A Life Of Frustration A Woman Of Wisdom: Abigail

Abigail A Life of Frustration A Woman of Wisdom

Characters: 1 Sam. 25:1b-3 • • • • •

David David’s army Nabal Nabal’s shepherds Abigail

David & His Men • David had recently shown great control and patience by not killing King Saul when he had the chance (1 Sam. 24:8-11) • He and his men protected Nabal’s shepherds faithfully • There were at least 600 men with David

Nabal & Abigail • Nabal is described as a rich man, but harsh and badly behaved. • His name means “fool” • He is married to Abigail, who is described as discerning (or wise) and beautiful • His servants describe Nabal as worthless and unapproachable

Setting & Situation • David and his men had protected Nabal’s sheep and shepherds as they grazed. • It was customary to be compensated for that service when the sheep were sheered • Nabal responded: “Who is David?” • David responded: “Every man strap on his sword!”

Let’s Turn Our Focus to Abigail Abigail’s Adversity Abigail’s Actions Abigail’s Attitude Abigail’s Appeal Abigail’s Acceptance

Abigail’s Adversity • Nabal was a fool. Psalm 14:1, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” • She is described as wise, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Prov. 1:7). • This was likely an arranged marriage • She knew her husband well

Abigail’s Actions (18-22) • Abigail did not sit back and let Nabal be killed, even though that would have been a way out of her circumstances. • “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established” (Prov. 16:3). • She made a plan and took action. • Did not tell her husband

Abigail’s Attitude (22-25) • Prov. 17:9, “Whoever covers an offense seeks love…” • Took food to a hungry man • “Fell before him” • Called him “my lord” • Referred to herself as “your servant”

Abigail’s Appeal (26-31) “Now then, my lord, as the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, because the Lord has restrained you from bloodguilt… Please forgive the trespass of your servant. For the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house, because my lord is fighting the battles of the Lord, and evil shall not be found in you so long as you live” (1 Sam. 25:26 and 28).

Abigail’s Acceptance • • • •

David accepts her wisdom (32-35) She accepts her life (36) She accepts God’s will for Nabal (37-38) She accepts David’s marriage proposal (39-42)

• Although Abigail lived with frustration, she showed great wisdom. • She did what she knew was right, regardless of her personal preferences • She showed great peacemaking skills • She ultimately saved two lives that day- Nabal and David