David and his men moved Down by Mount Carmel. While there, they encountered the sheep and shepherds for a man named Nabal. They watched over the group and made sure they were safe and that the flocks were not ravaged. They were well regarded by the men they were protecting and so they sent word to Nabal and asked for a tribute for their efforts. It was important for David to keep his spirit toward God and the people kind and honorable–He would be leading them one day.
David’s men were Insulted and treated like criminals by Nabal when they approached him. He all but assaulted them as they asked for a simple tribute. David’s Men went back to him sad and embarrassed. Their kindness treated as some sort of criminal activity. The men were not wrong in their approach nor in their request. They were simply dealing with someone who had no regard for God or for the feelings and actions of others. Nabal only cared about Nabal. So when he scorned and sent David’s men away, he thought he was pretty clever.
In this culture, People have grown to be so self-absorbed. When faced with kindness and civility, they see only someone trying to take what is theirs or someone that is working an angle. In truth, God’s people must rise above the attitudes of the world and maintain a sense of kindness and selflessness that is the character of Christ. If we will, then we, like David will see God’s blessing and experience the life we have always longed for. Jesus said it best, “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it” Matthew 16:25.
God Bless You
A certain man in Maon, who had property there at Carmel, was very wealthy. He had a thousand goats and three thousand sheep, which he was shearing in Carmel. 3 His name was Nabal and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband was surly and mean in his dealings—he was a Calebite.
4 While David was in the wilderness, he heard that Nabal was shearing sheep. 5 So he sent ten young men and said to them, “Go up to Nabal at Carmel and greet him in my name. 6 Say to him: ‘Long life to you! Good health to you and your household! And good health to all that is yours!
7 “‘Now I hear that it is sheep-shearing time. When your shepherds were with us, we did not mistreat them, and the whole time they were at Carmel nothing of theirs was missing. 8 Ask your own servants and they will tell you. Therefore be favorable toward my men, since we come at a festive time. Please give your servants and your son David whatever you can find for them.’”
9 When David’s men arrived, they gave Nabal this message in David’s name. Then they waited.
10 Nabal answered David’s servants, “Who is this David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants are breaking away from their masters these days. 11 Why should I take my bread and water, and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men coming from who knows where?”
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