Thursday, August 4, 2011

1 Samuel 25:36-44

36 When Abigail went to Nabal, he was in the house holding a banquet like that of a king. He was in high spirits and very drunk. So she told him nothing at all until daybreak. 37 Then in the morning, when Nabal was sober, his wife told him all these things, and his heart failed him and he became like a stone. 38 About ten days later, the LORD struck Nabal and he died.

39 When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Praise be to the LORD, who has upheld my cause against Nabal for treating me with contempt. He has kept his servant from doing wrong and has brought Nabal’s wrongdoing down on his own head.”

Then David sent word to Abigail, asking her to become his wife. 40 His servants went to Carmel and said to Abigail, “David has sent us to you to take you to become his wife.”

41 She bowed down with her face to the ground and said, “I am your servant and am ready to serve you and wash the feet of my lord’s servants.” 42 Abigail quickly got on a donkey and, attended by her five female servants, went with David’s messengers and became his wife. 43 David had also married Ahinoam of Jezreel, and they both were his wives. 44 But Saul had given his daughter Michal, David’s wife, to Paltiel son of Laish, who was from Gallim.

Questions to consider:

  • Why did Abigail wait to tell her husband what she had done?
  • What happened to Nabal?
  • How does react to Nabal's demise?
  • What happens to Abigail?

Possibilities for prayer:

When David hears that Nabal has died, he praises God for keeping him from doing wrong, or for taking vengeance on Nabal on David's behalf. Now, while I don't think we should be wishing anyone death, we can take solace in the fact that God "has our back". We shouldn't be fooled into taking unwise action that would make us guilty, but should instead ask God to look out for us, and to defend our honor. Today, let's ask that God would give us clear minds to make good decisions, especially when we feel that others have wronged us, and to trust that God will make all things right in the end.