Don Vito Corleone sits at his table in the back of a darkly lit restaurant. A thick cloud of cigar smoke swirls around his head. In walks two of his goons with word from the street that a local businessman refuses to pay his tribute in exchange for protection. Imagine the Don's response when he's told that this businessman brashly responded, "Who was Vito Corleone to make him do anything?" I think we all know that at minimum, a horse's head would be sleeping with that guy the same night. This is the image I see when I read chapter 25.
On the heels of chapter 24, David is once again faced with an opportunity to claim his own justice by his own hand. Nabal, a rich, business man, insults David and his men after they protect Nabal's sheep and shepherds in the wilderness. Instead of providing David's men with payment in supplies and food, Nabal figuratively flips David the bird and sends David's men back to him empty handed. When David hears of this, he and his men grab their swords and heads out into the streets to show Nabal just how he feels about being humiliated.
We see a very different David in this chapter. Just a few verses earlier, David was showing great discipline and trust in God in sparing Saul's life. And now, David's going gangsta and letting his ego and anger get the best of him. He certainly is not acting on God's command. Because there is no mention of him enquiring of God before heading out to kill Nabal and his men.
Now, the parallel between David and Vito is not a perfect one. Don't get me wrong. David was not the criminal here. But his motivation for desiring to kill Nabal is similar to Vito's. David's been insulted. He's been challenged. His manhood is at stake. He must teach Nabal a lesson and preserve his reputation. Does David stop and pray before heading out? There's no mention of it here.
Thank God for Abigail's faith! It is her intervention that stays David's hand. When she meets him on his way to Nabal, she carries with her various gifts in hopes of making peace and sparing her family. In verses 23-31, Abagail gives a wonderful speech proclaiming who God is, what God has done, and what God will do! Read that passage over again. What a model for us when we start to act out rashly against our enemies! David blesses Abagail and recognizes that God sent her to stay his hand! Even though David seems to have learned that vengeance is God's in chapter 24, he relapses in chapter 25. We are also prone to relapse like David. When that happens, listen to Abagail and remind yourself of these three things: 1) Who God is; 2) What He has done for you and for others; and 3) What He will do for you!
David returns to his home. Nabal collapses from heart disease a few days later. God takes care of David's enemy. Another valuable lesson that God is driving home to David and us. Let Me fight your battles! When we let God fight for us, He keeps us from sinning. Because often times fighting for ourselves is motivated by revenge, pride, ego, and rage. These are not fruits of the Spirit. And when we allow ourselves to be controlled by these emotions, we sin.
Don't be a gangsta. Let the one true God-Father hand out the justice.
Prayer: Father, only You are worthy to hand out justice. When I am wronged, may I not react in anger, ego, revenge, or pride. Intercede on my behalf. God you are my deliverer!
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