1 samuel 25:11 - Shall I then take my bread, my water, and my meat that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men who I don’t know where they come from?”

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 25:11

What does "1 samuel 25:11" mean?


This verse, from 1 Samuel 25:11, is spoken by Nabal, a wealthy and foolish man, in response to a request from David (before he was king) for provisions. To understand its meaning, we need to consider the context:

David's Situation: David and his men were on the run from King Saul, who was trying to kill him. They had been protecting Nabal's shepherds and flocks from bandits, essentially providing free security.
The Shearers: Shearing season was a time of feasting and generosity. It was customary for those who benefited from the shearing to provide for those who helped them.
David's Request: David sent messengers to Nabal, respectfully requesting provisions for his men, reminding him of the protection they had provided.
Nabal's Response: Nabal's response was rude, arrogant, and ungrateful. He refused to acknowledge David's protection and questioned his legitimacy.

Therefore, the verse means:

"Am I supposed to take my food (bread, water, and meat) that I've prepared for my own workers (the shearers) and give it away to complete strangers (David and his men) whose origins and purposes I don't understand?"

The verse reveals Nabal's:

Selfishness: He was unwilling to share his wealth, even with those who had helped him.
Arrogance: He looked down on David and his men, dismissing them as vagrants.
Lack of Wisdom: He underestimated David's power and influence, failing to recognize the potential consequences of his actions.

In short, the verse is a statement of refusal and a demonstration of Nabal's stinginess and shortsightedness. It highlights the contrast between Nabal's boorishness and David's (earlier) respectful and appreciative approach, setting the stage for the dramatic events that follow in the chapter.

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