Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: 1 Samuel 25 and Psalm 71

The Bible is brutally honest about the utter humanness of even the most “idolised” characters. We have already seen David described as “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14) and he has acted in many upright and godly ways. Yet here in 1 Samuel 25 we observe that he could also be vengeful and unduly violent. For the first time we see evidence of his weakness for a beautiful woman, and his willingness to follow the culture of his day in taking multiple wives, rather than following God’s original creation plan of monogamy (Genesis 2:24 and Exodus 20:14). The Bible’s very honest and realistic approach to its “heroes and heroines” should alert us never to be complacent about our lives. We are all prone to moral and ethical weakness as fallen human beings, and we need to constantly rely on the Holy Spirit for strength to walk in the ways of our Saviour Jesus.

On a positive note, it’s quite remarkable how readily David accepts Abigail’s persuasion and turns back from his vengeful mission. He recognises that her advice has kept him from taking into his own hands the exercise of justice that rightly belongs only to God (v.33). This humble approach to well-reasoned persuasion would stand us all in good stead.

Heavenly Father, please grant me the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to be able to make everyday life-decisions that are pleasing to You and which do not lead me to regret my actions later. Please empower me by Your Spirit to humbly follow Your ways at all times. In Christ’s name. Amen.