1 Samuel 25:9

9 David’s young men gave this message to Nabal in David’s name, and they waited for a reply.

1 Samuel 25:9 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 25:9

And when David's young men came
To Carmel:

they spake to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David;
they delivered their message punctually and exactly, in the very words, or however according to the purport of them, in David's name, as he enjoined them:

and ceased:
from speaking, waiting for Nabal's answer; or "they rested" {y}, from the fatigues of their journey; which they did not until they had delivered their message to Nabal, and then they took the liberty to sit down and rest themselves; but the former sense seems best, and is preferred by Maimonides ^F26.

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FOOTNOTES:

F25 (wxwnyw) "et quieverunt", Pagninus, Montanus, Munster.
F26 Moreh Nevochim par. 1. c. 67.

1 Samuel 25:9 In-Context

7 I am told that it is sheep-shearing time. While your shepherds stayed among us near Carmel, we never harmed them, and nothing was ever stolen from them.

8 Ask your own men, and they will tell you this is true. So would you be kind to us, since we have come at a time of celebration? Please share any provisions you might have on hand with us and with your friend David.”

9 David’s young men gave this message to Nabal in David’s name, and they waited for a reply.

10 “Who is this fellow David?” Nabal sneered to the young men. “Who does this son of Jesse think he is? There are lots of servants these days who run away from their masters.

11 Should I take my bread and my water and my meat that I’ve slaughtered for my shearers and give it to a band of outlaws who come from who knows where?”