David and Nabal

File No. 59

I SAMUEL 25:1–42

DAVID AND NABAL

(SBS Bk 2 Story No. 41)

Story Notes

Samuel's leadership was such that his death warranted national mourning. He had brought stability to the nation. With his death, further attention focused on David. Was he ready for his task? He had avoided taking vengeance on Saul, but had cut something from his coat. Now, when peeved by Nabal's refusal to acknowledge indebtedness to him, he came close to avenging himself.

Nabal had the means to help David, and now had an opportunity to do so on a feast day. He had reason to be grateful to him and men who encouraged him to be generous. However, Nabal had decided not to acknowledge David, even though he was so obviously blessed by the Lord. Nabal was somewhat like Saul but not protected from David's vengeance by an anointing. It was good for David that Nabal had a wife of more noble spirit than her husband. She could see that the living God was with David and that he was sure to be king. David had been angry, but he knew the Lord had spoken to him through Abigail's wisdom. She believed that God had given them David for their salvation and she expressed this in plain, humble words and in good deeds.

Nabal's glory was all for himself, and it punctured quickly. When he died, it must have been clear to David that he had no need to avenge himself, against Nabal, or Saul. He gained a wife of good spirit who would share with him the dangerous days ahead.