1 Samuel 25:16
They were a wall unto us both by night and day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep.
Original Language Analysis
הָי֣וּ
H1961
הָי֣וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עָלֵ֔ינוּ
H5921
עָלֵ֔ינוּ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
לַ֖יְלָה
unto us both by night
H3915
לַ֖יְלָה
unto us both by night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יְמֵ֛י
all the while
H3117
יְמֵ֛י
all the while
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
9 of 13
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הֱיוֹתֵ֥נוּ
H1961
הֱיוֹתֵ֥נוּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
10 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עִמָּ֖ם
H5973
עִמָּ֖ם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
11 of 13
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Cross References
Job 1:10Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.Exodus 14:22And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.Zechariah 2:5For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.
Historical Context
Night was particularly dangerous for shepherds, as predators and thieves exploited darkness. David's men providing round-the-clock protection represented significant commitment. The 'wall' metaphor was especially meaningful in a culture where city walls meant survival.
Questions for Reflection
- How did David's protection of Nabal's shepherds demonstrate his character despite his outlaw status?
- What does this 'wall' imagery teach about the kind of protection godly leaders provide?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
They were a wall unto us both by night and day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep.
The metaphor 'wall' (Hebrew 'chomah') powerfully describes David's protection. Walls provided security for cities; David's men provided equivalent protection in open fields. The phrase 'by night and day' indicates continuous vigilance—shepherds faced threats at all hours. 'All the while' (kol yemei) emphasizes the extended duration of this protection. This testimony from Nabal's own servant thoroughly validates David's request: real, substantial service had been rendered without request for payment until now. The protective 'wall' that guarded Nabal's flocks contrasts with the military force now coming to destroy his house.