This verse from 1 Samuel 25:21 expresses David's anger and frustration. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Now David had said...": This sets the context. David is speaking these words in response to a situation.
"Surely in vain I have kept all that this fellow has in the wilderness...": David is referring to Nabal, a wealthy and churlish man. David's men had protected Nabal's shepherds and flocks in the wilderness from thieves and wild animals. David is lamenting that his efforts were useless, as he expected gratitude or at least a reward.
"...so that nothing was missed of all that pertained to him.": This emphasizes the thoroughness of David's protection. David's men ensured that nothing belonging to Nabal was lost or stolen.
"He has returned me evil for good.": This is the core of David's complaint. Nabal has responded to David's kindness and protection with ingratitude and insults. David likely expected Nabal to provide provisions for his men as a token of appreciation. Instead, Nabal refused and spoke harshly to David's messengers (as recounted in the preceding verses).
In essence, David is feeling betrayed and unappreciated. He feels he wasted his time and effort protecting Nabal, only to be met with rudeness and a refusal to help. This verse reveals David's human side - his sense of fairness and his anger when he feels he has been wronged. It also sets the stage for David's initial reaction, which is to seek revenge on Nabal and his household.
This verse from 1 Samuel 25:21 expresses David's anger and frustration. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Now David had said...": This sets the context. David is speaking these words in response to a situation.
"Surely in vain I have kept all that this fellow has in the wilderness...": David is referring to Nabal, a wealthy and churlish man. David's men had protected Nabal's shepherds and flocks in the wilderness from thieves and wild animals. David is lamenting that his efforts were useless, as he expected gratitude or at least a reward.
"...so that nothing was missed of all that pertained to him.": This emphasizes the thoroughness of David's protection. David's men ensured that nothing belonging to Nabal was lost or stolen.
"He has returned me evil for good.": This is the core of David's complaint. Nabal has responded to David's kindness and protection with ingratitude and insults. David likely expected Nabal to provide provisions for his men as a token of appreciation. Instead, Nabal refused and spoke harshly to David's messengers (as recounted in the preceding verses).
In essence, David is feeling betrayed and unappreciated. He feels he wasted his time and effort protecting Nabal, only to be met with rudeness and a refusal to help. This verse reveals David's human side - his sense of fairness and his anger when he feels he has been wronged. It also sets the stage for David's initial reaction, which is to seek revenge on Nabal and his household.