1 samuel 25:15 - But the men were very good to us, and we were not harmed, and we didn’t miss anything, as long as we went with them, when we were in the fields.

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 25:15

What does "1 samuel 25:15" mean?


This verse, 1 Samuel 25:15, is part of Abigail's plea to David, trying to prevent him from attacking her husband Nabal's household. She's speaking about how David's men (the "men" in the verse) treated her and her servants/property:

Meaning breakdown:

"But the men were very good to us...": Abigail is emphasizing that David's men, contrary to what one might expect from soldiers, were actually helpful and considerate. They didn't abuse or threaten her and her household.

"...and we were not harmed...": This reinforces the idea that they weren't subjected to violence or mistreatment by David's men. This is notable because David and his men were essentially operating as outlaws at the time.

"...and we didn’t miss anything...": This suggests that David's men protected their possessions and resources. They didn't steal or take advantage of the situation.

"...as long as we went with them, when we were in the fields.": This is the key condition. As long as Abigail's shepherds/servants were working in the fields alongside or under the protection of David's men, they were safe and secure. It implies that David's men provided a form of security or guard duty against raiders or wild animals while her people were tending their flocks.

In essence, Abigail is arguing:

"David's men have actually been beneficial to us. They haven't harmed us; in fact, they've provided protection and ensured we didn't suffer any losses while we were out in the fields. Therefore, you shouldn't punish us for something we haven't done, and you should reconsider your planned attack."

The context is crucial:

David and his men were in the wilderness, living off the land. It was common for them to ask for provisions from wealthy landowners like Nabal. Abigail is reminding David that his men had already received kindness and that an attack would be unjust, considering their prior positive interaction. It's a diplomatic and strategic argument to appeal to David's sense of fairness and prevent bloodshed. She is building a case for peace and emphasizing that Nabal's refusal to provide provisions doesn't reflect the past behavior of David's men or the protection they offered. She's strategically reminding David that his men's conduct has been positive, contrasting with Nabal's current behavior.

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