He was a “brutish and mean” Calebite. (The Message, I Samuel 25:3) He was wealthy. David and his men provided protection at some point for Nabal’s shepherds. David sent some of his men to Nabal to ask him for food or wine as a gift of appreciation. Nabal refused. David readied his men to kill Nabal and Nabal’s family, but Abigail intervened.