Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do,.... For the preservation of her family:for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household; which he concluded, either from something that dropped from David's messengers, as they turned away from Nabal; or from the martial spirit of David himself, who would never put up such an affront and indignity cast upon him; or from some intelligence he had of David's arming his men, and marching to take vengeance:for he [is such] a son of Belial, that [a man] cannot speak to him; meaning Nabal, who was such a worthless, passionate, and ill natured man, such a lawless and imperious one, that he would not suffer a man to speak to him about anything; and it was to no purpose to attempt it, which was a reason this servant did not choose to speak to him about this affair, but to Abigail; and suggests, that it would signify nothing for her to speak to him about it, but it would be most advisable for her to consider with herself what was to be done immediately, without consulting him: the words may be rendered, "for he is a son of Belial that speaks unto him" ; or when "he speaks unto him", or it is told him; meaning not the servant that reported to David what Nabal said; for Abarbinel observes there were ten of them, and therefore it could not be said of them, he is a son of Belial; but rather David himself, as he and Kimchi observe it may be interpreted of; that though he was so good and upright a man, yet when it should be told him how Nabal had treated him, he would be so provoked at it, that he would become and act like a son of Belial; storm and rage, and vow destruction to Nabal and his family, and come out with his whole army to destroy them; but the first sense is best.
Bible Commentary
1 Samuel 25:17
1 Samuel 25:17
John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible · John Gill (1697–1771) · Public Domain
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his messengers (v. 12): They turned their way. They showed their
displeasure, as became them to do, by breaking off abruptly from such a…1 Samuel 25:171 Samuel 25:17 · Treasury of Scripture Knowledgeevil: 1 Samuel 20:7, 1 Samuel 20:9, 1 Samuel 20:33; 2 Chronicles 25:16; Esther 7:7
a son of Belial: 1 Samuel 25:25, 1 Samuel 2:12; Deuteronomy 13:13; Judges 19:22; 2 Samuel 23:6-7; 1 Kings 21:10, 1 Kings 21:13; 2…