1 Samuel 25 (reading v1-13)

We come now to the end of the era and ministry of the prophet Samuel, son of Elkanah and Hannah, on this earth (he makes a powerful and brief appearance again in ch 28). And we come to the end of the scroll of the book that was penned by Samuel. The remainder of the history here is in two scrolls penned by the prophets Nathan and Gad (see 1 Chron 29:29), and these three scrolls were joined by a later scribe into one.

Much water has passed under the bridge of David’s exile from the court of Saul. Of the 9 years of exile, around 7 have passed. In that time we’ve seen David mature spiritually, but like everyone that believes, spiritual growth is not instantaneous… sin and error and personality flaws don’t usually shake out immediately. The Holy Spirit is working on David and here in ch 25 we see that the principled restraint that David showed in not killing Saul in ch 24 gives way to anger and revenge when David is provoked by the thanklessness and obstinance of the foolish rich man, Nabal.

David is saved from himself, from the evil of taking his own revenge, by the humility and strategic wisdom and actions of a beautiful woman, Abigail, the wife of Nabal. God’s kind providence and grace towards David are mediated powerfully through one of God’s other children, Abigail. How good is the LORD? Have you ever been saved from your yourself, from your own actions, from your sinful attitude or foolish plans by the intercession of a brother or sister in Christ? Abigail here illustrates the kindness and grace of God working for us in our error through the help of a fellow believer. Lesson here: Take heed to the contrary advice of the faithful, especially when you’re upset!