Matthew Henry's Complete Bible Commentary

1 Samuel 25

We have here some intermission of David’s troubles by Saul. Providence favoured him with a breathing time, and yet this chapter gives us instances of the troubles of David. If one vexation seems to be over, we must not be secure; a storm may arise from some other point, as here to David. I. Tidings of the death of Samuel could not but trouble him, 1 Samuel 25:1. But, II. The abuse he received from Nabal is more largely recorded in this chapter. 1. The character of Nabal, 1 Samuel 25:2, 25:3. 2. The humble request sent to him, 1 Samuel 25:4-25:9. 3. His churlish answer, 1 Samuel 25:10-25:12. 4. David’s angry resentment of it, 1 Samuel 25:13, 25:21, 25:22. 5. Abigail’s prudent care to prevent the mischief it was likely to bring upon her family, 1 Samuel 25:14-25:20. 6. Her address to David to pacify him, 1 Samuel 25:23-25:31. 7. David’s favourable reception of her, 1 Samuel 25:32-25:35. 8. The death of Nabal, 1 Samuel 25:36-25:38. 9. Abigail’s marriage to David, 1 Samuel 25:39-25:44. MHBCC 262.1