David was in a wilderness... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Ask thy young men, and they will show thee. Wherefore let the young men find favour in thine eyes: for we come in a good day: give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thine hand unto thy servants, and to thy son David.
1 Samuel 25:8

David was in a wilderness in an area of the mountains of Judah in order to keep out of king Saul's way. During this time, he and his men were of great assistance to Nabal, who possessed large herds.
This time of sheep-shearing for Nabal was usually connected with a feast. So David could rightly expect Nabal to grant him a portion of the vast amount he had in store. However, Nabal's response to the request of David messengers was a rough rejection. David then intended coming with 400 armed men to take revenge. What were the grounds for such a harsh confrontation?
Nabal was certainly what his name signifies: a fool. That is the one side. Moreover, that selfish man's insults were truly unbearable. But David's decision to take revenge was to prove fateful. If God had not intervened, there would have been unnecessary bloodshed, and David would have borne great guilt.
There are two obvious lessons for us in this incident; David undoubtedly neglected inquiring after the Lord's will before taking such action. Distancing oneself from God, even for a brief period of time might have the worst consequences.
The second lesson: insults do not justify revenge, not for David, and even less for us. The Lord Jesus told His disciples: "Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you" (Luke 6:28). His commandment is clear enough! And the Lord will give us the strength to act accordingly.
Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 11