The Timing of Divine Vindication

Deeper Reflection
TIED TO THE THEME of timely providence in 1 Samuel 25 is the theme of divine justice. When David had the opportunity to kill Saul the first time, he learned the important lesson of leaving his vindication in God’s hands rather than seeking his own justice: “May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD avenge me on you, but my hand shall not be against you” (1 Sam 24:12). David was to learn this critical lesson again in his encounter with Nabal, which apparently he had forgotten (1 Sam 25:32-34, v.39). Oftentimes, God reminds us – not just verbally, but experientially – of truths that we have learned. The morning after Abigail returned home from meeting with David, she informed Nabal of “his narrow escape from David’s wrath”³¹ (vv.36-37). On the night before, when Nabal was feasting like in “the feast of a king”, “his heart was merry within him” (v.36). But the next morning, when he heard what Abigail told him, “his heart died within him” (v.37). Nabal had a stroke.³² Ten days later, “the LORD struck Nabal and he died” (v.38). The timing of divine vindication is in God’s hand. David did not wait long. God will “bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night” and He will “not delay long over them” but act “quickly” (Lk 18:7-8a). However, we may have to wait in “faith” until “the Son of Man comes” (Lk 18:8b). And this is no divine delay.

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³¹ Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 169

³² Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 169