1 Samuel 25 4

1 Samuel 25:4 kjv

And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal did shear his sheep.

1 Samuel 25:4 nkjv

When David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep,

1 Samuel 25:4 niv

While David was in the wilderness, he heard that Nabal was shearing sheep.

1 Samuel 25:4 esv

David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep.

1 Samuel 25:4 nlt

When David heard that Nabal was shearing his sheep,

1 Samuel 25 verses

1 Samuel 25 4 Meaning

1 Samuel 25:4 describes a pivotal moment when David, living as a fugitive in the wilderness, receives news that a wealthy man named Nabal is in the midst of shearing his sheep. This seemingly simple piece of information serves as the immediate trigger for the unfolding drama and conflict that occupies the rest of the chapter, highlighting themes of provision, conflict, and divine intervention in David's journey.

1 Samuel 25 4 Context

h2This verse is positioned directly after the solemn narrative of David sparing Saul's life in the cave of Engedi (1 Sam 24). Despite his restraint and obedience, David remains a hunted fugitive, still reliant on divine provision and external resources for his band of loyal followers, numbering around six hundred men (1 Sam 22:2). Chapter 25 shifts the scene from the ongoing conflict with Saul to a new encounter, introducing Nabal, a wealthy man from Maon, whose livelihood is based on sheep farming. Sheep shearing was a major annual event, signifying prosperity and often accompanied by a celebratory feast, making it a natural time for owners to be generous or entertain. David's location "in the wilderness" emphasizes his state of hardship, displacement, and vulnerability, highlighting the stark contrast with Nabal's abundance and the pressing need for his men to be fed.

1 Samuel 25 4 Word analysis

h2

• And (וַיִּשְׁמַע - wa·yish·maʻ): The conjunction "and" connects this event directly to the preceding narrative. It indicates a continuation of David's story, specifically how events unfold as a consequence of his fugitive status. This simple connection word implies the hand of God is still orchestrating David's journey.

• David (דָּוִיד - da·wid): The divinely chosen king, yet at this time, an outcast and leader of a group of needy men. His journey is marked by reliance on God and sometimes human provision, reflecting his faith being tested.

• heard (וַיִּשְׁמַע - wa·yish·maʻ): From the root shama (שָׁמַע), meaning "to hear," "to listen," and often, "to obey." Here, it simply means he received news or information. The act of "hearing" the news sets a chain of events into motion, pivotal for the entire chapter.

• in the wilderness (בַּמִּדְבָּר - ba·mid·bar): The Hebrew midbar (מִדְבָּר) denotes a sparsely populated, uncultivated, often desolate region. For David, it was a place of refuge from Saul but also a harsh environment requiring sustenance. Biblically, the wilderness often symbolizes testing, spiritual discipline, reliance on God, and divine provision, mirroring Israel's wilderness wanderings (Exo 16:4).

• that Nabal (כִּי נָבָל - ki Na·val): Introduces a new character critical to the chapter's conflict. His name, Nabal (נָבָל), literally means "fool," "senseless," or "impious" in Hebrew (Ps 14:1; Prov 1:7). The text subtly foreshadows his character from the outset, highlighting his later arrogant and foolish actions. This naming is a deliberate literary device emphasizing his spiritual and moral state.

• was shearing (גֹּזֵז - go·zez): From the root gazaz (גָּזַז), "to shear" wool from sheep. This was an annual event of great economic significance, marking a time of prosperity and often associated with feasting, generosity, and hospitality (Gen 38:12-13; 2 Sam 13:23-28). The prosperity linked to this event highlights the disparity between Nabal and David.

• his sheep (צֹאנוֹ - tzo·no): Refers to Nabal's extensive flocks. Sheep represented significant wealth in ancient Israel (Job 42:12), underscoring Nabal's affluence and abundance. This contrasts sharply with David's humble and desperate circumstances, laying the groundwork for his request for provisions.

• David heard in the wilderness: This phrase sets up the key tension. David, the future king, chosen by God, is living in a harsh, provision-scarce environment, having to rely on unexpected sources of supply. His "hearing" this specific news signals the initiation of God's provision, albeit through human means and potential conflict. It suggests divine timing.

• Nabal was shearing his sheep: This group of words describes an event that represents wealth, feasting, and the culmination of a prosperous season for Nabal. The juxtaposition of Nabal's abundance with David's need (in the wilderness) immediately signals an upcoming encounter regarding resources and generosity, or lack thereof.

1 Samuel 25 4 Bonus section

h2

• Providential Information: The "hearing" of this news is not coincidental; it’s a detail reflecting God's providential care. Even in the seemingly mundane passing of information, God guides events to unfold, directing David towards the specific circumstances (and people) He has ordained for His purposes, whether for provision or a lesson.
• Ancient Near Eastern Customs: Shearing was a common event and an opportunity for wealthy landowners to demonstrate their beneficence, strengthening communal ties. David's expectation, therefore, was not unwarranted by societal custom, having provided protection for Nabal's shepherds and flocks previously. Nabal's refusal thus stood out as a grave violation of established norms of reciprocal hospitality and a profound lack of wisdom.
• The Contrast of Deserts: David's wilderness life stood in stark contrast to Nabal's cultivated lands. The midbar represented hardship and a proving ground for David, shaping him as a humble king. Nabal's lands, rich with "sheep and goats," represent earthly security and pride, ultimately leading to his downfall. This contrast emphasizes themes of true wealth (godly character) versus perceived wealth (material possessions).

1 Samuel 25 4 Commentary

h21 Samuel 25:4 is a concise but deeply significant verse. It acts as the narrative trigger for the dramatic events of the chapter. David's existence "in the wilderness" reflects his dependence and hardship, a period of refining his character and relying on divine providence even when his own efforts cannot guarantee sustenance. The news of "Nabal shearing his sheep" points to a specific season of agricultural prosperity and an customary time for hospitality and sharing. Nabal’s very name, "fool," provides proleptic irony to the narrative; his character and eventual actions are fully consistent with this epithet. The simple act of David "hearing" this information transforms the passive existence of a fugitive into an active engagement with a wealthy landowner, setting the stage for a conflict over provision and respect, ultimately revealing God's work in supplying His anointed and upholding justice. This event underscores that God's plans for David did not involve passive waiting alone but often included practical tests and encounters that revealed human character and God's intervention.