Have you ever noticed how many movies or even innocent television shows have revenge as their theme? Even the Andy Griffith Show often had episodes in which someone was out to get even with someone else. Do you remember the episode when Ernest T. Bass throws rocks through windows to get even with the authorities for not accepting him in the army? There’s also the show where Barney gets a convicted criminal arrested and the criminal points his finger in Barney’s face and says, “I’ll get you for this deputy!” Poor Barney spends the rest of his week in fear of being caught.
A person seeking revenge is a scary individual. In our lesson today we see that David, the man after God’s own heart turns into a blood-thirsty savage. Remember that even the most godly individuals can act in foolish and ungodly ways at times. Let’s see what caused David to be so angry he was willing to kill.
In I Samuel 25:4-11 we find that David is asking for what is rightfully his. He and his men had protected Nabal’s shepherds while they were in the field. They protected them from robbers and marauders, and after doing so, David had a right to ask for provisions for his men. This was a time of feasting and there was plenty of food. Nabal was a rich man and had enough to share and then some. However, when the request is made, Nabal throws out insults instead of gifts.
Nabal pretends he doesn’t know who David was, but his own words tell us he knew David as the son of Jesse. Nabal is also aware of the tension between David and Saul. He wrongfully accuses David of breaking away from his master. The truth was that David was fleeing for his life from Saul. Nabal reveals his foolish heart once again. His response to David was one of pure selfishness and meanness. Note all the “my’s “ in verse 11. Nabal only wants to help if it’s his idea. “Don’t tell me what to do with my stuff!” He is totally insensitive to the needs of others and basically tells David and his men to go elsewhere to find something to eat. His drive is to be in charge, in control.
In verses 12-13 we see the first of two responses to foolish Nabal. This first response is from David. When he heard Nabal’s answer to his request he immediately decided to retaliate, to get even. His temper got the best of him, and he told 400 of his men to gird on their swords. He was going to kill not only Nabal, but every one of his men.
At first this seems surprising. After all the times that David had endured insults and bad treatment at the hand of Saul, why would he be so upset at this one insult that he would want to kill Nabal? David had even at one point had the opportunity to kill Saul, but he did not. This evoked conviction in Saul’s heart as he told David, “You are more righteous than I; for you have dealt well with me, while I have dealt wickedly with you.” Saul was able to see David’s righteous heart. When we are provoked do others see our righteous acts, or as in the situation in which David now finds himself with Nabal, do they see us instead “strapping on our swords?”
I believe David took the insults from Saul because Saul was his authority, and because David knew he would soon replace Saul on the throne. Perhaps he reminded himself that Saul wouldn’t be around much longer to continue this unfair treatment. Nabal, however was not his authority – he was even a distant relative, but that meant nothing to Nabal.
David is upset because the kind treatment he’d given to Nabal is being returned with evil. He now feels justified in returning evil for evil. He wanted an immediate return on his kindness, and when it wasn’t given, he’s out to retaliate.
David’s response surprises me until I think of myself. After all, I have been very godly and large hearted to many people. They insult me. I pray for them. I love my enemies and do good to them… most of the time. But how about when someone cuts me off in traffic? Those spontaneous moments when I’m caught off guard allow my real heart to show. At those moments, I’m often not so spiritual, but often “Nabalish” instead.
This lesson will be continued on tomorrow’s posting.
RefreshHer 