According to the 1st Book of Samuel Chapter 25, Nabal ( Nāḇāl, "fool") was a rich Calebite, described as harsh and surly. He is featured in a story in which he is threatened by David over an insult, and ultimately killed by God. Biblical Narrative According to the Biblical narrative, David (who was not yet king) and his band of men, who had been fleeing from King Saul, went to the Wilderness of Paran. The account states that Nabal lived in the city of Maon, and owned much land in the town of Carmel, as well as many sheep and goats. The account is set at the time of sheep shearing, which in Israelite culture was a time for great festivities, owing to the importance of the wool trade. At this time David sent ten men to Nabal. David told his men to remind Nabal that his men had not harmed or robbed Nabal's shepherds, and requested that Nabal give him whatever provisions were on hand. David's request is couched in language that refers to David's men as Nabal's servants, and to David himself as Nabal's "son." Nabal harshly rebuffs David's request: "Who is David? And who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants these days that break away every man from his master; shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my meat that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men of whom I know not whence they are?" Upon hearing of Nabal's reply, David and four hundred of his men arm themselves with swords. One of Nabal's shepherds, considering Nabal too abrasive to approach about the issue, warns Nabal's wife, Abigail, of the situation, along with a positive account of his previous experiences with David and his men. Abigail chose to intervene in order to avert David's wrath. In the account, while David armed his men and set off with 400 of them for Nabal's home, leaving 200 men behind to look after the supplies, Abigail set off with her servants, and a very large quantity of provisions, without telling Nabal. Abigail manages to meet David and his men before David could reach Nabal and she pleads for David to accept the gifts she has brought with her, and begs that there be no bloodshed, asking to take Nabal's blame herself, and complimenting David by stating that Yahweh would make