4 One day, Nabal was in Carmel, while his servants cut the wool from his sheep. David was in the desert when he heard about it.
5-6 So he sent ten men to Carmel with this message for Nabal:I hope that you and your family are healthy and that all is going well for you.
7 I've heard that you are cutting the wool from your sheep.When your shepherds were with us in Carmel, we didn't harm them, and nothing was ever stolen from them.
8 Ask your shepherds, and they'll tell you the same thing.My servants are your servants, and you are like a father to me. This is a day for celebrating, so please be kind and share some of your food with us.
9 David's men went to Nabal and gave him David's message, then they waited for Nabal's answer.
10 This is what he said:Who does this David think he is? That son of Jesse is just one more slave on the run from his master, and there are too many of them these days.
11 What makes you think I would take my bread, my water, and the meat that I've had cooked for my own servants and give it to you? Besides, I'm not sure that David sent you!