Message from David

David’s young men relayed to Nabal exactly as David had instructed. Despite their hunger, David’s men had neither attacked Nabal’s shepherds nor stolen anything. Instead, they had protected them from external threats. If Nabal had been a reasonable man, he would have recognized David’s predicament and offered more than what was necessary. However, Nabal was a fool and did not do so. (1) Nabal must have heard good reports about David. Yet, he insulted David, saying, “Who is David? And who is the son of Jesse?” (2) Furthermore, Nabal humiliated David’s men. His remark, “Nowadays, servants are breaking away from their masters,” did not apply to David, but there were indeed such individuals among David’s men. (3) Nabal did not merely refuse the request; he insulted David and his men and sent them away. This illustrates his folly. He boasted, “Shall I take my bread and my water and my meat that I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men whose origin I do not know?”

David’s anger

Upon receiving the report from his men, David became furious and immediately set out to confront Nabal. He left 200 men behind to guard the camp and marched with 400 men. Nabal’s destruction was imminent. Why did Nabal bring destruction upon himself? As we have already noted, he had no fear of the Lord. He also believed that he had the right to do as he pleased with his own possessions. For Christians, earthly wealth is entrusted by God. As good stewards, there is a responsibility to use wealth for the kingdom of God. Wealth blinded Nabal. No matter how much one accumulates, if they do not know how to use it, they will end up being more unfortunate than when they were poor. There are many modern-day Nabals around us. Let’s take a moment to reflect on our own dealings with wealth.