Ruthless Has Feelings

I used to like David.

I really, really did.

But my all-too-naïve perception of him faded once I got the entire story.

How can a boy with humble beginnings and such a ‘kind’ heart and belief in the Lord, end up becoming a ruthless man that kills someone just because he is not invited to a sheep shearing?

And then manages to steal said guy’s wife?

Right.

I don’t give Abigail any credit on her prize, either.

What started as a story of courage and bravery has now turned into the epic of a man’s downfall from purity, if it may be called that.

Now, he is making it his personal duty to constantly raid communities slaying all, so that word of his behavior does not get back to Achish.

Another thing that tugged my heartstrings was Saul’s death, as well as the death of his three sons, including Jonathan. Sadness came for Jonathan, whom I have learned to care for since he makes himself out to be such a kind, loyal man.

David felt the same way, and makes it so, in Second Samuels chapter 1, “I grieve for you, my brother Jonathan, You were most dear to me. Your love was wonderful to me. More that the love of women.”

I have yet to truly understand whether I am fond of David.

But maybe he does have feelings after all.