“For in very deed, as the LORD God of Israel liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me, surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.”
Samuel 25:34 (KJV) is part of a larger narrative that unfolds in the chapter. It tells the story of David, the future king of Israel, who is on the run from King Saul, who seeks to kill him. During his time in the wilderness, David comes across a wealthy man named Nabal, who possesses large flocks and herds.
In this verse, we see David speaking to Abigail, Nabal’s wife, after she had intervened to prevent David from taking revenge on her husband. Earlier in the chapter, David had sent messengers to Nabal, requesting provisions for his men, considering they had protected Nabal’s shepherds and flocks. However, Nabal rudely refused and insulted David.
“For in very deed, as the LORD God of Israel liveth”: This phrase is a solemn oath, where David invokes the name of God to emphasize the truthfulness and significance of what he is about to say. By swearing by “the LORD God of Israel liveth”, David is acknowledging the existence and sovereignty of God, attributing the circumstances to divine intervention.
“Which hath kept me back from hurting thee”: David acknowledges that it was only because of God’s intervention and guidance that he did not retaliate against Nabal for his insulting words and actions. David recognizes that God restrained him and prevented him from seeking vengeance, despite his position of power and the offense he had received.
“Except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me”: David explains that if Abigail had not quickly come to intercede on behalf of her husband, Nabal, then David would have acted differently. Abigail’s timely intervention and wise words prevented David from taking matters into his own hands.
“Surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall”: This is an idiomatic expression used by David to convey the severity of his intended actions against Nabal. The phrase refers to every male in Nabal’s household, suggesting that David would have wiped out Nabal’s entire household by morning, leaving no male survivors.
This verse reveals David’s recognition of God’s intervention in his life, specifically in this situation with Nabal. It demonstrates David’s respect for God’s authority and his willingness to submit to God’s guidance, even in the face of provocation. Furthermore, it highlights the role of Abigail as an instrument of wisdom and peace in averting disaster and preserving lives.
Overall, Samuel 25:34 reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s guidance, exercising self-control, and heeding wise counsel when dealing with difficult situations, even when our emotions and circumstances tempt us to act otherwise.
