By David Ettinger
Just the Idea of It
This blog falls into the category of, “Just the idea of it.”
This is because it concerns David before he became king of Israel and before his sin with Bathsheba. It concerns David when he was running from King Saul; when his heart was tender to God; and when he hadn’t yet marred his life with blatant transgression.
The account – 1 Samuel Chapter 25 – is fairly familiar to Bible readers.
For some time, David and his mercenary army of 600 men (at least some of them) served as a voluntary security force for the servants of a wealthy man named Nabal as they tended the sheep (vv. 15-17). David no doubt did this so that he might one day reap a reward for his troubles. And that day came – so David thought – during sheep-shearing time:
So David sent ten young men … and … said, “Go up to Carmel and visit Nabal … and this is what you shall say: ‘… your shepherds have been with us; we have not harmed them, nor has anything of theirs gone missing all the days they were in Carmel. … Therefore let my young men find favor in your eyes, for we have come on a festive day. Please give whatever you find at hand to your servants and to your son David’” (vv. 5-8).
In return for his goodness, Nabal treated David despicably, insultingly, and refused to give him a thing (vv. 10-11). David in turn ordered his men to get ready for battle. He wanted revenge and planned to kill Nabal.
That’s Not All
As the account progresses, we discover in verse 22 that David was bent on killing not only Nabal: “May God do so to the enemies of David, and more so, if by morning I leave alive as much as one male of any who belong to him.”
Now perhaps – and a pretty weak perhaps at that – an excuse can be made on David’s behalf that the servants he planned to murder were merely property. But I’m not buying that. These men were sons, husbands, and fathers who had done nothing wrong. They were in no way responsible for Nabal’s actions, and therefore were innocent in the matter. Just the thought of it – that David would slaughter them – is appalling.
But David took none of this into account. He was blatantly snubbed by Nabal, was irate, wanted Nabal dead – and by extension his servants – and had the means to do bring it about. In his blood lust, David – this man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14) – lost complete control of his reason, was driven by anger, and was intent on personal revenge.
Fortunately, Nabal’s servants appealed to his godly wife Abigail, who met David and his men after they had set out on their mission, and saved the day by appeasing David (vv. 18-31).
David expresses his gratitude to Abigail for preventing him from “avenging myself by my own hand” (v. 33). Yet, he almost sounds upset about it: “Nevertheless, as the LORD God of Israel lives, who has restrained me from harming you, if you had not come quickly to meet me, there certainly would not have been left to Nabal until the morning light as much as one male” (v. 34).
Deeply Disturbing
I find David’s attitude deeply disturbing. I know we have to consider the time in which this took place, but still, how can David be justified? Yes, his rebuff by Nabal was odious, but to butcher multiple innocent men for one man’s actions is reprehensible.
David was in no way behaving like a man after God’s own heart, and I believe God used Abigail to not only prevent David from avenging himself (v. 26), but to spare many innocent lives.
David’s ugly, murderous attitude is something believers today should consider. How often have we in our hearts cursed and uttered ugly denunciations against believer and unbeliever alike? How often have we cursed our elected political officials? How often have we wished evil upon our neighbors? How often have we condemned our pastors and fellow Christians?
May God remind us of this deeply disturbing passage concerning David that we may examine the cruelty in our own hearts, turn from it, and seek God’s merciful forgiveness!
Tom
October 13, 2021
Thanks, David. I’m so glad the Bible candidly presents the “heroes of the faith” like David as big mess ups because I can relate!
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dettinger47
October 13, 2021
So, so true, Tom! And yes, I, too, can relate.
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vicklea
October 13, 2021
Good post that clearly points out that even those God uses as examples in Scriptures are fallible humans, affected by a sinful nature that sometimes holds more sway over them (us) than it should. We need to be careful about each choice we make, counting the cost to our lives, our witness, and to others.
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dettinger47
October 13, 2021
I absolutely agree, Vickie. Well said.
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Vincent S Artale Jr
October 13, 2021
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
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dettinger47
October 13, 2021
Thank you for the reblog, Vincent!
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Vincent S Artale Jr
October 13, 2021
My pleasure David 🙏🏻
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Blue Collar Theologian
October 13, 2021
Hey, David! I appreciate why you wrote this and your thinking even though we come to different conclusions. I think this passage highlights the sovereignty of God and man’s response to godly wisdom/counsel. David is rightly offended by Nabal’s rebuff of him. As you mentioned culturally it was different then. However, many people today do not know the historical-cultural context of the Bible, especially the OT and ANE world. It was common place to destroy an entire household because the head was wicked. Nabal’s family and servants knew that Nabal was a foolish and wicked man (his name alone states that) and they know in that time they are subject to how their head/leader/master acts. Being a leader/head/master is a high call and charge. Nabal cared only about himself. I will admit, there have been more times than I can count when like David, James and John I wanted the Lord to rain down fire on my enemies. However, the right word spoken by a trusted Abigail or a prompting from the Holy Spirit causes me to repent and say that vengeance belongs to the Lord which David does come to that point. Since the time of the Patriarchs, shame, honor and hospitality have run deep in the Middle East. I am thankful I live in a society that largely holds individuals accountable for their evil and not the the family at large (at least in the court of law; however, the court of public opinion is another matter). Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts!!
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dettinger47
October 13, 2021
Great insights, Mandy. Much thanks indeed!
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seekingdivineperspective
October 13, 2021
One thing I have admired in David is how quickly he repented when confronted with his sin. Both in this instance and when confronted by Nathan regarding his adultery with Bathsheba, his response to being confronted was immediate. Most of us, I think, would be defensive at first, or dismissive of the one confronting us – Abigail, because she was a woman, and Nathan because … well, David was the King, how dare he?
The point isn’t do we mess up? – well all do. But what makes or breaks us is our willingness to repent (turn around) and get back on the path of righteousness.
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dettinger47
October 14, 2021
Amen and well said!
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