REMINDING GOD OF HIS PROMISES - PART 6

WEDNESDAY 08 MAY 2024

Having the grace of generosity and of charitable character is an effectual principle that beautified the life of King David even in his times of trouble. And I believe that we are sustained, encouraged and emboldened in good works by having such a character in view, when it comes to Biblical figures. More below!

Reference: 1st Chronicles 17:28-29 New International Version (NIV)

"You, Lord, are God! You have promised these good things to your servant. Now you have been pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, Lord, have blessed it, and it will be blessed forever."

Another prophetic voice who uttered the words of promise concerning David long before God sent Nathan to deliver the same vision to David was Abigail. And here is my short written work of the storyline:

After Samuel's death and burial in Ramah, David moved down from his hiding place in the wilderness of En Gedi into the wilderness of Paran, signifying a broader movement, far from turbulence sponsored by Saul. And as he arrived there, he supported the shepherds of a certain man in Maon, described as a wealthy merchant who had a substantial landholding at Carmel located in Judah. He was very rich, both moneywise and materially, denoting a respected status in wealth and luxury. He also had a thousand goats and three thousand sheep, which he was shearing in Carmel.

He was cutting the wool from his sheep in Carmel, a thriving business which had cultural, economical and political influence because it spanned across Carmel, a town south of Hebron near the Dead Sea. His name was Nabal, a name which means, "foolish" and his wife's name was Abigail, a name which means "My father is joy." In fact she was a lassie, whom the Bible described as a smart, intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband was surly and harsh in his dealings; very mean-spirited and bad-tempered, an embarrassment to his Calebite tribe.

Highlighting David's journey from "Desert of En Gedi" territory to the "desert of Paran", he explored the world of Nabal, whose property embodied a landmark of an aristocratic heritage with a significant implication in Davidic history of hiding-places in the wilderness. Nabal was not just wealthy, but equally sustained a popular prestige with a lasting influence in wool sales and distribution, although he was foolish.

Intriguingly, his wife's narrative was enriched by her intelligent and distinguished identity, a reflection that showcased great perception or insight, as we delve into the extraordinary impact she exerted by being quick-witted and instrumental in saving her husband from folly, yet the husband missed the empirical lessons from such an uncommon percipience displayed by her.

Now let's flip over to the next incident to find out what transpired between David and Nabal. David's impact was highly significant and remarkable in the wilderness of Paran, because he maintained his dominating status and martial bravery - a testament to his lasting popularity and viable influence since the day of Goliath's defeat.

Due to his heart of generosity, he made an indelible contribution in protecting Nabal's shepherds who have been among his armed circle in the wilderness, and not only did David and his men avoid harming them, he made sure that not one animal (or goods and chattels) belonging to Nabal's team of shepherds was missing during the time of tending their sheep in Carmel. Interestingly, Nabal didn't give David any official recognition or supportive remarks, after David gathered 10 young men to speak to him asking for gifts, but instead and notably, he displayed his insolence to David's servants by saying,

"Who is David? And who is Jesse's son? Nowadays there are many slaves each running away from his master. So should I take my bread, my water and my meat that I have cooked for my shearers, and give it to men whom I don't know where they come from?" (1st Samuel 25:10-11 TLV).

Beloved, due to the limited capacity of this article, I will continue in part 7. However, bear in mind that a generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed (Proverbs 11:25 NIV). Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Proverbs 19:17; Luke 6:38; Hebrews 13:16; Galatians 6:2; 1 John 3:17.

Exuberant Declaration:

I am kind, generous and tender-hearted, and I give diligence to seeing people's lives bettered and blessed by giving to them and offering them required assistance when needful. Praise God!