1 Samuel 25:22
So and more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that pertain to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall. So and more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that pertain to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.
The vow belongs to the time when David was a fugitive hunted by Saul, after Abiathar son of Ahimelech escaped Saul's slaughter of the Lord's priests and fled to David, who received him and promised him safeguard because the same enemy sought both their lives. It was spoken when David was filled with indignation after his young men returned empty-handed and reported how Nabal had answered them. It was revenge for Nabal's insult and refusal to help, denying David what was his right and adding insult to injury. In it David vowed to destroy every male in Nabal's household by the morning light.
Having determined to punish Nabal, David commanded his men to arm themselves for an encounter. This impulsive decision to take revenge was more in harmony with the character of Saul than with the character of David, and shows that David still had to learn lessons of patience in the school of affliction. Abigail's prompt, independent intervention prevented David from carrying out that threatened vengeance.