1 Samuel 25:1-4 – Don’t be a Nabal

Besides announcing Samuel’s death in the opening verse of 1 Samuel 25, we are also told that David arose and went to the wilderness of Paran, towards the south. Paran was well away from Israel where Saul was, where he had no control. Thus it makes sense for David to be where Saul had no influence. In this interim period of David’s life, we are introduced to a man by the name of Nabal who lived in Maon. He was a wealthy businessman who did his business in Carmel. We must not mix this up with Mount Carmel. Remember in 1 Samuel 15:12, we were told that Saul built a monument there. Nabal owned three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. But he was a harsh man and was evil in his dealings. And the meaning of his name, “fool” fits him well.

Let’s dwell a bit on this man with such a name. Ever wonder why would his parents give him this name? Or why was he called a fool? We can never guess but we can deduce something about him from his name. If a name is anything to go by and it often is, then we can guess the kind of a person he was. Firstly, the meaning “fool” suggests that he was godless. That is what the Bible in Psalm 53:1 said. “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God…’”  So we surmise that he was a Nabal because he did not care to think about God in his life.

Secondly, we are told that he was “harsh and evil in his dealings”. Again we turn to Psalm 53:1. The later part of verse 1 went on to describe the fool as “corrupt, and have committed abominable injustice….” That was precisely what was said of Nabal in 1 Samuel 25:3. “He was harsh and evil in his dealings.” Hence, Nabal was not only godless but was also cruel and heartless. He probably had no qualm in dealing with anyone unjustly. And thirdly, we are told that “he was a Calebite”. To mention that he was a Calebite was probably a sarcastic remark. Caleb, his forefather, was unlike him. Caleb was a godly and faith-filled man. Every bit that Nabal was, Caleb was not.    

Fortunately, Nabal had a wife who would supplement his lack. She was the very opposite of him. Her name was Abigail and she was said to be beautiful and intelligent. Nabal was a fool whereas Abigail was perceptive. He was harsh but she was beautiful. He had no concern for others, but she was intelligent and thoughtful of others. This would be seen in how she dealt with David later.  

What kind of a person would we be associated with? A Nabal or an Abigail? There is a necessity in life to connect with God. For in truly knowing Him we will not act become a Nabal. Instead, we will act like Abigail, perceptively, displaying the fruit of love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. And that’s who God wants us to be. So let’s allow God to build our character to be like an Abigail!