1 Samuel 25:9

9 And when David’s servants came, they spoke to Nabal all these words in David’s name, and then held their peace.

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 have heard that thy shepherds that were with us in the desert were shearing: we never molested them, neither was there ought missing to them of the flock at any time, all the while they were with us in Carmel.

8 Ask thy servants, and they will tell thee. Now therefore let thy servants find favour in thy eyes: for we are come in a good day, whatsoever thy hand shall find give to thy servants, and to thy son David.

9 And when David’s servants came, they spoke to Nabal all these words in David’s name, and then held their peace.

10 But Nabal answering the servants of David, said: Who is David? and what is the son of Isai? servants are multiplied now days who flee from their masters.

11 Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and the flesh of my cattle, which I have killed for my shearers, and give to men whom I know not whence they are?