April 11 Abigail: Lifesaving Wisdom

Evelyn Linton
Kings SDA Church

Theme: The strength to intervene and promote peace in times of conflict

Is it easier to start a war or restore peace? We only need to look around us or within to see the devastating results of the selfishness, impulsiveness and anger of humanity. In contrast, if we take a closer look, we will also see shining from the gross darkness of man’s inhumanity, the beauty of kindness and wisdom. How easy it is for us to destroy with anger. How difficult it is to restore broken relationships and build with peace.

 Abigail’s story illustrates that God’s peace endures conflict. Abigail’s home must have been the perfect potential war zone because her husband was known to be a fool by name and nature. 1 Sam 25:25 tells us that the name Nabal literally means “fool”.  Can you imagine the drama that could unfold in your home daily if you were married to “Mr Fool”? I’m not sure if it is better to be a rich fool than a poor one, but we know from 1 Samuel 25 that Nabal was both rich and foolish. Never during the story do we see Abigail’s exchanges intensifying or causing conflict. She constantly deflects it instead. Are you facing conflicts in your home? The Prince of Peace who guided Abigail is still our God today.

 

Based on the striking contrast between them (1 Sam 25:3), aren’t you wondering how Nabal and Abigail ended up together? Whatever the circumstances that led Abigail to become Nabal’s wife, we see that her wisdom and kindness became a lifeline for him and his entire household. Her wisdom and God-given peace also impacted the life of David, reminding him of his Divine purpose, and saving him from risking his integrity and future (1 Samuel 25:32-34).

 In summary, David and his men were running for their lives as Saul, filled with jealousy, pursued him to kill him. David and his men were hiding close to Nabal’s property and selflessly protected Nabal’s shepherds and cattle free of charge. They were now hungry and thought it was reasonable to ask Nabal to help them with some food.  How did Nabal reward their kindness? He cursed them and selfishly declared “Shall I then take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men when I do not know where they are from?” (I Sam 25:11)

 David was so angry that he almost made the wrong decision to kill Nabal and every male in his household to avenge himself (1 Sam 25:34).  David did not take revenge or harm Saul when he tried to kill him; however, his anger almost led him to kill Nabal and his family over food and an insult. How insignificant! Thank God for Abigail, and the Abigails of this world!. Although Abigail’s response saved the life of her husband and his entire household, Nabal was so jolted when he understood how close he had come to death that “his heart died within him”. Shortly after, the Lord struck Nabal and he died” (1 Samuel 25:37-38). Foolishness leads to death; wisdom leads to life. 

Do you want to be a wise peacemaker like Abigail? God’s word instructs us to begin by “fearing the Lord” (Prov.9:10). Here are three additional peace-making qualities that we can ask God to help us cultivate, like Abigail.

Humility: Abigail did not let her wealth or pride cloud her judgment. She bowed down to David and his men, ultimately saving her family and protecting David from himself.

Knowing when to be silent and when to speak: She did not try to reason with her husband when he was drunk, but waited until her words could be received. In contrast, she spoke up as an advocate for her family and Godly principles when she encountered David.

Kindness and hospitality: Abigail was willing to serve others and treated people with kindness. She saw David and his men in the light of their Divine destiny (1 Samuel 25:28) rather than their current temporary state as fugitive beggars.

 May we, like Abigail, pursue peace and life-saving Godly wisdom. 

 Prayer: Dear Lord, without you, we are all at risk of being Nabal. We thank you for offering to give your wisdom to anyone who asks. We cannot navigate life without your guidance. Please remove selfishness and pride from us and give us deep trust in you and the strength to intervene and promote peace in times of conflict. Please speak peace as we encounter our daily storms and use us for your glory, in Jesus’ name, Amen.