Selfishness: Nabal
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Nabal is a biblical figure whose account is recounted in 1 Samuel 25. He is often cited as an archetype of selfishness and foolishness, serving as a cautionary tale about the perils of self-centeredness and lack of discernment. Nabal's narrative is set during the time of David's fugitive years, when David was fleeing from King Saul.

Background and Character

Nabal was a wealthy man from Maon, with property in Carmel. He is described as "very wealthy, owning a thousand goats and three thousand sheep" (1 Samuel 25:2). Despite his material wealth, Nabal's character is portrayed negatively. His name itself means "fool," and he is described as "harsh and evil in his dealings" (1 Samuel 25:3). In contrast, his wife Abigail is depicted as "intelligent and beautiful" (1 Samuel 25:3), highlighting the disparity between their characters.

The Incident with David

During the shearing of his sheep, a time of festivity and abundance, David sent ten young men to greet Nabal and request provisions. David's men had previously protected Nabal's shepherds and flocks in the wilderness, ensuring their safety. David's message was courteous and respectful, asking for whatever Nabal could spare during this time of celebration (1 Samuel 25:6-8).

Nabal's response was dismissive and insulting. He questioned David's identity and legitimacy, saying, "Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters" (1 Samuel 25:10). Nabal refused to share his provisions, demonstrating his selfishness and lack of gratitude.

Abigail's Intervention

Abigail, recognizing the danger of her husband's actions, acted swiftly and wisely. She prepared a generous gift of food and wine and went to meet David, without informing Nabal. Abigail's intervention is marked by humility and diplomacy. She acknowledged David's future as the leader of Israel and sought to avert bloodshed by taking responsibility for her husband's folly (1 Samuel 25:18-31).

David, moved by Abigail's wisdom and generosity, accepted her gift and relented from his plan to destroy Nabal and his household. He praised God for sending Abigail to prevent him from shedding blood and avenging himself (1 Samuel 25:32-35).

Nabal's Demise

When Abigail returned home, she found Nabal feasting and drunk. She waited until the next morning to inform him of the events. Upon hearing what had transpired, Nabal's heart "died within him, and he became like a stone" (1 Samuel 25:37). About ten days later, the Lord struck Nabal, and he died (1 Samuel 25:38).

Lessons from Nabal's Story

Nabal's account serves as a powerful illustration of the destructive nature of selfishness. His refusal to share his abundance, despite the protection he had received, highlights a lack of gratitude and community spirit. His inability to recognize David's future role in God's plan further underscores his foolishness. Nabal's demise is a reminder of the consequences of living a life centered on self-interest and disregard for others.

The contrast between Nabal and Abigail also emphasizes the value of wisdom, humility, and generosity. Abigail's actions not only saved her household but also aligned with God's purposes, demonstrating the blessings that come from selflessness and discernment.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Samuel 25:3,11
Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Lii. Concerning Hypocrisy, Worldly Anxiety, Watchfulness, and his ...
... The man's selfishness is shown in that he uses the pronoun "I" six times, and says
nothing of anyone else. ... Compare his words with those of Nabal at I. Sam. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lii concerning hypocrisy worldly anxiety.htm

Saul Rejected
... a swift march from the south where Amalek dwelt, passing by Nabal's Carmel, where ...
sort of service of God, ruins the whole, and turns it into mere selfishness. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/saul rejected.htm

Christian Sympathy
... 1. One of the great impediments to Christian sympathy is our own intense selfishness. ...
and your ceremonies, if all the while you are a Nabal, wickedly saying in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christian sympathy.htm

The Bright Dawn of a Reign
... and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail, Nabal's wife, the ...
the self- deception with which we gloss over our ugliest selfishness with fine ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the bright dawn of a.htm

Letter xvi. Charity.
... is concerned, is one of the most repulsive and uncomfortable forms of selfishness. ...
a man an offender for a word." One of the servants of Nabal described his ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xvi charity.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about selfishness? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3)? | GotQuestions.org

Is it wrong for parents to select the gender of their children, such as through Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)? | GotQuestions.org

Selfishness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Selfishness

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Selfishness: Contrary to the Law of God

Selfishness: Especially Forbidden to Saints

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Selfishness: Nabal

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Selfishness: The Love of Christ should Constrain Us to Avoid

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