Translations
Original
Notes
Paran: According to the Masoretic Text, David went to the wilderness of Paran after Samuel’s death. The Septuagint instead reads Maon, which fits better with the following story set in the Maon/Carmel area of Judah. This town in southern Judah (see study note on 1 Samuel 23:24) was probably Nabal’s home. The wilderness of Paran itself lay much farther south, in the northern Sinai near Kadesh-barnea, and is elsewhere described as a place of refuge (Genesis 21:21; 1 Kings 11:18).
This story about Nabal falls between two accounts in which Saul pursued David and David spared Saul’s life. Nabal was similar to Saul.
Events
People
David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Samuel: Prophet and last judge of Israel before the kings
Places
Mizpah: A city in Benjamin; a place of gathering and judgment Paran: A desert region in the Sinai Peninsula
Glossary
Burial, Burial Customs David Homes and Dwellings John the Baptist Meunim, Meunites Nabal Paran Ramah Rathamin Samuel (Person) Samuel, Books of First and Second Warfare
Topics
Abigail: Nabal's Wife: Her Wisdom and Tact, and Marriage to David Burial: Burying Places in Houses Burial: Places Used for Houses of the Deceased David: King of Israel: Marries Nabal's Widow, Abigail, and Ahinoam Paran: David Takes Refuge In Ramah: Also Called Ramathaim-Zophim: Samuel Dies and Was Buried In Samuel: Death of; the Lament for Him