“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[d] son of Laish, who was from Gallim.” 1 Samuel 25.39-44
The story of David and Abigail is coming to a conclusion. As we’ve read, Abigail saves the day by going around her husband’s back and offering goods and hospitality to David and his men. She tells her husband Nabal that she has done this after the fact and within ten days time he died from a heart attack and was in shock that David almost destroyed his life.
Abigail is left a widow with all of Nabals possessions. So not only is she wise and beautiful she is also now rich so it only makes sense that David would make her his wife! Except he already has one wife, Ahinoam, with more to come. And, he had another wife in Michal who was Saul’s daughter who is is now given to another man. (But more on David’s wives later!)
As for now, Abigail is the hero and not only saves her entire family from being annihilated but also prevents David from shedding blood. The Lord is not excluded from this story either. Both Abigail and David refer to the Lord often and thank him for his hand of deliverance for Abigails family and David’s honor. In v. 32 Abigail says, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me.” Several times in her exchange with David she’s recognizes his God and credits him with saving them from demise.
We would expect for Abigail and David to talk about the Lord, it is the Bible after all. But it’s not as common as you might think. Often throughout Scriptures people forget about the Lord. They run from him, disown him, reject him or betray him. David will have his own failures but in this moment in time, the Lord remains first and foremost on his mind (along with a beautiful, rich and wise woman.) He calls upon the Lord to guide him and give thanks when he is delivered from his enemies. David has not forgotten God.
How often do we speak of who God is and what he has done? How often in our regular conversations does the name of the Lord arise? How often do we offer peace and hope to those who are struggling in sin and despair? We have the words of life so we should offer them broadly and often.
Although the story of David and Abigail is mixed with intrigue, sin and redemption, it is also filled with a God who works not only behind the scenes but on center stage to help keep his people seeking after him.
Thanks be to the Lord God of Israel who redeems us, renews us and welcomes us always into his family and into his care. Let’s not be hesitant in telling others about his love and his salvation made possible through his Son Jesus Christ.
“O Lord God, you are good. Thank you for the grace that you have given to us through your Son Jesus. Thank you for being the thread of hope in this life. That you never abandon your people. Help us see you in all that we do and call upon your name often and with regularity. I praise you Lord for your steadfast love, for you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen