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1 and 2 Samuel: The Rise of Kingship

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  1. Lesson One
    Overview of 1 and 2 Samuel (1 Samuel 1–3, 8)
    19 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  2. Lesson Two
    Samuel and Kingship (1 Samuel 4–12)
    24 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  3. Lesson Three
    Saul’s Demise (1 Samuel 13–19, 28–31)
    25 Activities
  4. Lesson Four
    David’s Rise (1 Samuel 16–27, 29–30)
    26 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  5. Lesson Five
    David's Reign (2 Samuel)
    23 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  6. Course Wrap-Up
    Course Completion
    1 Activity
    |
    1 Assessment
Lesson 5, Activity 7
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In | What’s in a Name?

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We don’t learn much about Nabal in 1 Samuel, but Abigail’s comment offers a glimpse of the type of person he was. The word nabal is also used as an adjective in the Bible, meaning “foolish” or “vile.” By connecting her husband with the related term “folly,” Abigail compounds the meaning of his already suggestive name. She uses the strongest language at her disposal to frame the unworthiness of her husband as she throws herself at David’s feet.   

Reference: Victor P. Hamilton, Handbook on the Historical Books, 2001, p. 280.