Abigail

By Will Heydel

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 25:1-44

In the movie Rocky 3, Clubber Lang, played by the former American actor and retired professional wrestler, Mr. T, was interviewed before his rematch with Rocky Balboa. He said, “No, I don’t hate Balboa, but I pity the fool! And I will destroy any man who tries to take what I got.”

Looking at today’s passages, Saul was seeking every opportunity to take the life of the soon-to-be King David. There was a flurry of activity as David fled Saul’s jealousy and violent plots. In one chapter, David and his men were concealed in a cave; in the next, they defeated the Philistine army. Upon hearing of Samuel’s passing, David and his men fled to the wilderness of Paran for fear that, maybe, Samuel’s death would turn Saul against him again. If you’re wondering where God’s favor and protection are, you can be sure they’re going to show up here too—just not exactly in the way David (or I) might have imagined.

Nabal, a wealthy man residing in the wilderness of Paran, was presented with an opportunity to assist David and his men with provisions, and this was his response.

Who is David? Who is Jesse’s son? Many slaves these days are running away from their masters. Am I supposed to take my bread, my water, and my meat that I butchered for my shearers and give them to these men? I don’t know where they are from.
—1 Samuel 25:10–11

In other words, “I pity the fool who tries to take what I got.” Nabal’s rudeness and contempt provoked David’s anger. Not only had Nabal reacted foolishly, but David was also about to join him in less-than-advisable reactions by taking the lives of Nabal and his entire household.

Upon hearing of her husband’s reaction, Nabal’s wife, Abigail, entered the scene. A woman of discernment and generosity, she embodied God’s favor and protection in this story. In the face of foolishness, David was met with discernment, discretion, generosity, and sacrifice. David then told Abigail, “Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, who sent you to meet me today! May your discernment be blessed, and may you be blessed” (vv.32–33). Discernment is a gift from God, and in the face of foolishness, it protects and preserves us from further harm, regret, or pain. R. C. Sproul states, “The beginning of foolishness is the failure to hold God in reverence and to adore Him.” To not hold God in reverence for who He is and all that He has done truly is the ultimate act of foolishness.

What has God done? He took on Himself the burden of our sin, guilt, and shame. Abigail’s words to David, “The guilt is mine, my lord,” (v.24) ministered to him, calmed his anger, and led him to bless her discernment and sacrifice. In a similar way, through the person and work of Christ on the cross, we are blessed.

Written by Will Heydel