Nabal enjoyed the protection and integrity of David’s troops, but when the opportunity arose to reciprocate, he refused. He enjoyed the bounty in a celebratory time to the exclusion of an army. Nabal was a consumer–driven by greed and selfishness.
36 When Abigail arrived home, she found that Nabal was throwing a big party and was celebrating like a king. He was very drunk, so she didn’t tell him anything about her meeting with David until dawn the next day. (1 Samuel 25:36, NLT)
First Chronicles lists the lineages, and many were considered to be warriors, but two were killed by their own thievery:
The descendants of Ephraim were Shuthelah, Bered, Tahath, Eleadah, Tahath, 21 Zabad, Shuthelah, Ezer, and Elead. These two were killed trying to steal livestock from the local farmers near Gath. 22 Their father, Ephraim, mourned for them a long time, and his relatives came to comfort him. (1 Chronicles 7:20-22, NLT)
Paul and Silas travel to different areas to spread the word, and time after time they are met with troublemakers. Descriptive words and phrases I noted, “jealous; attacking; stirring up trouble; laughed in contempt.”
Nabal is singly named. Ezer and Elead act in unison. And the troublemakers are referred to as a mob or group–a general force at work.
Abigail is also singly named–Nabal’s wife who rushes to undo the damage her husband caused by his attitude. And in a lineage, many are grouped as warriors. Even in Acts, there are those who are considered open minded, seeking, and eager to listen. Some are singled out:
32 When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, “We want to hear more about this later.” 33 That ended Paul’s discussion with them, 34 but some joined him and became believers. Among them were Dionysius, a member of the council, a woman named Damaris, and others with them. (Acts 17:32-34, NLT)
Attitudes and actions.
My own attitudes and actions tell the story of my life. Lord, whether alone or in a group, help me to choose what is right. Only you know the whole of my deepest thoughts.
Courtney (66books365)
Sixty-six books in a year 