1 Samuel 25:14
But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them.
Original Language Analysis
וְלַֽאֲבִיגַ֙יִל֙
Abigail
H26
וְלַֽאֲבִיגַ֙יִל֙
Abigail
Strong's:
H26
Word #:
1 of 18
abigail or abigal, the name of two israelitesses
הִגִּ֧יד
told
H5046
הִגִּ֧יד
told
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
מֵֽהַנְּעָרִ֖ים
of the young men
H5288
מֵֽהַנְּעָרִ֖ים
of the young men
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
5 of 18
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
מֵֽהַנְּעָרִ֖ים
of the young men
H5288
מֵֽהַנְּעָרִ֖ים
of the young men
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
7 of 18
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
שָׁלַח֩
sent
H7971
שָׁלַח֩
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
10 of 18
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
מַלְאָכִ֧ים׀
messengers
H4397
מַלְאָכִ֧ים׀
messengers
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
12 of 18
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
מֵֽהַמִּדְבָּ֛ר
out of the wilderness
H4057
מֵֽהַמִּדְבָּ֛ר
out of the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
13 of 18
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
לְבָרֵ֥ךְ
to salute
H1288
לְבָרֵ֥ךְ
to salute
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
14 of 18
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲדֹנֵ֖ינוּ
our master
H113
אֲדֹנֵ֖ינוּ
our master
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
16 of 18
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
Historical Context
Household servants often understood situations their masters ignored. Going to the wife when the husband created problems was a recognized avenue for problem-solving in ancient households. The servant's willingness to report Nabal's foolishness to Abigail suggests she was known for wisdom.
Questions for Reflection
- How do wise servants navigate around foolish masters?
- What does the servant's trust in Abigail reveal about her reputation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them.
A servant's warning to Abigail initiates her intervention. The Hebrew 'vayit bahem' (railed on them/flew at them) describes Nabal's aggressive verbal attack. The servant contradicts Nabal's feigned ignorance—he knows David 'sent messengers out of the wilderness' for legitimate purpose. The phrase 'to salute' (levarekh—literally 'to bless') emphasizes the peaceful intent of David's approach. This servant's initiative reveals household awareness that Nabal's response created danger. Servants going around their master to his wife indicates desperate circumstances. The information network that failed in Saul's household (servants afraid to speak) functioned in Nabal's—at least regarding his wife.