1 Samuel 25 12

1 Samuel 25:12 kjv

So David's young men turned their way, and went again, and came and told him all those sayings.

1 Samuel 25:12 nkjv

So David's young men turned on their heels and went back; and they came and told him all these words.

1 Samuel 25:12 niv

David's men turned around and went back. When they arrived, they reported every word.

1 Samuel 25:12 esv

So David's young men turned away and came back and told him all this.

1 Samuel 25:12 nlt

So David's young men returned and told him what Nabal had said.

1 Samuel 25 verses

1 Samuel 25 12 Meaning

This verse serves as the immediate aftermath of Nabal's contemptuous rejection of David's request for provisions. David's young men, having encountered Nabal's harshness and insult, dutifully return to David and relay Nabal's exact words and scornful attitude. This comprehensive report directly ignites David's intense fury, pivoting the narrative from a polite solicitation to a decision for immediate military retaliation.

1 Samuel 25 12 Context

This verse is positioned within a significant episode (1 Sam 25:1-44) that portrays David during his time as an outlaw, hunted by King Saul. Having recently learned of Samuel's death (v.1), David moves into the wilderness of Paran. Hearing that a wealthy sheep owner named Nabal is shearing his sheep in Carmel, David sends ten of his young men to respectfully request provisions. This was a common practice of patronage and reciprocity in the Ancient Near East: those who protected the flocks from bandits, as David and his men had done for Nabal, expected provisions in return. Nabal, whose name literally means "fool" or "scoundrel," rudely rebuffs David's request (vv.10-11), not only refusing to share but also insulting David, asking "Who is David? Who is the son of Jesse?" This act was a grave breach of custom and hospitality, undermining David's legitimate status and authority. Verse 12 serves as the turning point where the insulting refusal is brought directly to David, triggering his immediate and intense preparations for punitive action.

1 Samuel 25 12 Word analysis

• So (וַיָּשֻׁב – wayyashuv): This connective term signifies a direct consequence and sequential action. It marks the shift from Nabal's words to the messengers' response, setting in motion the next event in the narrative.
• David's young men (נַעֲרֵי דָוִד – na'are Dawid): These are not mere youths but David's personal armed attendants and trusted envoys, acting on his behalf. Their status elevates the insult Nabal gave them into an affront against David himself, representing his nascent kingship and authority.
• turned around and went back (וַיָּשֻׁבוּ לְדַרְכָּם – wayyashuvu le darkam): Literally "they returned to their way." This phrase signifies the reversal of their outward journey, highlighting the failure of their mission to secure provisions peacefully. They are coming back, not with gifts, but with an ominous message.
• and when they came (וַיָּבֹאוּ – wayyavo'u): This simple phrase denotes their arrival back at David's camp. It marks the crucial moment when the information is transferred, acting as the catalyst for David's reaction.
• they told him (וַיַּגִּדוּ לוֹ – wayyagidu lo): Meaning "they informed him" or "they made known to him." This suggests a clear and possibly vivid report, ensuring David understood the full import of Nabal's words. The messengers acted faithfully in conveying the raw truth.
• all these things (אֵת כָּל־הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה – et kol-hadevarim ha'elleh): This comprehensive phrase refers specifically to Nabal's entire rude and demeaning response from verses 10-11. It indicates that the messengers withheld nothing, relating every disrespectful word Nabal had uttered, which served to infuriate David.

• "So David's young men turned around and went back": This opening segment clearly illustrates the failure of David's initial diplomatic and humble overture. It highlights the obedience of his men and the reversal of their mission's intent, setting up the immediate tension for what they will report.
• "and when they came, they told him all these things": This segment emphasizes the critical communication of Nabal's audacious insolence directly to David. The thoroughness implied by "all these things" means David received the full measure of Nabal's contempt, leaving no room for misunderstanding or mitigation, directly fueling his enraged response.

1 Samuel 25 12 Bonus section

The speed with which the messengers returned and delivered their full report underscores the immediate nature of Nabal's offense. There was no hesitation or attempt to soften the blow, indicating the blatant severity of Nabal's disrespect. This event serves as a critical test for David, showing his initial impulse towards vengeful action when provoked, highlighting the passionate side of his character which God would continue to shape through subsequent events like Abigail's intercession. This incident, therefore, is not merely about a quarrel but about David's developing leadership and God's protective hand guiding His anointed, even in moments of human frailty.

1 Samuel 25 12 Commentary

Verse 12 of 1 Samuel 25 acts as the crucial pivot in the narrative, transforming Nabal's verbal insult into David's immediate call to arms. The efficiency and directness of David's messengers in relaying "all these things" demonstrates their loyalty and the unvarnished truth of Nabal's insolence. This faithful reporting meant David heard the full extent of Nabal's disdain – his questioning of David's identity, his linkage to runaways, and his utter denial of any rightful claim. This deliberate contempt, a public challenge to David's honor and legitimate expectation of reciprocity, incensed the future king. David's intense reaction is not merely personal pique but a response typical of an ancient tribal chieftain whose honor and authority, critical for leading his men, have been flagrantly scorned. The narrative subtly sets up Nabal's foolishness, stemming from his name and actions, against God's unfolding plan for David, illustrating how even an seemingly isolated incident can become a stage for divine judgment against those who oppose God's chosen.