“And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword, and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff.”
Context:In this chapter, we find David, who had been anointed by God to be the future king of Israel, living as a fugitive from King Saul. He and his men had been roaming the wilderness, and they came across the shepherds and flocks belonging to a wealthy man named Nabal. David’s men had treated Nabal’s servants well and requested provisions in return. However, Nabal rudely refused their request. Upon hearing of this, David becomes angry and prepares to take revenge on Nabal.
David’s response to Nabal’s refusal:When David hears of Nabal’s response, he becomes angry and decides to take matters into his own hands. He orders his men to gird on their swords, meaning they were to arm themselves for battle. This highlights David’s intention to retaliate against Nabal and his household for their disrespect and refusal to help them.
The number of David’s men:The verse states that about four hundred men went up after David, while two hundred remained behind to guard their possessions or “abode by the stuff.” David’s band of men had grown significantly, indicating that David had attracted a considerable following of loyal supporters during his time as a fugitive. This also demonstrates the military strength at David’s disposal.
David’s leadership and judgment:David’s actions in this passage reveal some aspects of his character as a leader. His response to Nabal’s insult might seem impulsive and vengeful, but it is essential to note that David was facing challenging circumstances. He had been anointed as the future king, yet he was pursued by Saul, and his life was in constant danger. In this context, David’s decision to retaliate against Nabal may be seen as a response to the injustice done to him and his men. However, we will see in the subsequent verses that David’s ultimate response changes due to the intervention of Abigail, Nabal’s wise and discerning wife.
Lessons from the passage:While this verse primarily sets the stage for the events that unfold in the rest of the chapter, there are a few lessons we can draw from it. Firstly, it shows that even godly individuals like David can experience anger and desire for revenge when they face injustice. However, it is crucial to seek God’s wisdom and guidance in such situations, allowing Him to direct our paths and response. Secondly, it reminds us of the importance of wise and discerning individuals who can provide counsel and intervene to prevent hasty and regrettable actions. Abigail, whom we encounter later in the chapter, serves as an example of such wisdom and intervention.
Overall, this verse sets the scene for the conflict between David and Nabal, highlighting David’s initial intent for revenge and the military strength at his disposal. However, it also points to the subsequent events that will shape David’s actions and bring about a change of heart.
