“David said to his men, “Each of you gird on his sword.”” 1 Samuel 25:13a
When reading Today’s Story, I am reminded of a Great Danger; that of emulating Bible Character Behavior. Now don’t get me wrong, there are many Bible Characters we can learn much from; Abraham’s Faith, Moses’ Patience, Joshua’s Courage. But each of these had their weaknesses too! Think of David. He is described as “a man after God’s Own Heart”. But we also read of his Adultery with Bathsheba, the Murder of Uriah her husband, and his Hot Anger, as in Today’s Reading. This is a side of him that we don’t want to be like!!!
David had just sent 10 men to Nabal to request food. His servants were shearing sheep, which usually included there would be some feasting taking place. He thought since they had been “a wall of protection” to his shepherds, that he would share some of their bounty with their Protectors. Not on your life! Nabal flatly refuses, and does so in a Very Rude Manner. Today’s Verse is David’s reaction.
What can we learn from this? God chooses sinful men and women as His People, and David is no exception. Though in many ways, he truly was “a man after God’s Own Heart”, he was still a Sinner. We see this in how he responds in a Violent, Angry Way. This was Totally Unacceptable and something we should seek to Never be like. But just as God intervened with Abigail, Nabal’s wife, He has sent someone to “Intervene” for us too. His Name is Jesus!!!