to have been fully known to Abigail. She may have learned them from some prophet during one of her journeys to the tabernacle. Shall be bound in the bundle of life with the Lord — “The metaphor is taken from the custom of binding up valuable things in a bundle, to prevent their being injured. The words do not refer primarily to eternal life with God in heaven, but only to the safe preservation of the righteous on this earth in the grace and fellowship of the Lord. But whosoever is so hidden in the gracious fellowship of the Lord in this life that no enemy can harm him or injure his life, the Lord will not allow to perish, even though temporal death should come, but will then receive him into eternal life.” — Keil. Sling out — Hurled away and scattered where they may not be found. Vivid contrast to being gathered and bound together in “the bundle of life.”

NABAL AND ABIGAIL, 1-44.

The episode of this chapter is a narrative so clear and simple as to require little textual comment; but it furnishes us several most interesting pictures of domestic life in the East, and also shows that David and his men were neither idle nor useless during all the time of their life in the wilderness.

1. Samuel died — This fact seems to have been recorded here because it occurred about this period of David’s wanderings. Lamented him — And well they might, not only in view of his historical greatness and moral worth, but also in view of their past ingratitude to him. They probably felt that many of the disasters of Saul’s reign had befallen them because they rejected Samuel and clamoured for a king like the nations. Buried him in his house — In the buryingplace belonging to his house, perhaps in the court or garden immediately contiguous thereto, where, like Joseph of Arimathea, (Matthew 27:60,) he may have had his tomb prepared long before his decease. Wilderness of Paran — This bounds the wilderness of Judah on the south. See on Genesis 21:21, and Numbers 10:12.

V. 31. No grief-The mind and conscience will be free from all the torment which such an action would cause in thee. By which, she intimates, what a blemish this would be to his glory, what a disturbance to his peace, if he proceeded to execute his purpose: and withal implies, how comfortable it would be to him to remember, that he had for conscience to God, restrained his passions. Causeless-Which she signifies would be done if he should go on. For though Nabal had been guilty of abominable rudeness, and ingratitude; yet he had done nothing worthy of death, by the laws of God or of man. And whatsoever he had done, the rest of his family were innocent. Avenged-Which is directly contrary to God’s law, Leviticus 19:18 Deuteronomy 32:35. Then-When God shall make thee king, let me find grace in thy sight.

Verse 31. This shall be no grief unto thee — Thy mind and conscience will be free from all the torment which such an action would cause in thee. By which, she insinuates what a blemish this would be to his glory, what a disturbance to his peace, if he proceeded to execute his purpose; and withal implies, how comfortable it would be to him to remember that he had, for conscience toward God, restrained his passions. Shed blood causeless — Which, she signifies, would be done if he should go on. For though Nabal had been guilty of abominable rudeness and ingratitude, yet he had done nothing worthy of death by the laws of God or of man. And whatsoever he had done, the rest of his family were innocent. Or that my lord hath avenged himself — Which is directly contrary to God’s law, Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 32:35. Then — When God shall make thee king, let me find grace in thy sight.

31. This… no grief unto thee — An act of cruel bloodshed might have been an occasion of anguish to him at a later day, but an act of forgiveness and mercy never.

V. 32. The Lord-Who by his gracious providence so disposed matters, that thou shouldst come to me: He rightly begins at the fountain of his deliverance; and then proceeds to the instruments.

Verses 32, 33. Blessed be the Lord, &c. — Who, by his gracious providence, so disposed matters that thou shouldst come to me. He rightly begins at the fountain of this deliverance; and then proceeds to the instruments. Who hast kept me from coming, &c. — Which I had sworn to do. Hereby it plainly appears, that oaths, whereby men bind themselves to any sin, are null and void; and, as it was a sin to make them, so it is adding sin to sin to perform them.

NABAL AND ABIGAIL, 1-44.

The episode of this chapter is a narrative so clear and simple as to require little textual comment; but it furnishes us several most interesting pictures of domestic life in the East, and also shows that David and his men were neither idle nor useless during all the time of their life in the wilderness.

1. Samuel died — This fact seems to have been recorded here because it occurred about this period of David’s wanderings. Lamented him — And well they might, not only in view of his historical greatness and moral worth, but also in view of their past ingratitude to him. They probably felt that many of the disasters of Saul’s reign had befallen them because they rejected Samuel and clamoured for a king like the nations. Buried him in his house — In the buryingplace belonging to his house, perhaps in the court or garden immediately contiguous thereto, where, like Joseph of Arimathea, (Matthew 27:60,) he may have had his tomb prepared long before his decease. Wilderness of Paran — This bounds the wilderness of Judah on the south. See on Genesis 21:21, and Numbers 10:12.

V. 33. From coming, &c.-Which I had sworn to do. Hereby it plainly appears, that oaths whereby men bind themselves to any sin, are null and void: and as it was a sin to make them; so it is adding sin to sin to perform them.

Verses 32, 33. Blessed be the Lord, &c. — Who, by his gracious providence, so disposed matters that thou shouldst come to me. He rightly begins at the fountain of this deliverance; and then proceeds to the instruments. Who hast kept me from coming, &c. — Which I had sworn to do. Hereby it plainly appears, that oaths, whereby men bind themselves to any sin, are null and void; and, as it was a sin to make them, so it is adding sin to sin to perform them.

NABAL AND ABIGAIL, 1-44.

The episode of this chapter is a narrative so clear and simple as to require little textual comment; but it furnishes us several most interesting pictures of domestic life in the East, and also shows that David and his men were neither idle nor useless during all the time of their life in the wilderness.

1. Samuel died — This fact seems to have been recorded here because it occurred about this period of David’s wanderings. Lamented him — And well they might, not only in view of his historical greatness and moral worth, but also in view of their past ingratitude to him. They probably felt that many of the disasters of Saul’s reign had befallen them because they rejected Samuel and clamoured for a king like the nations. Buried him in his house — In the buryingplace belonging to his house, perhaps in the court or garden immediately contiguous thereto, where, like Joseph of Arimathea, (Matthew 27:60,) he may have had his tomb prepared long before his decease. Wilderness of Paran — This bounds the wilderness of Judah on the south. See on Genesis 21:21, and Numbers 10:12.

NABAL AND ABIGAIL, 1-44.

The episode of this chapter is a narrative so clear and simple as to require little textual comment; but it furnishes us several most interesting pictures of domestic life in the East, and also shows that David and his men were neither idle nor useless during all the time of their life in the wilderness.

1. Samuel died — This fact seems to have been recorded here because it occurred about this period of David’s wanderings. Lamented him — And well they might, not only in view of his historical greatness and moral worth, but also in view of their past ingratitude to him. They probably felt that many of the disasters of Saul’s reign had befallen them because they rejected Samuel and clamoured for a king like the nations. Buried him in his house — In the buryingplace belonging to his house, perhaps in the court or garden immediately contiguous thereto, where, like Joseph of Arimathea, (Matthew 27:60,) he may have had his tomb prepared long before his decease. Wilderness of Paran — This bounds the wilderness of Judah on the south. See on Genesis 21:21, and Numbers 10:12.

V. 35. Accepted-That is, shewed my acceptance of thy person, by my grant of thy request.

Verses 35, 36. I have accepted thy person — That is, showed my acceptance of thy person by my grant of thy request. Behold, he held a feast — As the manner was upon those solemn occasions. Sordid covetousness and vain prodigality were met together in him. Told nothing — As he was then incapable of admonition, his reason and conscience being both asleep.

NABAL AND ABIGAIL, 1-44.

The episode of this chapter is a narrative so clear and simple as to require little textual comment; but it furnishes us several most interesting pictures of domestic life in the East, and also shows that David and his men were neither idle nor useless during all the time of their life in the wilderness.

1. Samuel died — This fact seems to have been recorded here because it occurred about this period of David’s wanderings. Lamented him — And well they might, not only in view of his historical greatness and moral worth, but also in view of their past ingratitude to him. They probably felt that many of the disasters of Saul’s reign had befallen them because they rejected Samuel and clamoured for a king like the nations. Buried him in his house — In the buryingplace belonging to his house, perhaps in the court or garden immediately contiguous thereto, where, like Joseph of Arimathea, (Matthew 27:60,) he may have had his tomb prepared long before his decease. Wilderness of Paran — This bounds the wilderness of Judah on the south. See on Genesis 21:21, and Numbers 10:12.

V. 36. A feast-As the manner was upon those solemn occasions. Sordid covetousness, and vain prodigality were met together in him. Told nothing-As he was then incapable of admonition, his reason and conscience being both asleep.

Verses 35, 36. I have accepted thy person — That is, showed my acceptance of thy person by my grant of thy request. Behold, he held a feast — As the manner was upon those solemn occasions. Sordid covetousness and vain prodigality were met together in him. Told nothing — As he was then incapable of admonition, his reason and conscience being both asleep.

36. A great feast in his house — The continuation of the festival of his sheep-shearing, of which David had sought to share a part.

V. 37. His heart died-He fainted away through the fear and horror of so great a mischief though it was past. As one, who having in the night galloped over a narrow plank, laid upon a broken bridge, over a deep river; when in the morning he came to review it, was struck dead with the horror of the danger he had been in.

Verse 37. His heart died within him, and he became as a stone.] He was thunderstruck, and was so terrified at the apprehension of what he had escaped, that the fear overcame his mind, he became insensible to all things around him, probably refused all kinds of nourishment, and died in ten days.

Verses 37, 38. His heart died — He fainted away through the fear and horror of so great a mischief, though it was past. As one, who, having in the night galloped over a narrow plank, laid upon a broken bridge over a deep river, when in the morning he came to review it, was struck dead with the horror of the danger he had been in. The Lord smote Nabal — God either inflicted some other stroke upon him, or increased his grief and fear to such a height as killed him.

37. His heart died within him — Through vexation, as some suppose, that his wife had so far complied with the desires of David; but more likely through excessive terror at learning the danger from which he had so narrowly escaped. He became as a stone — Utterly paralyzed with horror and fear.

V. 38. Smote-God either inflicted some other stroke upon him, or increased his grief and fear to such an height, as killed him.

Verses 37, 38. His heart died — He fainted away through the fear and horror of so great a mischief, though it was past. As one, who, having in the night galloped over a narrow plank, laid upon a broken bridge over a deep river, when in the morning he came to review it, was struck dead with the horror of the danger he had been in. The Lord smote Nabal — God either inflicted some other stroke upon him, or increased his grief and fear to such a height as killed him.

38. The Lord smote Nabal — With another stroke, similar in nature to the first, but much more terrible, and which resulted in putting an end to his life. Interpreters have generally, and very naturally, supposed it to have been a stroke of apoplexy.

V. 39. Blessed, &c.-This was another instance of human infirmity in David. David sent-But this doubtless was not done immediately after Nabal’s death, but some time after it; though such circumstances be commonly omitted in the sacred history; which gives only the heads, and most important passages of things.

Verse 39. To take her to him to wife.] It is likely that he had heard before this that Saul, to cut off all his pretensions to the throne, had married Michal to Phalti; and this justified David in taking Abigail or any other woman; and, according to the then custom, it was not unlawful for David to take several wives. By his marriage with Abigail, it is probable he became possessed of all Nabal’s property in Carmel and Maon.

Verse 39. Blessed, &c. — This was another instance of human infirmity in David. David sent — But this doubtless was not done immediately after Nabal’s death, but some time after it; though such circumstances be commonly omitted in the sacred history, which gives only the heads and most important passages of things.

39. My reproach — The disgrace and contempt David received from Nabal. David sent… to take her to… wife — How soon after Nabal’s death is not said, but probably not long. She doubtless mourned, according to custom, a set time for her husband, (comp. 2 Samuel 11:26,) but the haste with which, seemingly, David consummated his marriage with her as ill agrees with our notions of propriety as does his polygamy with our Christian law of marriage.

NABAL AND ABIGAIL, 1-44.

The episode of this chapter is a narrative so clear and simple as to require little textual comment; but it furnishes us several most interesting pictures of domestic life in the East, and also shows that David and his men were neither idle nor useless during all the time of their life in the wilderness.

1. Samuel died — This fact seems to have been recorded here because it occurred about this period of David’s wanderings. Lamented him — And well they might, not only in view of his historical greatness and moral worth, but also in view of their past ingratitude to him. They probably felt that many of the disasters of Saul’s reign had befallen them because they rejected Samuel and clamoured for a king like the nations. Buried him in his house — In the buryingplace belonging to his house, perhaps in the court or garden immediately contiguous thereto, where, like Joseph of Arimathea, (Matthew 27:60,) he may have had his tomb prepared long before his decease. Wilderness of Paran — This bounds the wilderness of Judah on the south. See on Genesis 21:21, and Numbers 10:12.

41. To wash the feet — To perform the most humble services.

42. She… became his wife — And shared his varying fortunes during his life in the wilderness, and afterwards at Ziklag and Hebron. 1 Samuel 27:3; 30:5; 2 Samuel 2:2.

Verse 43. David also took Ahinoam] Many think that this was his wife before he took Abigail; she is always mentioned first in the list of his wives, and she was the mother of his eldest son Ammon.

Of Jezreel] There were two places of this name; one in the tribe of Issachar, the other in the tribe of Judah.

43. Ahinoam — Who also shared his fortunes, and was the mother of his eldest son, Amnon. 2 Samuel 3:2. Of Jezreel — Not the Jezreel of Central Palestine, which fell to the tribe of Issachar, (Joshua 19:18,) but a city somewhere in the vicinity of Carmel and Maon. Joshua 15:56. Its site has not been identified with any modern town. Both of them his wives — see note on 1 Samuel 1:2.

Verse 44. Phalti] Called also Phaltiel, 2 Samuel 3:16. Of Gallim.] Probably a city or town in the tribe of Benjamin; see Isaiah 10:30. It is likely therefore that Saul chose this man because he was of his own tribe.

IN this chapter we have the account of the death of Samuel, who from his infancy had been devoted to God and the service of his people. He was born at a time in which religion was at a very low ebb in Israel, as there were but very few prophets, and no open vision-scarcely any revelation from God. Those who might be called prophets had no regular ministry of God’s word; they were extraordinary messengers sent for a particular purpose, and not continued in the work any longer than the time necessary to deliver their extraordinary message.

Samuel is supposed to have been the first who established academies or schools for prophets, at least we do not hear of them before his time; and it is granted that they continued till the Babylonish captivity. This was a wise institution, and no doubt contributed much to the maintenance of pure religion, and the prevention of idolatry among that people. Samuel reformed many abuses in the Jewish state, and raised it to a pitch of political consequence to which it had been long a stranger. He was very zealous for the honour of God, and supported the rights of pure religion, of the king, and of the people, against all encroachments. He was chief magistrate in Israel before the appointment of a king, and afterwards he acted as prime minister to Saul, though without being chosen or formally appointed to that station. Indeed, he seems on the whole to have been the civil and ecclesiastical governor, Saul being little more than general of the Israelitish forces.

In his office of minister in the state, he gave the brightest example of zeal, diligence, inflexible integrity, and uncorruptedness. He reproved both the people and the king for their transgressions, with a boldness which nothing but his sense of the Divine authority could inspire, and yet he tempered it with a sweetness which showed the interest he felt in their welfare, and the deep and distressing concern he felt for their back-slidings and infidelities. He was incorrupt; he received no man’s bribe; he had no pension from the state; he enriched none of his relatives from the public purse; left no private debts to be discharged by his country. He was among the Hebrews what Aristides is said to have been among the Greeks, so poor at his death, though a minister of state, that he did not leave property enough to bury him. Justice was by him duly and impartially administered, and oppression and wrong had no existence.

If there ever was a heaven-born minister, it was Samuel; in whose public and private conduct there was no blemish, and whose parallel cannot be found in the ancient or modern history of any country in the universe. Let ministers of state who have sought for nothing but their own glory, and have increased the public burdens by their improvident expenditure; who have endeavoured, by their wordy representations, to dazzle and elude the people, and impose false grandeur in the place of true greatness and solid prosperity; who have oppressed the many, and enriched the worthless few; fall down at the feet of THIS heaven-born man, and learn, from this immaculate judge of Israel, what a faithful servant to his king, and an incorruptible minister of state, means, and in retiring from their high station, or in going to appear before the judgment-seat of God, see whether, in the presence of their king, and in the face of the thousands of their people, they can boldly say, “Behold, here am I! Witness against me before the Lord and before his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose ass have I seized? Whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed, by the imposition of heavy taxes for the support of needless expenses, and the payment of venal men? Or of whose hand have I taken any bribe to blind my eyes? Scrutinize my conduct, examine the state of my family, compare their present circumstances with what they were previously to my administration, and see if you can find aught in my hands.” See 1 Samuel 12:1, &c.

O, how seldom in the annals of the world, from the assembled heads of the great body politic, can the departing prime minister hear, “Thou hast not defrauded us, thou hast not oppressed us; neither hast thou taken aught of any man’s hand! “ This voice call be heard from Gilgal; but of what other minister can this be spoken but of Samuel the seer, who was the gift of God’s mercy to the people of Israel; whose memory was too precious to be intrusted to public monuments, but stands, and alas; almost unique in the BOOK OF GOD? Of Daniel, and his administration, I shall have occasion to speak elsewhere.

A prime minister, deeply devoted to God and faithful to his king and to his country, is so rare a character in the world, that when he does occur, he should be held up to public admiration. But I have no parallel for Samuel. See the notes on 1 Samuel 12:1-25 and on 1 Samuel 24:6. I SAMUEL

44. Saul had given Michal… David’s wife, to Phalti — Hoping thereby to cut off one of David’s pretensions to the throne, and to attach a new family to his cause. Compare the restoration of Michal to David, 2 Samuel 3:14-16, where the son of Laish is called Phaltiel. Gallim — This place is mentioned Isaiah 10:30, in connection with several towns in the tribe of Benjamin, and was probably somewhere between Gibeah and Michmash; but its site is now unknown.