READ: 1 Samuel 25 & 26
Chapter 25 begins with a brief
sentence informing us of the death of Samuel. A great man of God has passed
from one life to the next. Samuel spoke the word of the Lord as God directed
him; he listened and obeyed and now his earthly tasks were over. It is a good
reminder for those of us who have battled the loss of a loved one: there is a
time to die. And when death comes, God is no less in control than he was the
day before. In fact, God knows at this very moment when you, and all those you
love will pass away from this earth. And God is good.
We see a different side of
David here. He has learned to wait for the Lord’s timing in regards to Saul’s
death and his own kingship, but when denied provisions, he lashes out in anger.
It seems that he forgets to seek the Lord in this moment. Upon being rudely
denied sustenance, David calls his men to arms and sets out to destroy Nabal
and his household. But Abigail intervenes. Abigail is an incredible woman –
quite the opposite of her husband, whose name means “foolish”. In a culture and
marriage where she was given rather low value, Abigail is resourceful and wise,
acting confidently and stepping up as a leader. She is a true peacemaker.
Knowing Nabal is being ridiculous, the servants easily report to Abigail,
knowing she will know what to do and that she will act wisely. Abigail is very
shrewd in dealing with David. She presents herself as a humble servant before
him. Her words might flippantly be taken as flattery, but in fact, they are
words of wisdom and prophecy. God is using Abigail to save David from an act of
ungodly vengeance. God gives her incredible words to relay to David, reminding
him that his life is protected by the Lord, and that God can be trusted to
sling out David’s enemies – David need not defend himself. David is so thankful
for Abigail’s words of wisdom, for through them, his eyes have been opened to
the great sin he was about to commit. He is captivated by Abigail, and when God
avenges David through Nabal’s death, David takes Abigail as his wife.
Abigail was a peacemaker. She
knew her husband to be a foolish man, and it seems that she was well-versed in
handling his misdeeds. Jesus said in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Those who promote God’s peace – unity and accord and well-being and wholeness –
are reflective of God and are true representations of their heavenly Father.
Abigail also sought to make
the best of her situation. As a woman in ancient Israel, and particularly as
the wife of a fool, her circumstances were less than ideal. But we see her as a
confident and contented woman. The misfortunes of her life have not paralyzed
her with bitterness or resentment. Instead, she is a kind-hearted refuge for
her servants; she fears the Lord; she speaks words of wisdom.
In chapter 26, we again see
David tested with the opportunity to take Saul’s life. Again, he resists,
knowing that the Lord is in control. We see through these chapters that there
is another theme in 1 Samuel besides that of leadership: our attitude in life
is independent of our circumstances. As followers of God, we can display His
character in any situation because He is
our Source of joy and confidence!
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. Ask
God how you can be a peacemaker today. How can you reflect your Father as a
peacemaker?
2. Is
there someone you know who is involved in something foolish? Take some time to
intercede for them. Ask God to move in their hearts and give them His wisdom.
Be careful if you feel that you need to say something to them about the issue.
Any confrontation must be bathed in prayer and the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and
must be completely free of bitterness and malicious intent.
3. How
have you allowed your circumstances to define you? Do you believe that God is
your Source, that He holds every detail of your life in the palm of His hand?
Take time to meditate on God’s power. Take time to ask Him what you mean to
Him. In 1 Samuel 26:23, David says, “The
LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness…” Do you
believe this to be true? Ask God to transform your attitude so that it is
grounded in His character and His Word, and not in your circumstances.
