Now David had said, Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained unto him: and he hath requited me evil for good.
Now David had said, 'I completely wasted my time protecting everything this man owned in the wilderness. Nothing of his was ever stolen or lost because I watched over it all. And how does he repay me? He treats me badly when I did good for him.'
David is feeling bitter and angry because he protected someone's property faithfully, but that person responded with insults and rejection instead of gratitude.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative, David was fleeing from King Saul and had been protecting the flocks and shepherds of a wealthy man named Nabal in the wilderness, ensuring that nothing was lost or harmed. Despite this kindness, Nabal insulted David's messengers and refused to provide any provisions, leading David to feel deeply betrayed. This verse reflects David's inner frustration as he contemplates how his good deeds were met with evil in return.
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