The Life of David - Part 3
“Nabal and Abigail”
Copied from the Sermon notes of Pastor Don Elmore
September 13, 2026
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 24:1
From these words of the Scriptural reading, we gather that Saul had been successful in turning back the invading Philistines. This illustrates a principle which is often lost sight of: human success is no proof of divine approbation. The mere fact that a man is prospering outwardly, does not, of itself, demonstrate that his life is pleasing unto the Lord. Only an infidel would deny that it was God who enabled Saul to clear his land of the Philistines, yet we err seriously if we conclude from this that He delighted in him.
1Samuel 24:2:
“Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.”
Saul had been providentially blocked while pursuing David, by the invading Philistines; but now, as soon as this hindrance by the invading Philistines was removed, he redoubles his evil efforts. One would think that the very invasion of the Philistines changed Saul’s attitude toward the one whom he was so causelessly and relentlessly pursuing. Ought he not to have realized now, more forcible than ever, that he needed David at the head of his army to repulse the common enemy? Very few people thrive as well in times of prosperity as they do in seasons of adversity.



