Now therefore, my lord, [as] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, seeing the LORD hath withholden thee from coming to [shed] blood, and from avenging thyself with thine own hand, now let thine enemies, and they that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal.
Ver. 26. As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth.] This latter part is not an oath, but an asseveration, or obtestation only, conjoined with the oath.
Seeing the Lord hath withholden thee.] David saw not God in this matter of Nabal's vile dealing with him, as he did afterwards in Shimei's reviling him, and bore it the more patiently. Abigail therefore immindeth him of God - to whom vengeance belongeth - to very good purpose.
Now let thine enemies … be as Nabal.] As little able to hurt thee, as much also in thy power, and at thy pleasure, as he is at this present, - since thou canst as easily undo him, as bid it be done, and as sure to be punished by God. But why should I and my family, who wish thee well, be the subjects of thy wrath?