Deeper Reflection
CHARACTERISATION IS a key literary feature in biblical narratives. Characterisation is shown by what and how a narrator tells the readers about a character. We are introduced to Nabal in 1 Samuel 25. The narrator does not introduce Nabal by his name first. We are first told that his home was in Maon and he was a businessman, “whose business was in Carmel” (v.2). Next we learn that “the man was very rich” and his wealth is described in detail: “he had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats” (v.2). Then we read that he was “holding a profitable and festive (but especially profitable) sheep-shearing time in Carmel”²³ (v.2). Only after these detailed descriptions does the narrator tell us his name: “now the man’s name is Nabal” (v.3). “This way of introducing Nabal is precisely on target, because Nabal’s possessions precede his person. His life is determined by his property. Nabal lives to defend his property, and he dies in an orgy, enjoying his property. Only after being told of his riches are we told of his name.”²⁴ Nabal is identified by the external. What characterises and defines me as a person? What is my life determined by? Then we are told of the internal aspect of Nabal: “the man was harsh and evil in his dealings” (v.3). And this was fleshed out in his arrogant ingratitude and refusal to David’s request for provisions for him and his men (vv.10-11).

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²³ Dale Ralph Davis, 255

²⁴ Walter Brueggemann, First and Second Samuel, Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (John Knox, 1990), 175