“Now Samuel died, and all Israel assembled and mourned for him; and they buried him at his home in Ramah. Then David moved down into the Desert of Paran.2 A certain man in Maon, who had property there at Carmel, was very wealthy. He had a thousand goats and three thousand sheep, which he was shearing in Carmel.3 His name was Nabal and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband was surly and mean in his dealings—he was a Calebite. 4 While David was in the wilderness, he heard that Nabal was shearing sheep. 5 So he sent ten young men and said to them, “Go up to Nabal at Carmel and greet him in my name. 6 Say to him: ‘Long life to you! Good health to you and your household! And good health to all that is yours!” 1 Samuel 25.1-6
The story of David, Abigail and Nabal covers the complete chapter and is a fascinating story. As you know, Abigail is the star of the show by not only saving Nabals household (males included) from being utterly destroyed by David, but by positioning herself to become David’s wife. Not only was she beautiful but also intelligent. Abigail works in a way that helps David uphold his morality but not shedding unnecessary blood and by extending her own wealth and influence.
However, the chapter begins quite solemnly with the death of the prophet Samuel, for whom the book is named, his mourning and burial at Ramah. Not much more is mentioned here besides these facts. After Samuel’s death, who anointed David as a boy to be the future king and was a mentor and advocate, David moves into the Desert of Paran south of Sinai.
Then the story is told of Nabal, who lived in Carmel near where David and his men camped. David was in need of provisions and so sent ten men to “greet him in my name” and say “Long life to you! Good health to you and your household!’
From the get go David could have taken by force everything that Nabal owned. His thousands of livestock, land and servants. But David’s initial treatment of Nabal is righteous. He shows the necessary courtesies by sending an envy to this wealthy man and asking him to share his wealth with David who in return showed respect to his flocks when out in the field camped by David’s men.
We will cover the rest of the story in Part II of this entry but for now lets focus on David’s request which is holy and just. As we know, Nabal’s response is not what David would have hoped for but thankfully Abigail comes to save the day.
How we act towards others matters to God. Nabal was labeled as mean and surly in his dealings whereas Abigail was beautiful and intelligent. David was the Lord’s anointed and God’s hand was with him as long as he was honoring the Lord. But what will people say about us? Will they look upon us and see Christ in our actions and words? Will they see us as people who honor the Lord by putting him first in all things?
This lesson is about how we reflect the Lord and how we can become his people in spite of our sin and waywardness. Jesus has set for us an example of holiness and given us the Holy Spirit to live in a way that honors God and gives him glory.
What is keeping you from reflecting God today?
“O Lord God, thank you for your lessons from Scripture. Real human beings that you’ve created to reflect your glory. Some do this better than others. Thank you for Jesus who is our ultimate example and for the power you’ve given us to live according to your ways. I love you Lord and praise you for this life, for this day and for the very air that I breathe. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen