1 Samuel 25:23-24 “When Abigail saw David, she hurried and dismounted from her donkey, and fell on her face before David and bowed herself to the ground. And she fell at his feet and said, ‘On me alone, my lord, be the blame. And please let your maidservant speak to you, and listen to the words of your maidservant.’”
Observation: Nabal was a wealthy man who arrogantly spurned David’s request for basic kindness to his men. In anger, David prepared to war against Nabal, but was intercepted by Nabal’s wife, Abigail. Knowing her husband to be a fool, Abigail nonetheless persuaded David not to take revenge into his own hands.
Application: The story of Abigail is one of remarkable humility and wisdom. Abigail fully agreed that her husband Nabal had cheated David, but she wisely encouraged David not to be the one to shed Nabal’s blood. Rather, she pled with him to leave such judgment to the Lord.
David, himself having a heart to seek God constantly, recognized her wisdom. In 1 Samuel 25:32-33 he thanked God for sending Abigail as a way of preventing David from pressing his rightful claim; instead, justice would be left in God’s hands. And within ten days, Nabal was dead, struck down by God Himself.
How good to be reminded that when I take revenge into my own hands, when I exercise my “rights” against those who have wronged me, then all I get is “even.” All I get is revenge, and that is never satisfying. How much better to let the Lord fight my battles, for then not only is justice accomplished, but His blessings are also free to flow my way.
In 1 Samuel 24:12 David declared that he wanted the Lord to judge between him and Saul. Then, one chapter later, he trusted God to judge between him and Nabal. What magnificent reminders to lay down my “rights” so He can be my defender, my righteousness.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You did this Yourself, didn’t You? You moved from Your heavenly position of perfect righteousness to come in humility as my example. And You were content to leave it to God to right every wrong, to pull down strongholds of sin. Forgive me, Lord, for my tendency to more defend my rights than to take up Your cross. I love You far more than any need I have to “get even.” Cleanse my heart from all impurity that I might be exactly like Your son.