In 1 Samuel 25, David is still on the run from Saul. Even after David spared his life, Saul continued to be jealous, bitter, and determined to kill him. Samuel has died (1 Samuel 25:1). David and his men find employment as “security” ranchers and shepherds. Nabal was a rich man whose investments they helped protect (1 Samuel 25:2-3).
While Nabal was shearing his sheep in Carmel, David sent some of his men to respectfully request payment for their services (1 Samuel 25:4-9). Nabal refused to pay. He even mocked David and his family (1 Samuel 25:10-11). David became angry and determined to get vengeance (1 Samuel 25:12-13).
Who was Abigail?
- On his way to kill Nabal, David encountered Abigail. She was Nabal’s wife (1 Samuel 25:3). While her husband was a worthless fool, she was beautiful and intelligent.
- She was extremely wise. When she learns that her husband has offended David, she comes up with a solution that would save Nabal’s life and protect David’s reputation (1 Samuel 25:14-17).
- She was a woman of action (1 Samuel 25:18-25). She met David on the road with a feast for his men. She was kind, gracious, and humble. She acknowledged that her husband was wrong and deserved what David intended to do. She gave David the provisions that Nabal should have and begged for forgiveness. She was a perfect example of the wisdom found in Proverbs 15:1.
- She pointed David back to God (1 Samuel 25:26-31). She urged him to avoid personal vengeance and staining his reputation before becoming the next king of Israel. She persuaded him to continue trusting God and refrain from doing something he would regret someday.
What happens next?
- David listened to Abigail and showed her kindness (1 Samuel 25:32-35). He is persuaded by the things she says.
- Abigail went home (1 Samuel 25:36). Despite him being a foolish, worthless, and sinful man, she continues to be devoted to him.
- God intervened (1 Samuel 25:37-38). On a night when Nabal was partying and getting drunk, “his heart died within him so that he became as stone.” He may have had a heart attack! Ten days later, the Lord struck him, and he died.
- David took Abigail as one of his wives (1 Samuel 25:39-43).
How should we respond?
- We need to avoid being like Nabal. We need to avoid being arrogant, unfair, mean, greedy, and worthless people that won’t listen to wise counsel.
- We need to be like David. We need to be humble. We need to be reasonable. We must listen to godly counsel and change course when wise people help us see a better way (Proverbs 12:15).
- We need to thank God for the Abigails! We need to thank God for the women in our lives who are wise, godly, have foresight, and are peacemakers.
Conclusion:
Abigail was a wonderful treasure in David’s life. Have you submitted to the greatest treasure (2 Corinthians 4:7)?