1 Samuel 25:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Samuel 25:2
2 And there was a man in Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel; and the man was very great, and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel.
Chapter Context
1 Samuel 25 is a biographical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, truth, prayer. Written during the transition to monarchy (c. 1050-1010 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Israel transitioned from tribal confederacy to monarchy while facing Philistine military pressure.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-44: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Samuel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Samuel 25:2
2 And there was a man in Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel; and the man was very great, and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel.
Analysis
And there was a man in Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel; and the man was very great, and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel.
The narrative introduces Nabal through his wealth rather than his character. The Hebrew 'gadol me'od' (very great) describes material prosperity. Three thousand sheep and one thousand goats represented substantial wealth in pastoral economy. The distinction between residence (Maon) and possessions (Carmel) indicates a wealthy landowner with distributed holdings. Sheep shearing was a festive season—a time of celebration, feasting, and generosity. Carmel here refers to the town in Judah's hill country, not the northern mountain. This prosperous setting establishes the context for David's reasonable request and Nabal's unreasonable refusal.
Historical Context
Sheep shearing was an annual event requiring many workers and typically accompanied by feasting and gift-giving. The wealth described made Nabal one of the region's most prominent men. Maon and Carmel were in the wilderness region where David's band operated.
Reflection
- What responsibilities accompany significant wealth in biblical perspective?
- How does the narrative's focus on Nabal's possessions rather than character foreshadow the story's conflict?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Samuel 23:24, 30:5, Genesis 13:2, 26:13, 38:13, Joshua 15:55