Daily Scripture Threshing for Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Today’s Text: 1 Samuel 25:9-30
Key Verse: 1 Samuel 25:25 (ESV): “ Let not my lord regard this worthless fellow, Nabal, for as his name is, so is he. Nabal is his name, and folly is with him. But I your servant did not see the young men of my lord, whom you sent.”
Could there be a more perfect picture of how a name follows the bearer like a spell than in this text? Looking at this aptly painted portrait of this fellow called Nabal is a testimonial to how a name impacts who people are. This text tells us why Nabal acted grumpy, sullen, beetle-browed, and coarse-tongued. Yes, he may have been drunk and totally disoriented when he acted; but his wife revealed a greater cause of his action—His name. It means folly, and that foolishness was upon him. Therefore, upon that ground, she pleaded for mercy rather than judgement. Before you judge a man, deliver him first from the burden of his identity.
Every word spoken by Abigail is so descriptive of Nabal’s character. Before we ever regard Nabal’s person and words and determine whether he deserves contempt, or any attention at all, she reveals why there was so much shadow of darkness upon him. There is so much power in a name. Nabal’s sordid answer to David’s servants did not proceed from any ill design, or premeditated malice; but he was under the spiritual influence of his name. Jews don’t joke with names. Yorubas also take names seriously. We must be careful what we name our children and who people say we are. Always bear in mind how folly and stupidity was found in a fully grown family man because of the reality of a name.
Quote for the Day: “Name gives identity, and identity gives assumptions, and assumptions determine how people treat or take us.” (Simon Olatunji)
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for putting Your name upon me—a name above all names—let my life and character be a testimony to Your name upon my life; in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.
With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D
The Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
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