1 Samuel 25:13-17
Verse 17 “Now think it over and see what you can do, because disaster is hanging over our master and his whole household. He is such a wicked man that no one can talk to him.”
David’s men had brought back Nabal’s response and the future king was not impressed. His response shows that he may have learned a bad habit from Saul in how to respond to news that was displeasing. David tells his men to gear up so they can go in and attack Nabal and his household. To David’s way of thinking, this was the only way to respond to such an affront as was given by the foolish rich man.
Back at Nabal’s house one servant saw just how foolish the master had been and couldn’t stand by and wait for the coming disaster. The servant knew David and his men would likely see this as a serious offense and they wouldn’t just walk away and pretend that nothing had happened. This servant understood the magnitude of the service that had been given to the shepherds in the desert and agreed that David’s men probably deserved some kind of payment. So he went to find the one person he thought could keep disaster from happening.
As we mentioned the other day, Abigail was a beautiful lady who was also intelligent. When this servant goes to his mistress he is showing that he knows she is a wise lady and will know what to do to keep this situation from getting out of hand and become a disaster.
The servant isn’t foolish either, he tells Abigail what the master did but he spent less time on that and gives the deeper back story that he knows his master should have acknowledged. In fact, we get an instant understanding of why this servant feels vested interest in this issue, he was one of the shepherds that David and his men had protected.
He explains that David and his men took shifts watching over the shepherds so that they were covered both day and night. They had even been willing to move about with them as shepherds don’t just stay in one place long, especially with so many sheep and goats to find grasses for. They would have had to move regularly to make sure there was enough for the entire flock. David’s men being willing to follow them about, meant that they had spent much time together and had likely gotten to know each other. This plea wasn’t just begging for the safety of the master and his household, it was also for the other side who were seen more as friends than enemies.
Making It Personal
Have you ever tried to help someone see the truth of a situation? What was the motive for wanting them to see things more clearly? Do you willingly listen to others who try to help you see truth?
Making It Personal Kids
Have you ever tried to help someone stay safe? Has anyone ever tried to help you see a safer way of doing something? What are some things that Jesus says will help you be safe in how you live?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for placing people around us to help us see the truth of situations. Please give us the wisdom to be humble enough to act upon the truth given to us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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