Old Testament · Major figure

Nabal

A wealthy but foolish man of Maon who insulted David and died after a divine judgment.

Nabal was a wealthy landowner in Maon whose name means fool, a characterization confirmed by his churlish refusal to provide for David and his men. His rejection of David's request for provisions nearly provoked a massacre, which was averted only by the intervention of his wife, Abigail. Following his death, his widow became one of David's wives, and his former property became part of David's household.