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Notable Sources
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The Wealthy Evildoer and His Wise Wife
TANAKH
Nabal's story contrasts his wealth and harshness with his wife Abigail's intelligence and beauty. The biblical narrative in Samuel I presents Nabal as a wealthy but malevolent man, highlighting the stark difference between him and his virtuous wife, Abigail.
Nabal's Disrespect
TANAKH
Nabal's dismissive and contemptuous attitude towards David highlights his lack of recognition and respect for David's status. In the biblical narrative of Samuel I, Nabal's insulting response to David's request for provisions underscores his arrogance and ignorance.
A Divine Window for Repentance
TALMUD
The rabbinic sages recount that before killing Naval, God gave him time to repent for his sins. The Jerusalem Talmud in tractate Bikkurim draws a parallel between Naval's story and the Ten Days of Repentance between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
What did you see to assert that he who dies in three days dies from the plague? Hilfai the grandson of Rebbi Abbahu said, I heard the voice of my grandfather who preached (1S. 25:38): “It was like the ten days that the Eternal smote Nabal and he died.” The Holy One, praise to Him, suspended His judgment during the seven days of mourning for Samuel, that mourning for him and for the just person should not overlap; then he lingered another three days and died…
The Perils of Ingratitude
COMMENTARY
Ingratitude and foolishness can lead to one's downfall, as seen in the Israelites' misplaced trust in idols and the character of Naval. Jacob ben Asher's commentary on the book of Deuteronomy explains the connection between the character of Naval and the Hebrew word "naval," which describes ingratitude and villainy.
The Consequences of Greed
MUSAR
Being selfish or unkind to guests can lead to divine punishment, as illustrated by the example of Naval. The 17th-century ethical and mystical work Kav HaYashar by Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Kaidanover emphasizes the importance of generosity and hospitality.
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