David had been fleeing from Saul for some time. He lived his life on the run, seeking God's direction as he led his band of 600 men around the countryside. In chapter 24, Saul unknowingly discovered the hiding place where David and his men were sheltered. Instead of avenging his unjust treatment through murder, David put himself in a vulnerable position and sought peace with the King. Saul seemingly repented from his wicked pursuit to kill David and returned home.
In chapter 25 David next found himself mourning the death of the prophet Samuel, a mentor to him. Afterwards he and his men ventured to the wilderness of Paran where they protected the shepherds and sheep of a wealthy buisinessman. In return for their service, David sought to provide for his men by requesting remuneration from Nabal. "Harsh" and "worthless" in reputation, Nabal consistently acted accordingly by refusing provision for David from his excess wealth (25:3, 17 NAS). Nabal even went so far as to pretend that he has not heard of David, accusing him to be a runaway servant. David responded in anger toward Nabal, planning to take vengeance upon him and his household.
Caught in the middle between two hot-headed men protecting their territory, Abigail was an example of both wisdom and poise. Abigail knew who David was, and when informed by a servant of her husbands idiocracy, she acted quickly to bring peace. She secretly sent out gifts before her to David and his men, following with her own self to request forgiveness. She acknowledged David as the future King and blessed him. David's heart was protected from manslaughter as he heeded the kindness and wisdom of Abigail. His anger subsided.
I believe that God was preparing David's heart for a second man-to-man encounter with Saul. 1 Saumuel 25 is sandwiched between the two accounts of David sparing Saul's life, though he has the opportunity for vengeance. Between these two instances, Abigail acted wisely to protect her own household as well as David's moral purity. Soon after Abigail's wise actions, God himself caused the Death of Nabal. Vengeance belonged to God, not David. This was the lesson that David probably needed to hear as he would soon have the opportunity once again to end his life's current trial in fleeing from the wicked Saul. Though Samuel the prophet was gone, David must trust that God will continue to act toward His own will in David's dealings with Saul.
Oh, that I would be a woman like Abigail. She is so wise to know of her infuence and her place. She humbled herself and sought God's best. What a blessing she was to David. Through Abigail God says to David, "Trust me. I'm still in control." Through Abigail, David's moral purity is protected and honored. Through Abigail, both David and her household are able to rest. Through Abigail, God prepares David's heart for what is ahead.
How I want us women to know our place of humility and wisdom, to be a blessing the men around us! We are women who have influence in the lives of men. May we choose to protect their moral purity by our conduct and our gentle humility. Let's be influential women that God can use to speak boldly to the men in our lives.
If you are married, then pray for wisdom as you serve your husband in love. If you are single and wanting to be married, then pray for wisdom in shaping your life after the pattern of God's ways of peacemaking, instead of the world's. If you are single and content in that place for your life, then pray for wisdom as an influential person in the lives of many men. Let's be a blessing to men. Let's help them to rest and know that we want God's best for them.
Scripture marked “NAS” is taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle
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