Day 86: 1 Samuel 25, 26 and 27

May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands. (1 Samuel 25:33)

How many times did David have the opportunity to exact vengeance on Saul, but never did? There was the time he snuck up on Saul in the cave, and cut off the corner of his robe. Then there was the time he crept into Saul’s camp while everyone was asleep, and took Saul’s spear.

But even though most of us wouldn’t have blamed him, David refused to lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed.

But Nabal doesn't fit into that category. He is a foolish man, who owes at least part of his success to David. David’s men had protected Nabal’s flocks from thieves. When David asked Nabal for food, the wise thing would have been to comply – even if only as the cost of doing business.

When Nabal refused him, David was ready to punish him with death until Abigail inserted herself into – and defused – the situation. Thanks to Abigail, David relented from avenging himself. The next morning, when she told Nabal how close he'd come to disaster, he suffered what sounds like a stroke, which led to his death ten days later.

Lesson? This whole account brings to mind the words of Paul: Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath (Romans 12:19).

Have you ever left the vengeance to God and been glad you did?