By: Buddy Morefield
If ever, there was a duo whose goals and aims in life were at polar opposites, it was the marriage of Nabal and Abigail. It was recognized by all who knew him that Nabal was a rich, harsh, inhospitable, foolish, scoundrel, whereas his wife Abigail was a beautiful, level headed, benevolent soul! It is this contrast in 1 Samuel 25 which makes Abigail’s character standout among all the others, including the warrior David.
THE CONTEXT
David had been hiding out among the “stronghold” (1 Samuel 24:22), but there were more than stones protecting him from the persecution of Saul–the Lord God was his Rock (Psalm 18:1-3). During David’s time in the land of Maon, his men provided provisions and safety for the servants of Nabal while tending sheep, but as David sought hospitality from Nabal in a time of need, he turned David’s men “on their heels” (1 Samuel 25:12). What was David’s response? To sharpen his sword and take justice in his own hands, avenging the house of the scoundrel Nabal! However, as David was on his way to kill Nabal with the sword, none other than the beautiful Abigail, bearing many gifts, intervened (25:18-35).
THE CHARACTER
Once again, the contrast allows Abigail’s godly characteristics to shine forth as a light in a dark situation. Whereas Nabal rendered unto David evil for the good he had shown, Abigail’s good deeds hide a multitude of sin. First, Abigail places herself between the wrathful vengeance of David and the guilty party (Nabal). Were we not once rebellious, inhospitable, and at odds with God when we were in sin? Indeed (Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 3:23)! We needed God to intervene. Had Jesus not taken the brunt end of wrath on the cross, we would have eternally! Secondly, just as Abigail offered David many gifts (25:27), so did God offer to us the greatest gift of all—His only begotten Son. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Jesus offers us eternal gifts: “Therefore, He says: ‘When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men’” (Ephesians 4:8). Thirdly, Abigail was a peacemaker who saved the lives of an untold number of men in the house of Nabal (1 Samuel 25:26). The cross of Christ was God making peace for us (Ephesians 2:14). This affords us the opportunity to be saved from the wrath to come. Fourth, Abigail was instrumental in reminding David of things more noble–the plan God had for David in the future (1 Samuel 25:28-35). Abigail was right in pointing David back to the scriptures, concluding that God would avenge David’s enemies. David did not need that on his resume nor his conscience.
THE CONCLUSION
We need Abigail’s in this world, for without them, the world would continue to live in darkness. Paul was counting on the Philippians to “shine as lights in the world;” (Philippians 2:15), and God is counting on us to make a difference! When others are harshly taking, may we be kindly giving. When others are making war in their relationships, “if it be possible,” be the peacemakers, taking the high ground, the path that leads to life (Romans 12:18; Matthew 7:14). When the world squanders their talents for God and fails to see their purpose in life, may we as a reminder continue to point others back to the scriptures. For that is the way of beautiful Abigail!