1 Samuel 25 13

1 Samuel 25:13 kjv

And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff.

1 Samuel 25:13 nkjv

Then David said to his men, "Every man gird on his sword." So every man girded on his sword, and David also girded on his sword. And about four hundred men went with David, and two hundred stayed with the supplies.

1 Samuel 25:13 niv

David said to his men, "Each of you strap on your sword!" So they did, and David strapped his on as well. About four hundred men went up with David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies.

1 Samuel 25:13 esv

And David said to his men, "Every man strap on his sword!" And every man of them strapped on his sword. David also strapped on his sword. And about four hundred men went up after David, while two hundred remained with the baggage.

1 Samuel 25:13 nlt

"Get your swords!" was David's reply as he strapped on his own. Then 400 men started off with David, and 200 remained behind to guard their equipment.

1 Samuel 25 verses

1 Samuel 25 13 Meaning

This verse depicts David's swift and decisive reaction to Nabal's insolent refusal of his request for provisions. Fueled by anger, David commands his 600 men to arm themselves, with each man strapping on his sword. He himself also arms, signaling his direct involvement and intent. Of his armed company, 400 men immediately follow him, preparing for retribution against Nabal and his household, while the remaining 200 stay behind to guard their essential possessions and supplies. This action reveals David's leadership, his immediate readiness for conflict, and his initial resolve to avenge the insult, which nearly led to an act of violent retaliation.

1 Samuel 25 13 Context

First Samuel chapter 25 details a crucial episode in David's life while he is an outlaw, fleeing from King Saul. Having established himself as a protector in the wilderness, David sends messengers to Nabal, a wealthy man in Carmel who is shearing his sheep. David had protected Nabal's shepherds and flocks from harm, and now, at a time of festivity (sheep shearing was a feast time), he asks for provisions. Nabal, whose name ironically means "fool," responds with arrogance and contempt, insulting David and questioning his legitimacy. Verse 12 recounts David's young men returning with Nabal's harsh words. It is this insult, perceived as a gross act of ingratitude and humiliation, that triggers David's furious reaction in verse 13. David’s swift command to arm himself and his men signifies his immediate intention to exact retribution and defend his honor, preparing to wipe out Nabal and his entire household, setting the stage for Abigail's significant intervention.

1 Samuel 25 13 Word analysis

• And David said: Implies David's authority and immediate, direct command as the leader.
• to his young men,: Hebrew: el na'araw (אֶל-נְעָרָיו). Na'ar (נַעַר) generally refers to a young man or servant, but in this context, it signifies David's loyal company of warriors or personal retinue who had gathered to him (cf. 1 Sam 22:2, "everyone who was in distress, in debt, or discontented gathered to him"). They were not just ordinary youths but fighting men.
• "Every man strap on his sword!": Hebrew: ḥagru ’īsh ḥarbō (חִגְרוּ אִישׁ חַרְבּוֹ).
  • "strap on" / "gird on": ḥagar (חָגַר). This verb signifies preparing for activity, often for battle or a journey. It denotes an immediate, deliberate act of preparation, pulling the sword into position at the waist.
  • "his sword": ḥereb (חֶרֶב). A literal cutting weapon. The instruction is specific to a personal weapon of war. This highlights the seriousness of David's intent – a preparation not for mere posturing but for deadly action.
• So each man strapped on his sword;: Demonstrates the men's immediate obedience and loyalty to David's command. This swift compliance underscores David's strong leadership and the discipline of his forces.
• and David also strapped on his sword. : Shows David's full commitment to the intended action. He is not merely giving orders but is ready to participate in the conflict, indicating personal investment in the vengeance.
• And about four hundred men went up after him,: Hebrew: va'ya'alu ’aḥaraw ke’arbʻa me’ot ’ish (וַיַּעֲלוּ אַחֲרָיו כְּאַרְבַּע מֵאוֹת אִישׁ).
  • "went up after him": ’ala ’aḥar (עָלָה אַחַר). Implies ascent, suggesting moving from David’s camp towards Carmel, which would typically be an uphill journey, or simply following in procession. The phrase implies active following and participation in the advance.
  • "four hundred": A substantial armed force. Originally David had about 600 men (1 Sam 23:13; 1 Sam 27:2). Deploying two-thirds of his forces indicates a significant commitment and a powerful threat to Nabal.
• while two hundred stayed with the baggage. : Hebrew: ū-matayim yashvu ‘al ha-kelim (וּמָאתַיִם יָשְׁבוּ עַל הַכֵּלִים).
  • "stayed": yashav (יָשַׁב). To sit, dwell, remain. They were left to guard.
  • "baggage": kelim (כֵּלִים). Refers to general equipment, provisions, and belongings. This was a common military practice, ensuring their base camp and non-combatants/supplies were secure. This decision reveals David's pragmatic military thinking even in his rage, maintaining logistical integrity.

1 Samuel 25 13 Bonus section

This incident of David's initial anger and readiness for vengeance stands in stark contrast to his later restraint and reliance on God when Saul repeatedly sought his life (e.g., 1 Sam 24:6, 1 Sam 26:10-11). It serves as a reminder that even "a man after God's own heart" (1 Sam 13:14) can be swayed by personal offense and forget God's ultimate sovereignty and justice. The immediate arming of his men demonstrates the fierce loyalty David had cultivated among his followers, a trait crucial for his eventual kingship, yet here almost misused. The distinction between the 400 attacking men and the 200 baggage guards sets a precedent for later military principles found in the Old Testament, such as the sharing of spoils, as seen in 1 Sam 30:24. This incident ultimately showcases God's protective hand, using Abigail not only to prevent David's sin but also to solidify her faith and David's understanding of divine intervention.

1 Samuel 25 13 Commentary

First Samuel 25:13 captures a pivotal moment demonstrating David's raw, human response to extreme provocation. Having endured Saul's pursuit and provided unsolicited protection to Nabal's wealth, David felt utterly betrayed and humiliated by Nabal's derisive rejection and insult. His immediate command to arm, followed by the deployment of 400 armed men, signifies a violent outburst of anger and a decision to take matters into his own hands rather than trust God for vindication. This act was driven by a wounded ego and a desire for retributive justice, threatening the wholesale slaughter of an innocent household (1 Sam 25:22). While showing his leadership and men's loyalty, it also reveals a critical flaw in David's character – his propensity for rash, destructive anger, which nearly led him to commit a grave sin. It is within this explosive context that God providentially intervenes through Abigail, highlighting the divine restraint upon human wrath and setting David apart as a man capable of repentance and submission to God's ways, rather than self-justified violence.