1 Samuel 25 - The Foolishness of Nabal

LINK: 1 Samuel 25

BACKGROUND

In this chapter, the wise Samuel died and everyone mourned. Also, the wealthy Nabal refused to offer hospitality to David's 600 men even though David's men had previously protected Nabal's workforce. In this culture, refusing hospitality to a traveler was a major insult and not allowed, especially when you were wealthy! David decided to take the provisions by force which would have resulted in Nabal being killed had it not been for the intervention of his intelligent and beautiful wife, Abigail. She appealed to David's future kingship and the fact that he would not want his avenging to be on his conscience when he was king.

Nabal was a fool (the Hebrew meaning of his name), and Abigail saved him only to have him eventually die of a heart attack ten days after he heard the news of his near death by David's hand. David seized upon this opportunity to marry the wise widow, Abigail.

REFLECTION

Abigail was a peacemaker. I admire her courage to step into the situation and make peace between parties. She was a woman of good judgment who averted a terrible situation.

APPLICATION

Are you a peacemaker? Are you willing to step in and encourage peace between parties or do you do the opposite and "stir the pot"? 

Peacemaking skills do not always come naturally. Here is a great website for learning about it:

Peacemaker Ministries 

PRAYER

Lord, we thank You for the example of Abigail. Help us to be wise and intelligent in our dealings with people. Help us to be willing to step in and promote peace. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.