1 Samuel 25:11 Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men… Such is still the language of the avaricious man; such are still the excuses made by the insensible heart, when it seeks some pretext to exempt it from relieving the wants of the unhappy. Let us consider the frivolity of these his excuses. I. EXCUSE MADE BY NABAL MY POSSESSIONS ARE STRICTLY AND PROPERLY MY OWN, AND I HAVE A RIGHT TO EMPLOY THEM AS I PLEASE. "Shall I take my bread, and my water, and my flesh." This is also an excuse that we still hear daily presented by the covetous and uncharitable. But common as is this excuse, it is not only demonstrably false, but also awfully impious, and strikes directly at the providence, the government, and the sovereignty of the Most High God. No! Your wealth is not your own natural, as well as revealed religion, declares that you are only stewards. II. EXCUSE OF NABAL: THE SUPPOSED INFERIORITY OF THOSE FOR WHOM HIS ASSISTANCE WAS SOLICITED AND HIS WANT OF RELATIONSHIP TO HIM. "Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? There be many servants now-a-days that break away every man from his master." This excuse also is still daily presented, when we plead for the distressed. There can be little doubt, that the ignorance of Nabal was only pretended, that he might render his reply more contemptuous, he well knew the valour and reputation of David. Do you add, with Nabal, "Who is David? Who are these poor orphans? What relationship are they to me, that I should assist them?" They have descended from the same patent with you; their origin is your own. In them as well as you, there is a soul endued with wonderful faculties; a soul destined to endless happiness or eternal misery. III. EXCUSE OF NABAL: HIS UNWILLINGNESS TO ENCOURAGE VICE OR INDOLENCE. "There be many servants now-a-days that break away every man from his master!" This excuse too we often hear when we ask relief for the distressed. "Shall I give?" Yes: because of the instability of all earthly things. Do you still ask with Nabal, "Shall I give?" Yes; consider the day of trouble and bestow your benefaction. "Shall I give?" Yes; if you wish your memory to be cherished by your survivors. "Shall I give?" Yes! for the judgment day is approaching: and then: what unutterable anguish, what agonising horror, shall convulse the heart of him who "shall receive judgment without mercy, because he hath showed no mercy!" (H. Kollock, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be? |
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