Lots of high-octane dude-emotions flyin’ about, but I like how Abigail wisely intercedes for creepy Nabal.
She was quick to act and help out. Never lose your primary focus. Never ever lose your good perspective either.. especially in the heat of anger.
Men, please act like real men. Die to your own way and ego and do God’s will instead of what your flesh or emotions demand that you do. You’ll be glad you did.
The events of 1 Samuel 25 in the Bible remind us that any one of us could fly off the handle so to speak. You are a free moral agent. We each could choose to respond or live on three levels if that’s what we really want to do. Please pre-think. Yes, long-term even of how things would affect multiple people if you blow up and flesh-out.
What does it mean that a soft answer turns away wrath (Proverbs 15:1)?
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. ~ Jesus in Matthew 5:9
Why should we be slow to anger (Proverbs 15:18)?
But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.- Psalm 37:11
Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace. Psalm 37:37
What does it mean to stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30)?
Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.- Psalm 34:14
Is prayer to saints like to Christopher or to Mary even biblical or right? Uhh, nope!
Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly. Psalm 85:8
What does it mean that Jesus is our Advocate?
May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace! Psalm 29:11
What does “blessed are the peacemakers” mean?
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Luke 6:35
What does the Bible say about conflict resolution?
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27
What does the Bible say about apologizing?
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18
How does prayer work? It’s God, His Son and His Spirit who are at work.
In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more! Psalm 72:7
What does the Bible say about having a calm spirit (Proverbs 17:27)?
Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thy heart be hasty to utter anything before God; for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. Eccl. 5:2 asv
Relational tension, testing, trails? What I learned through serving as a local church elder.
“Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another” Eph. 4:2 gntd
How does the Spirit intercede for us with groanings that cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26)?
You and I can do what?
1.) We can choose to return evil for good. Nabal did that when he refused to share his food with David’s men who had been such a blessing to him along with his workers. The man’s name means “fool,” and that is exactly what he was
“If you repay good with evil, evil will never leave your house. Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out. Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent — both are detestable to the LORD. It is senseless to pay to educate a fool, since he has no heart for learning.” Prov. 17:13 nlt
Mr. Nabal was pretty dense and didn’t see David as Israel’s future king. He rudely refused David’s request to feed his 600 men. If we sympathize with Nabal, it is because customs are so different today. First, simple hospitality demanded that travelers — any number of them — be fed. Nabal was very rich and could have easily afforded to meet David’s request. Second, David wasn’t asking for a handout. He and his men had been protecting Nabal’s workforce, and part of Nabal’s prosperity was due to David’s vigilance. We should be generous with those who protect us and help us prosper, even if we are not obligated to do so by law or custom.
2.) We can choose to return evil for evil. And that exactly what David had planned to do.. before he was stopped by a wise woman. Hey, it is the natural thing to do because most of the world lives that way, and our offended or hurt feelings cry out for revenge. And you know your old fleshly nature, believer, will be all for doing some degree of revenge. But wait a sec.. David had just shown mercy to even creepier religious Saul who had treated him far worse than had Nabal done to him! King Saul repeatedly sought to kill David. How easy it is to lose perspective in the heat of anger.
David was really in no mood to pause or listen when he set out for Nabal’s property (1 Sam. 25:13, 22). Nevertheless, he did stop to hear what Abigail had to tell him. Hey, no matter how right you or I think we are, we must always be careful to stop and listen to others. The extra time and effort can sure save us heartache, guilt, pain and some trouble in the long run.
3.) We can choose to overcome evil with good. Yes, by the power of the Spirit in us, believer. Hey, Jesus did that as our Example. And here in this OT story God used Abigail to prevent David from becoming a murderer. She reminded David of Nabal’s truly awful character (vv. 23–25) and of David’s efforts to do God’s work in His way ..for His glory (vv. 26–29). Abigail also explained to David that he’d later on be troubled inside when he remembered the incident in the future (vv. 30–31). It’s important not to miss doing the right thing at the perfect time, or to completely miss doing the wrong thing. This is good counsel to heed the next time you consider seeking revenge for yourself. Prayerfully ponder…
“Don’t say, ‘I will get even for this wrong.’ Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.” Proverbs 20:22 nlt
“And don’t say, ‘Now I can pay them back for what they’ve done to me! I’ll get even with them!’” Proverbs 24:29 nlt
“..Nabal’s mood was joyous because he was very drunk; so she told him nothing at all until the morning light.” 1 Samuel 25:36
Because Nabal was blitzed, he was snockered, was totally plastered Abigail waited until morning to tell him what she had done to help and protect people. Abigail knew that her party-animal Nabal in his drunkenness, probably would not have understood her, or he may have reacted worse than foolishly. Why waste time talking with drunk people? Do you really think that will be productive?
When discussing difficult matters with people, especially with a spouse or other immediate family members, timing is so important! Stress can happen — be/stay wise and ready for it. Ask God for His wisdom to know the best time for honest confrontation and for broaching the issues.. for bringing up touchy subjects.
The Bible says, “When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed low before him. 24 She fell at his feet and said, “I accept all blame in this matter, my lord. Please listen to what I have to say. 25 I know Nabal is a wicked and ill-tempered man; please don’t pay any attention to him. He is a fool, just as his name suggests. But I never even saw the young men you sent.26 “Now, my lord, as surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, since the Lord has kept you from murdering and taking vengeance into your own hands, let all your enemies and those who try to harm you be as cursed as Nabal is. 27 And here is a present that I, your servant, have brought to you and your young men. 28 Please forgive me if I have offended you in any way. The Lord will surely reward you with a lasting dynasty, for you are fighting the Lord’s battles. And you have not done wrong throughout your entire life.29 “Even when you are chased by those who seek to kill you, your life is safe in the care of the Lord your God, secure in his treasure pouch! But the lives of your enemies will disappear like stones shot from a sling! 30 When the Lord has done all he promised and has made you leader of Israel, 31 don’t let this be a blemish on your record. Then your conscience won’t have to bear the staggering burden of needless bloodshed and vengeance. And when the Lord has done these great things for you, please remember me, your servant!” 1 Samuel 25:23–31 nlt knowGod.org
“David replied to Abigail, ‘Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you to meet me today! Thank God for your good sense! Bless you for keeping me from murder and from carrying out vengeance with my own hands’” 1 Samuel 25:32, 33
Foolish disobedient Saul was rejected as king. Godly Samuel had been the nation’s spiritual leader. As a young boy and as an older man, Samuel was always careful to listen well to (1 Sam. 9:14–17), and to obey (3:21; 10:1, 2) the Lord. With Samuel now gone cuz of his death, Israel would be without decent spiritual leadership until king David received his throne.
“Then the Lord came and stood and called as at the previous times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel answered, ‘Speak, for Your servant is listening.’” 1 Samuel 3:10 amp
Abigail is truly a great woman! Some men really don’t deserve their wives. It’s not the day for partying away. Look around you, the hubcaps and wheels are falling off this crazy world.
I married above my station — I don’t deserve to be married to Liney today. I can’t brag on her enough. She and I feel like we can’t brag on the Lord enough. He is the greatest groom there is — our first-love. We each love Him most, and I do see His winsome character in my wife.
What does it mean to be a godly wife?
Does the Bible speak about being a spiritual Christian wife?
Abigail was probably the best woman that Nabal could afford so to speak, and he got even more than he had bargained for when he arranged to marry her. She was beautiful and more suited than he was to manage his household and wealth.
But Nabal obviously took this wife for granted. In spite of his blatant shortcomings, Nabal’s household did what they could to keep him out of trouble. This loyalty must have been inspired by Abigail. Leadership is influence. Although her culture and her husband placed a low value on her, she made the most of her skills and opportunities. And God used her to help out her future King. David was so impressed with her abilities, and when Nabal died, guess who married her.. it was king David.
Abigail was an effective counselor to both of the men in her life, working hard to prevent them from making rash-dude-moves that come back to bite ya. By her keen mind and swift actions, and skillful negotiations, she kept David from taking vengeance upon Nabal.
She saw the long-term big picture and left plenty of room for God to get involved in their lives. Do you, like Abigail, look further down the road, beyond the now, beyond the present crisis to the big picture? How focused are you really?
Do you use your skills as a peacemaker for God’s glory? How often do you promote peace? Is it important to you? It’s important to God. Do you want to help people from all over.. come to experience peace with their Maker? His free Forgiveness is priceless! You can — God can use you in this Way.
Should I get married? Ask God, wait upon Him. Inquire again. He made you and indeed has a good plan.
How important is physical attraction when looking for a spouse?
Are you loyal without being blind or acting stupid? Sin makes people stupid. What challenge or responsibility do you face today that needs a person totally under God’s control? Hey, self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. Ask for this from the Father and cooperate with the Word and the Holy Spirit! No time to waste!
Strengths, facts and accomplishments of Abigail…
• Sensible, practical and very capable.
• A persuasive speaker, reasonable, able to see further and beyond herself. Wisdom applied helped her to outlive her first husband, Nabal. And God blessed her with a second husband of royalty, David. Who was her son? It was Kileab (Daniel).
Lessons from Abigail’s life…
• Life’s tough situations here can bring out the best in people. Some won’t let that happen, and others will.
• One does not need a prestigious title or high position to influence and play a significant role.
