Bible Studies
Abigail, A Prudent and God Fearing Woman (1 Sam. 25:2-8)
Series: Studies in First SamuelIntroduction:
1. Samuel, the prophet, was a great man in Israel. But only one verse is given to his death in 1 Sam. 2. The text says, “All Israel gathered together and mourned for him, and buried him at his house in Ramah.” 3. The verse is a transition statement reminding us of the buffer that Samuel was between Saul and David. When he died David arose and went down to the wilderness of Paran. 4. Even though David has been manifesting the lovingkindness of God to Saul Saul is still hungry for David’s life. 5. The next episode in David’s life involves his fascinating interaction with a man named Nabal and his wife Abigail. 6. Reading of 25:2-8.Discussion:
I. Nabal was a worthless man (25:17, 25).A. He is described this way by one of his young men (a shepherd) and by his wife.
B. We have already come across the term used to describe him in the books of Judges and 1 Sam.
1. Abimelech hired worthless men when he proclaimed himself king in Judges 9:4.
2. Jephthah, the son of a harlot, was rejected by his brothers and worthless fellows gathered about him in Judges 11:3.
3. It was worthless men who sought to rape the Levite and raped his concubine to death in Gibeah (19:22). Note also Judges 20:13; 1 Sam. 1:16; 2:12; 10:27; 2 Sam. 20:1.
4. The Hebrew term means “Son of Belial” a phrase used in the N.T. (2 Cor. 6:15), in our vernacular it is equivalent to calling someone a son of the devil.
C. Further descriptive definition of Nabal is given in the text.
1. Very rich—3,000 sheep and 1,000 goats (25:2).
2. “Harsh and evil in his dealings” (v. 3).
3. “Such a worthless man that no one can speak to him” (v. 17). Unapproachable. Unwilling to listen. Unreasonable.
4. Even his name “Nabal” means, “fool” (25).
5. Is this the way your wife and those who work for you would describe you?
6. The description leaves us to conclude that Nabal was rich and powerful and gave no consideration to any one.
D. At the annual “roundup” David sent 10 men to Nabal with a peaceful greeting.
1. David said, “Please give us whatever you find at hand.”
2. David and his men (600) were in what we would consider a “para-military” group.
3. They had protected Nabal’s shepherds and now David is requesting a gift.
a. Had there been a previous agreement?
b. Was it merely a service freely provided by David? An act of lovingkindness?
c. David’s request does not name a particular price, but “whatever you find at hand.”
d. It sounds like David has acted as a “good neighbor.” It would be civilized for Nabal to recognize David’s actions with a thanksgiving gift.
e. Nabal was providing for the shearers (v. 11) so he knew how to be civil.
E. Nabal said, “Who is this David? And who is the son of Jesse? Should I take bread, water and meat that I have prepared for my shearers and give it to someone I don’t know?”
1. Nabal “scorned” David’s messengers (v. 14). David Tsumura (NICOT, p. 582) translates this “he flew at them.”
2. David was insulted. He commanded his men to “strap on their swords.” He would take 400 men to the “showdown” at “Nabal Corral.”
II. Abigail was a prudent and God fearing woman.A. She is “intelligent and beautiful in appearance” (v. 3).
B. One of the young men told her what Nabal had done to David (14-17).
C. Her response is recorded in 18-25.
D. She saw herself as an agent of God restraining David from executing personal vengeance against Nabal. “Never take your own revenge, but leave room for the wrath of God. Vengeance is Mine, God had said, I will repay” (Rom. 12:19; Deut. 32:35).
1. Have you ever found yourself in David’s shoes? “Strapping on your sword?”
2. Has someone acted as an “angel” sent from God to keep you from doing something you should not?
a. Abigail reasoned with David, “Consider the source” (v. 25).
b. Sometimes in dealing with Nabals you have to “pay no attention to this worthless man” (v. 25).
3. Abigail is in effect asking David to let Nabal’s sin be on my account and forgive me (vs. 24, 28).
4. She is saying to David, “You are a servant of God. Evil should not be found in you. God will protect your life and “sling out the lives of your enemies” (28-29). Don’t bring trouble upon yourself (30-31).
E. “When the Lord deals well with you remember me” (v. 31).
F. David’s recognized Abigail as an angel of God (vs. 32-35).
G. “God struck Nabal and he died” (vs. 36-38).
III. David married Abigail (25:39-42).A. Note David’s interpretation of Nabal’s death (39a).
B. David sent a proposal to Abigail to take her as his wife (39b).
C. Ladies and gentlemen, when you consider marriage, find one who is an angel of the Lord.
1. Do not look for a person like Nabal. If you marry a “child of devil” you will have trouble with your father-in-law the rest of your life.
2. Look for a person that sees himself or herself as an agent of God.
3. Look for a person that sees you as “fighting the battles of the Lord.”
4. Look for a person that will inhibit your taking matters into your own hands and acting rashly and will instead insist on you entrusting yourself to the Lord who judges righteously.
5. Look for a person who acts as a peacemaker, who humbles themselves to “wash the feet of servants.”
6. And finally and of equal importance--you be this person for someone else.
Conclusion:
1. Don’t be a fool. 2. Be prudent and God fearing. 3. Recognize God’s activity in the lives of others. 4. Recognize His activity in your own life and serve as His agent for good. 5. Ally yourself with those people who entrust themselves to the Lord.
