1 Samuel 25:10-11
New Living Translation
“Who is this fellow David?” Nabal sneered to the young men. “Who does this son of Jesse think he is? There are lots of servants these days who run away from their masters. Should I take my bread and my water and my meat that I’ve slaughtered for my shearers and give it to a band of outlaws who come from who knows where?”
For Meditation
It was a simple matter and decision for Nabal.
He was shearing his sheep, and David had sent a ten-member delegation to appeal to his kindness for some provision so he and his men could share the joy of Nabal (1 Sam 25:4-9). For David and his team, who had protected his flock in the wilderness near Carmel, Nabal could have given a generous portion to them with a thank you note. What were a few loaves of bread, some wine, some portion of slaughtered sheep, some roasted grain, a few clusters of raisins, and some fig cakes to Nabal? He was wealthy and could afford to be generous on that festive day. But no! Nabal chose the road of rejection and abuse, sending the messengers back with nothing. His actions portrayed his character and the meaning of his name—a fool (25). Only the quick response and wise decision of Abigail, his wife, saved him and his household from the fury and carnage of David (23-35).
Nabal’s problem could have been the fear of Saul’s retribution, noting the example of the priests of Nob (22:1-18). He boasted and taunted David and showed no spiritual sensitivity. Privy of God’s anointing of David as king of Israel, his conquest of Goliath, and his successes at war, Nabal could have acted with prudence as his wife did.
Nabal knew the rivalry between the king and David, but his carnality clouded his assessment of the situation. He reasoned that the one in authority would eventually win the day. David did not have a chance with Saul. The king would eventually get his way, and David would be no more. So, he staked his chances on the king and lost.
Nabal made a business decision in a spiritual matter. He never considered the providential hand of God at work behind the scenes. Isn’t that familiar today?
Many have become like Nabal and staked their lives on wealth, success, and fame—worldly over eternal treasures—over spiritual and eternal consideration in all life issues. They think science and modern inventions will always win the day, so God must take the backseat in their lives. How wrong they are, and how wise you will be to run from this deception and escape the trap that took the life of Nabal.
Nobody will lose by staking their life on Christ, our Eternal King and Lord. As David won over Saul, He will always win the day.
Through the Eyes of the Spirit 