Read 1 Samuel 25
Highlights:
We learn we can receive direction from God as David did, as well as protection from satanic deception (1 Sam. 25:32-33,39; 26:22-24); Nabal dies; David marries his widow.
And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand (1 Samuel 25:32-33).
David had been encamped near the lands of Abigal's husband, Nabal. He and his men had been around Nabal's men as they were in the fields tending sheep. David and his men had apparently provided protection for them as the work was being done. They had not taken any of Nabal's property. From David's words, they had also ensured that no one else stole any of Nabal's flock or harmed his men.
David felt that Nabal might be hospitable for the service they had done unto him. They hoped he might give them some food and drink. Nabal, however, not only was not charitable, but he was very rude and even mocked David. His reply was why should he give anything to David when he knew not him or his family (25:10-11).
David became very angry. He set out to go to Nabal and he had all his men arm themselves. He intended to kill Nabal for the disrespect shown to him. One of Nabal's servants warned Abigal of his danger. In an effort to defuse the situation, she had many provisions prepared to carry to David and his men. She met David and begged his forgiveness.
Many times women may not be seen as playing prominent roles. This wise woman, Abigal, saved the lives of many including her husband. She surely was doing this in obedience to God, as David recognized in the above. Many women in the Bible have been used in great ways like this and continue to be used today. And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy (Acts 2:17-18).
Another interesting thought about the above verse is that David recognized God had sent Abigal so his hand of vengeance would be held back. He did something that many people find hard to do at times. He allowed his attitude to be changed by what God wanted. There is a lesson to be learned here that Jesus taught by His own example. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. (Matt. 26:39).
It is a great necessity in life to let the will of your life be surrendered to God's will. Many might say, how do I know God's will for my life? Just as God made it obvious to David, He will do the same for all of us. We just need to listen for what God has to say to us. It could come through the Bible, the working of the Holy Spirit, or the mouth of one of God's people. The important thing is to follow God's will even when it is not going the way we desire.
For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother (Mark 3:35).
Thought for Today:
It is never right to try to justify self by taking matters into our own hands.
Christ Revealed:
By Abigail's efforts to make peace between David and Nabal (1 Sam. 25:21-28). God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself (2 Cor. 5:19).
Word Studies:
25:3 churlish, harsh, cruel, rude; 25:14 railed on, insulted; 25:15 were conversant with, associated with; 25:21 requited, returned, repaid; 25:27 blessing, gift; 25:28 a sure house, a lasting dynasty; 25:29 bound in the bundle of life, safe in the care of the Lord; 26:5 in the trench, inside the barricade; 26:7 bolster, headrest, pillow; 26:15 kept, guarded; 26:24 set by, valued; 27:1 coast, territory; 27:10 road, raid; 27:11 manner, behavior.
Prayer Suggestion: Offering praise and thanks to God is a sacrifice pleasing to Him (Heb. 13:15).
Optional Reading: Acts 10
Memory Verse for the Week: John 11:25