nabal

Nabal is a figure in the Hebrew Bible, described as Nabal the Carmelite, a wealthy man from Maon in the Judean wilderness and the husband of Abigail. The narrative in 1 Samuel 25 centers on his interactions with David, who would become king, and on Abigail’s intervention in a potential blood feud.

Nabal is portrayed as rich but harsh and foolish. When David’s men, who had protected Nabal’s shepherds, asked for provisions during the harvest, Nabal refused and insulted the messengers. In response, David prepared to attack Nabal’s household, vowing vengeance on the men and all the males there.

Abigail, Nabal’s intelligent and prudent wife, acted quickly. She met David with gifts of bread, wine, and provisions, and spoke to him with humility and wisdom, urging him to refrain from bloodshed and to accept God’s plan. Her counsel moved David to abandon his plan, and he acknowledged her discernment and restraint.

Shortly after, Nabal died, described as having the Lord strike him about ten days later, following Abigail’s encounter with David. David then took Abigail as his wife.

The name Nabal derives from Hebrew Naval, meaning “fool.” The episode contrasts Nabal’s foolishness and miserliness with Abigail’s prudence and tact, and it is often cited as a cautionary tale about the consequences of arrogance and the value of wise intervention.