Contemplative Bible Reading

1 Samuel 25:30-31  (New International Version)

³⁰ When the LORD has done for my master (David) every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him (David) leader over Israel, ³¹ my master (David) will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. And when the LORD has brought my master (David) success, remember your servant (Abigail).”

(Names inserted in parentheses for context)

These verses  come at the conclusion of the history of David, Nabal, and Nabal’s wife Abigail. David and his followers are running from Saul. David sent some of his men to Nabal to ask for favorable treatment in the form of goods and food. Nabal disrespected David’s men, and David was going to strike Nabal in vengeance.

Abigail, described as “an intelligent and  beautiful woman,” loads a small caravan of goods and comes to David to ask for forgiveness for what Nabal has done. Note that Nabal was described as “surly and mean.” Abigail’s kindness and wisdom convince David not to avenge his men and kill Nabal. Grateful, Abigail concludes her comments with

my master will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed

Needless bloodshed – what a staggering burden that would be.

Fast forward a few thousand years to today. I have never seen with my own eyes someone shed another person’s blood. I have, however, witnessed needless destruction of character and hope through angry words that would come from a “surly and mean” person. I used to see this daily at work – where everyone was supposedly on the same team working towards the same goal. I have seen this in churches – in churches where, well you know.

Needless bloodshed is still a staggering burden today when most of the blood shed is emotional, mental, spiritual, and psychological. It is still shed, and the person doing the hurting must carry the staggering burden the rest of their life. This is a great burden that we bring on ourselves.