thy shepherds: In those times, and at the present day, wandering Arabs, under their several chiefs, think that they have a right to exact contributions of provisions, etc., wherever they come. But David, though he lived in the wilderness like the Arab emirs, had not adopted their manners. One of them, at the head of 600 men, would have demanded, from time to time, some provision or present from Nabal's servants, for permitting them to feed at quiet; and would have driven them away from the watering place upon any dislike. David had done nothing of this kind; but had protected them against those who would.
we hurt: Heb. we shamed, 1 Samuel 25:15-16, 1 Samuel 25:21, 1 Samuel 22:2; Isaiah 11:6-9; Luke 3:14; Philippians 2:15, Philippians 4:8