Matthew Henry on 1 Samuel 25:12-17
Here is, I. The report made to David of the abuse Nabal had given to his messengers (Sa1 25:12): They turned their way. They showed their displeasure, as became them to do, by breaking off abruptly from such a churl, but prudently governed themselves so well as not to render railing for railing, not to call him as he deserved, much less to take by force what ought of right to have been given them, but came and told David that he might do as he thought fit. Christ's servants, when they are thus abused, must leave it to him to plead his own cause and wait till he appear in it. The servant showed his lord what affronts he had received, but did not return them, Luk 14:21.
II. David's hasty resol…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 25:10
THE CHURLISH ANSWER PROVOKES HIM. (Sa1 25:10-13)
Nabal answered David's servants, . . . Who is David? &c.--Nabal's answer seems to indicate that the country was at the time in a loose and disorderly state. David's own good conduct, however, as well as the important services rendered by him and his men, were readily attested by Nabal's servants. The preparations of David to chastise his insolent language and ungrateful requital are exactly what would be done in the present day by Arab chiefs, who protect the cattle of the large and wealthy sheep masters from the attacks of the marauding border tribes or wild beasts. Their protection creates a claim for some kind of tribute, in the shape of s…
Read the whole note in the consoleAdam Clarke on 1 Samuel 25:10
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, Sa1 25:17.
John Gill on 1 Samuel 25:12
So David's young men turned their way,.... Their backs on him, without making any reply; and though they did not return railing for railing, they treated him with silent contempt; and though they did not offer to do any injury to his person, nor to take anything away by force, yet they were determined to report this usage to David, who they doubted not would avenge the affront put on him and them:
and went again; to the wilderness from whence they came:
and came and told him all these sayings; rude and reproachful ones, just as they were delivered.
