1 Samuel 25
David and his men had done some good works in the wilderness and found ways to protect Nabal’s shepherds from danger. So, David sent his young men to Nabal and asked for his favour and donations during the sheep shearing time. Nabal did not only refuse the request, but also insulted David and his family publicly, and questioned David’s integrity.
David was enraged with anger and immediately ordered 400 armed soldiers to prepare for a mass murder mission. By God’s marvelous grace, God uses Abigail to bring peace to the situation.
When nobody was able or unwilling to do something, this one sidekick, Abigail, stepped up to meet David and talk him out of his horrendous mass murder plan.
Proverbs 25:11-12
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
Abigail
Abigail showed this kind of wisdom with her words and actions. Her speech was carefully worded and schemed out. She appealed to David’s conscience and outlined for him the destructive consequences of his rashness. Her speech was softly spoken, humbled, and seasoned with grace and peace.
Through her fitty spoken words, Abigail saved David from shedding blood.
David
When God intervenes, David listens.
David and his men are armed and ready to kill. But then he meets Abigail whom he has never met before. David knows this woman is sent by God to save. David listens to the wise reprover, the armless sidekick Abigail and aboard his mass murder mission!
Reflection
- In what ways, may God be calling you to hold others accountable?
- And what courage do you need from God, so that you can actually do it just like Abigail?
- Are you willing to humble yourself with a listening ear to the words of reproof and surrender to the way of the Lord?
May we all learn from Abigail and David.
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