This verse is part of a plea made by David's messengers to Nabal, a wealthy but stingy man, for provisions. Let's break it down:
"Ask your young men, and they will tell you." This is David's messengers telling Nabal to ask his own servants if David's men had caused any trouble while they were in the area. It's implied that David's men protected Nabal's shepherds and flocks from thieves and wild animals. In other words, they are saying, "Ask around. We've been good neighbors."
"Therefore let the young men find favor in your eyes; for we come on a good day." "Therefore" - because David's men are good. "Good day" in this context refers to a feast or celebration day, a time when generosity would be expected. They're suggesting that since it's a feast day, Nabal should be in a generous mood and willing to help those who have helped him.
"Please give whatever comes to your hand, to your servants, and to your son David.’” This is the direct request for provisions. "Whatever comes to your hand" means whatever you are willing to give, a polite way of asking without being overly demanding. "To your servants, and to your son David" means to David's men. They're phrasing the request as if Nabal would be doing a favor to his own servants by giving to David's men. Note that "son" here is a term of respect and submission, implying David's willingness to be under Nabal's (superior) authority, even though David was of the royal tribe and Nabal was not.
In essence, the messengers are saying:
"We've been good to your men and protected your property. It's a feast day, a time for generosity. Please give us whatever you can spare for David and his men, who have served you well."
The verse highlights:
The importance of reputation and goodwill. David's messengers emphasize their good behavior in the area.
The expectation of generosity during festive occasions.
David's (at this point) indirect and humble approach to obtaining supplies. He could have taken them by force, but instead, he seeks them respectfully.
Nabal's churlish and ungrateful nature, which is further revealed when he refuses to help. This refusal ultimately leads to a series of events that significantly impact the story.
This verse is part of a plea made by David's messengers to Nabal, a wealthy but stingy man, for provisions. Let's break it down:
"Ask your young men, and they will tell you." This is David's messengers telling Nabal to ask his own servants if David's men had caused any trouble while they were in the area. It's implied that David's men protected Nabal's shepherds and flocks from thieves and wild animals. In other words, they are saying, "Ask around. We've been good neighbors."
"Therefore let the young men find favor in your eyes; for we come on a good day." "Therefore" - because David's men are good. "Good day" in this context refers to a feast or celebration day, a time when generosity would be expected. They're suggesting that since it's a feast day, Nabal should be in a generous mood and willing to help those who have helped him.
"Please give whatever comes to your hand, to your servants, and to your son David.’” This is the direct request for provisions. "Whatever comes to your hand" means whatever you are willing to give, a polite way of asking without being overly demanding. "To your servants, and to your son David" means to David's men. They're phrasing the request as if Nabal would be doing a favor to his own servants by giving to David's men. Note that "son" here is a term of respect and submission, implying David's willingness to be under Nabal's (superior) authority, even though David was of the royal tribe and Nabal was not.
In essence, the messengers are saying:
"We've been good to your men and protected your property. It's a feast day, a time for generosity. Please give us whatever you can spare for David and his men, who have served you well."
The verse highlights:
The importance of reputation and goodwill. David's messengers emphasize their good behavior in the area.
The expectation of generosity during festive occasions.
David's (at this point) indirect and humble approach to obtaining supplies. He could have taken them by force, but instead, he seeks them respectfully.
Nabal's churlish and ungrateful nature, which is further revealed when he refuses to help. This refusal ultimately leads to a series of events that significantly impact the story.