1 samuel 25:17 - Now therefore know and consider what you will do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his house; for he is such a worthless fellow that one can’t speak to him.”
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What does "1 samuel 25:17" mean?
This verse, 1 Samuel 25:17, is a key part of the story of David and Abigail. To understand it, let's break it down:
Context: Abigail's husband, Nabal, is a wealthy but foolish and arrogant man. David and his men had protected Nabal's shepherds from bandits, essentially providing him with a security service. When David asks Nabal for a customary payment (a "tip" or thank-you), Nabal insults David and refuses. David, enraged, vows to kill Nabal and all the males in his household. A young servant reports this situation to Abigail, Nabal's wife.
"Now therefore know and consider what you will do": This is the servant speaking to Abigail. He's urging her to think quickly and act decisively. The servant knows that David is coming for vengeance and that Nabal is too stubborn and foolish to prevent the coming bloodshed.
"for evil is determined against our master, and against all his house": This is the core of the servant's warning. "Evil is determined" means that disaster is inevitable unless Abigail intervenes. The servant understands the severity of David's anger and knows that David's threat is real. The phrase "against all his house" is important. David intended to kill all the males in Nabal's household in retalitaion for the insult.
"for he is such a worthless fellow that one can’t speak to him.": This is the servant's assessment of Nabal. "Worthless fellow" translates to "son of Belial," a Hebrew term for wickedness or worthlessness. The servant is saying that Nabal is so stubborn, unreasonable, and arrogant that it's impossible to reason with him or convince him to apologize to David. Nabal is incapable of resolving the situation through diplomacy or simple politeness. Therefore, Abigail must act on her own.
In summary, the verse means:
The servant is telling Abigail that a terrible disaster is about to befall her husband and everyone in his household because David is coming to take revenge. Because Nabal is a stubborn, unreasonable, and wicked man, it's impossible to speak with him to convince him to do what's necessary to prevent the disaster. Abigail must find some way to intervene and avert the coming bloodshed, since Nabal is incapable of doing so.
Significance:
This verse highlights several important themes:
The importance of wise counsel: The servant recognizes the danger and seeks help from someone who can act rationally.
The consequences of foolish behavior: Nabal's arrogance and lack of gratitude put himself and his entire household at risk.
The power of a wise woman: Abigail takes it upon herself to prevent bloodshed.
Abigail's subsequent actions in appeasing David are crucial to the story. She intercepts David with a generous gift and a humble apology, preventing him from carrying out his vengeful plan. Her wisdom and diplomacy ultimately save her household.
1 samuel 25:17 - Now therefore know and consider what you will do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his house; for he is such a worthless fellow that one can’t speak to him.”
What does "1 samuel 25:17" mean?
This verse, 1 Samuel 25:17, is a key part of the story of David and Abigail. To understand it, let's break it down:
Context: Abigail's husband, Nabal, is a wealthy but foolish and arrogant man. David and his men had protected Nabal's shepherds from bandits, essentially providing him with a security service. When David asks Nabal for a customary payment (a "tip" or thank-you), Nabal insults David and refuses. David, enraged, vows to kill Nabal and all the males in his household. A young servant reports this situation to Abigail, Nabal's wife.
"Now therefore know and consider what you will do": This is the servant speaking to Abigail. He's urging her to think quickly and act decisively. The servant knows that David is coming for vengeance and that Nabal is too stubborn and foolish to prevent the coming bloodshed.
"for evil is determined against our master, and against all his house": This is the core of the servant's warning. "Evil is determined" means that disaster is inevitable unless Abigail intervenes. The servant understands the severity of David's anger and knows that David's threat is real. The phrase "against all his house" is important. David intended to kill all the males in Nabal's household in retalitaion for the insult.
"for he is such a worthless fellow that one can’t speak to him.": This is the servant's assessment of Nabal. "Worthless fellow" translates to "son of Belial," a Hebrew term for wickedness or worthlessness. The servant is saying that Nabal is so stubborn, unreasonable, and arrogant that it's impossible to reason with him or convince him to apologize to David. Nabal is incapable of resolving the situation through diplomacy or simple politeness. Therefore, Abigail must act on her own.
In summary, the verse means:
The servant is telling Abigail that a terrible disaster is about to befall her husband and everyone in his household because David is coming to take revenge. Because Nabal is a stubborn, unreasonable, and wicked man, it's impossible to speak with him to convince him to do what's necessary to prevent the disaster. Abigail must find some way to intervene and avert the coming bloodshed, since Nabal is incapable of doing so.
Significance:
This verse highlights several important themes:
The importance of wise counsel: The servant recognizes the danger and seeks help from someone who can act rationally.
The consequences of foolish behavior: Nabal's arrogance and lack of gratitude put himself and his entire household at risk.
The power of a wise woman: Abigail takes it upon herself to prevent bloodshed.
Abigail's subsequent actions in appeasing David are crucial to the story. She intercepts David with a generous gift and a humble apology, preventing him from carrying out his vengeful plan. Her wisdom and diplomacy ultimately save her household.