1 Samuel 25:32-33

New International Version (NIV)

David said to Abigail, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me. May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands.

For Meditation

Her name is Abigail, and what a woman she is! What a picture of grace and wisdom! However, her husband, Nabal, is wicked, arrogant, discourteous, contentious, rude, insensitive, and, as his name means, foolish (1 Sam. 25: 25). What a picture of contrasts in character! Abigail’s virtues shine even brighter in the shadow of Nabal’s vices, a stark contrast that cannot go unnoticed.

An angry David threatens the household of Nabal, and if no immediate intervention is forthcoming, everyone will be dead by daybreak (17, 21-22). Blame it on the mean-spirited Nabal. How could he deny David, the future king of Israel, a simple but well-deserved request for some provision on such a festive day when generosity must rise as thanksgiving to the Lord? After all, David and his men have been an incredible protection around Nabal’s herders in the field (15-16). What a precious gift of thanksgiving Nabal could raise to Yahweh by being generous to David and his men in appreciation of their kindness! (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:11). Nabal instead insults David through his fighting men who brought David’s request.

Spontaneously, one servant goes to Abigail with the report of the looming danger (14), and why not? She is wise and kind, but Nabal is wicked and unapproachable (17). See how free and accessible grace is?

Abigail responds urgently, wasting no time and sparing no provision (18-19). She moves with deliberate care to meet the need. In her example, we see the responsiveness of grace when faith knocks on its door.

How about her poise (19), courtesy (23-24a), deflective eloquence (24), tactfulness (25), logic and honesty (26), liberality (27), intercessory and excellent negotiation skills (28-30), and finally, her interesting closing statement (31)? No one can disregard the beauty of divine wisdom in Abigail as she moves to preempt disaster before it hits her house. Through all of this, her husband is sleeping in a drunken stupor.

Could anybody say no to this woman of grace and wisdom? How could such discernment not impress David (32-35)? Any wonder he asked her to be his wife when her husband died (39)?

Abigail’s story is a powerful lesson for all. It teaches us the value of grace, wisdom, and kindness and the impact these virtues can have in times of adversity. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of arrogance and discourtesy. May all boastful and abusive men take notice and know the treasure they bury in the sand when they look down on their wives to their shame and repent. May all women realize the power of godliness and authentic beauty that conquers kings (1 Pt. 3:1-6).

So, may you and your household be blessed if you are an Abigail, and may your husband appreciate and celebrate you, giving glory to God for your life, in Christ Jesus, amen!

Shalom