1 Samuel 21 - 25

David And Saul

The ups and downs of David's life continue to be told in today's portion. David was a man of considerable restraint in his youth. He also starts to show two sides of his personality - bravery and fear. He continuously runs from Saul in fear, yet is able to defeat the Philistines almost at will. He eats the show bread in the temple in defiance of the Law, yet is concerned about cutting a piece of Saul's garment.  He shows remarkable character in not killing Saul, honoring the anointing of Samuel to be king - but in God's time and choosing.

The incident with Nabal (which means "fool" in Hebrew) is similar to his continuing struggle with Saul.  David and his men had guarded and protected Nabal's land and when they ask for support and food after returning from a battle, Nabal is indignant and does not provide any food.  This enrages David.  Like Saul, David had done nothing but good for Saul, yet Saul repays David by trying to kill him.  In the case of Nabal, David is dead set on killing him, but Nabal's wife Abigail intervenes.  David's anger is allayed.  Several days later Nabal dies and Abigail becomes David's wife.

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.