1Sa 25:8 | KingComments | STEP | When David hears that Nabal is shearing his sheep, he thinks this is the best opportunity to ask Nabal for a favor. It seems to have been a habit to have large meals on the occasion of the shearing of the sheep, as we also see with Absalom ( ). Shearing the sheep ( ) is like collecting the harvest. Such an event makes one happy and often generous. David sends ten young men to Nabal and tells them exactly what to wish him, what they have been to him – so that Nabal now is able to celebrate this sheep shearers festival – and what they should ask for as a favor. He orders his ten young men to first greet him in his name. Then they must wish him peace, both for him personally and for his family and servants, and for all his possessions. This wish of peace is not only politeness but shows the mind of David toward Nabal. Besides showing his mind in his good wishes David also points out his commitment to the wellbeing of Nabal. Not only has he taken nothing, but he has also ensured protection that others have taken nothing of what belongs to Nabal. With these evidences he underlines his words. And this is not all either. He points out to Nabal that he can check the truth of his statements with his servants. Finally, David appeals to the grace of Nabal. He does not demand anything, he does not threaten, he does not demand a reward, but asks Nabal to act mercifully. And is it not a good day when he approaches Nabal? With all these words David wants to create the right atmosphere for the question he wants to ask. He is humble. About his own young men, he speaks to Nabal as “your servants” and he calls himself “your son David”. He also does not give a list of desired articles but leaves it entirely to Nabal. He asks Nabal to give him “whatever you find at hand”, this means, what he can miss and has within reach, without having to make any effort.

‏ 1 Samuel 25:8

David’s Request

When David hears that Nabal is shearing his sheep, he thinks this is the best opportunity to ask Nabal for a favor. It seems to have been a habit to have large meals on the occasion of the shearing of the sheep, as we also see with Absalom (2Sam 13:23-24). Shearing the sheep (Gen 31:19 ; Gen 38:12-13) is like collecting the harvest. Such an event makes one happy and often generous.

David sends ten young men to Nabal and tells them exactly what to wish him, what they have been to him – so that Nabal now is able to celebrate this sheep shearers festival – and what they should ask for as a favor. He orders his ten young men to first greet him in his name. Then they must wish him peace, both for him personally and for his family and servants, and for all his possessions. This wish of peace is not only politeness but shows the mind of David toward Nabal.

Besides showing his mind in his good wishes David also points out his commitment to the wellbeing of Nabal. Not only has he taken nothing, but he has also ensured protection that others have taken nothing of what belongs to Nabal. With these evidences he underlines his words. And this is not all either. He points out to Nabal that he can check the truth of his statements with his servants. Finally, David appeals to the grace of Nabal. He does not demand anything, he does not threaten, he does not demand a reward, but asks Nabal to act mercifully. And is it not a good day when he approaches Nabal?

With all these words David wants to create the right atmosphere for the question he wants to ask. He is humble. About his own young men, he speaks to Nabal as “your servants” and he calls himself “your son David”. He also does not give a list of desired articles but leaves it entirely to Nabal. He asks Nabal to give him “whatever you find at hand”, this means, what he can miss and has within reach, without having to make any effort.