1 Samuel 25:9
And when David's young men came, they spake to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David, and ceased.
Original Language Analysis
נַֽעֲרֵ֣י
young men
H5288
נַֽעֲרֵ֣י
young men
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
2 of 12
(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
וַיְדַבְּר֧וּ
they spake
H1696
וַיְדַבְּר֧וּ
they spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
4 of 12
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
כְּכָל
H3605
כְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַדְּבָרִ֥ים
according to all those words
H1697
הַדְּבָרִ֥ים
according to all those words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
8 of 12
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
בְּשֵׁ֣ם
in the name
H8034
בְּשֵׁ֣ם
in the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
10 of 12
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
Historical Context
Diplomatic messengers were expected to deliver messages exactly as given without embellishment. 'Ceasing' after delivery allowed the recipient to formulate response. The messengers' conduct was irreproachable, making Nabal's response entirely unjustified.
Questions for Reflection
- What does faithful message delivery teach about representing others' words?
- How does the messengers' proper conduct heighten the offense of Nabal's response?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And when David's young men came, they spake to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David, and ceased.
The messengers faithfully delivered David's message. The Hebrew 'vayanuchu' (ceased/rested) indicates they completed their speech and waited for response—proper diplomatic protocol. They spoke 'in the name of David,' invoking his authority and reputation. The phrase 'according to all those words' emphasizes they added nothing and omitted nothing—faithful representation. Their silence after speaking created space for Nabal's response. This brief verse emphasizes the messengers' integrity: they executed their commission exactly. What follows reveals Nabal's character in response to this respectful, reasonable request delivered with perfect propriety.