Study Desk

David used these words to stop his men; he did not let them attack Saul. Then Saul left the cave and went his way.

So David made the promise to Saul. Then Saul went back home, and David and his men went up to their hideout.

Now Samuel died, and all the Israelites met and had a time of sadness for him. Then they buried him at his home in Ramah. David moved to the Desert of Maon.

A man in Maon who had land at Carmel was very rich. He had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. He was cutting the wool off his sheep at Carmel.

His name was Nabal, and he was a descendant of Caleb. His wife was named Abigail. She was wise and beautiful, but Nabal was cruel and mean.

While David was in the desert, he heard that Nabal was cutting the wool from his sheep.

Then David said to them, "Put on your swords!" So they put on their swords, and David put on his also. About four hundred men went with David, but two hundred men stayed with the supplies.

Now think about it, and decide what you can do. Terrible trouble is coming to our master and all his family. Nabal is such a wicked man that no one can even talk to him."

Abigail rode her donkey and came down toward the mountain hideout. There she met David and his men coming down toward her.

David had just said, "It's been useless! I watched over Nabal's property in the desert. I made sure none of his sheep was missing. I did good to him, but he has paid me back with evil.

My master, don't pay attention to this worthless man Nabal. He is like his name. His name means ‘fool,' and he is truly a fool. But I, your servant, didn't see the men you sent.

Please forgive my wrong. The Lord will certainly let your family have many kings, because you fight his battles. As long as you live, may you do nothing bad.

The Lord will keep all his promises of good things for you. He will make you leader over Israel.

In the morning when he was not drunk, his wife told him everything. His heart stopped, and he became like stone.

When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, "Praise the Lord ! Nabal insulted me, but the Lord has supported me! He has kept me from doing wrong. The Lord has punished Nabal for his wrong." Then David sent a message to Abigail, asking her to be his wife.

His servants went to Carmel and said to Abigail, "David sent us to take you so you can become his wife."

Saul made his camp beside the road on the hill of Hakilah opposite Jeshimon, but David stayed in the desert. When he heard Saul had followed him,

So that night David and Abishai went into Saul's camp. Saul was asleep in the middle of the camp with his spear stuck in the ground near his head. Abner and the army were sleeping around Saul.

But may the Lord keep me from harming his appointed king! Take the spear and water jug that are near Saul's head. Then let's go."

You have not done well. As surely as the Lord lives, you and your men should die. You haven't guarded your master, the Lord 's appointed king. Look! Where are the king's spear and water jug that were near his head?"