A Fool and His Riches

At the beginning of 1 Samuel 25, a most significant event is recorded in just half of a verse: the death of Samuel. In God’s providence, this great man of God had moved into a much less public role in his later years as he shed his judge’s responsibilities with the institution of the Israelite monarchy. Now his prophetic voice is stilled, as well. All Israel laments for him, as well they should, and he is laid to rest at his home in Ramah.

About the time Samuel dies, David moves further south into the Wilderness of Paran. We are not told whether Samuel’s death prompts this move, but it may be that David feels less safe with his ally Samuel gone. But while this wilderness may be safer, it also seems less hospitable, and David must consider how to get supplies for his men. As he ponders this problem, David gets word that a rich man named Nabal, a resident of Maon who has large flocks, is shearing his sheep in Carmel. This man is of the line of Caleb, one of the great leaders of Israel during its wilderness wanderings and the conquest of Canaan. But while he is descended from Caleb and apparently has inherited some of Caleb’s allotment of land (Josh. 14:14; 15:54– 55), he is nothing like his wise and faithful ancestor. In fact, he is “harsh and evil.” His name, Nabal, literally means “fool” (v. 25), and such he will prove to be, despite his prowess at accumulating riches. (His wife, by contrast, is said to be wise and beautiful).

At some point in the past, David’s force encountered Nabal’s herdsmen in the wilderness. David and his men did no harm or wrong to the shepherds; rather, they actually protected Nabal’s men and herds from plundering by others (v. 16). Now that Nabal is shearing his sheep, he is collecting riches that he might not have but for David and his men. Therefore, David sends 10 men to Nabal with instructions to greet him very courteously in David’s name; to wish peace upon him, his family, and his servants; and then to inform him of David’s kindness to his shepherds. Finally, they are to ask that Nabal might send to David whatever is available for the support of his men. David hopes that Nabal will be in a generous mood and that when he hears of David’s kindness to his shepherds, he will want to show kindness to David in return.