Yesterday, in our Scripture lesson, we read about an unrighteous work encounter David had with Nabal and how Abigail [Nabal’s wife] interceded to bring peace. Nabal had agree to pay David and his men for protecting his flocks from marauders and wild animals, but when the time came to settle the account Nabal refused to do so. He kept the money for himself. God took note.
David and his 600 men were ready to destroy Nabal and all he owned for the injustice suffered. An eye for an eye was the way things were handled at the time. However, Abigail went and met David bringing food and a humble apology asking for mercy and grace instead of vengeance. She urged David to protect his righteous reputation in spite of her husband’s foolish and wicked actions. David listened and knew God had sent her.
Our lesson today, continues as Abigail returns home after delivering food to David and his men. She finds her husband, Nabal, celebrating his perceived good fortune. The celebration does not last long as Nabal has a stroke and days later dies. Nabal sacrifices his integrity for money. David sacrifices money for his integrity. Such a good lesson for us, today.
God knows what we deserve based on our hearts. If we will allow God to fight our battles, we will find he makes things right his way according to his timeline. So, give whatever injustice you have experienced to God for him to make right. God rewards righteousness and love. May we never choose to live in the spirit of Nabal or our greatest battle just may be fighting God—and he always wins.
1 Samuel 25:36-42 NLT
36 When Abigail arrived home, she found that Nabal was throwing a big party and was celebrating like a king. He was very drunk, so she didn’t tell him anything about her meeting with David until dawn the next day. 37 In the morning when Nabal was sober, his wife told him what had happened. As a result he had a stroke, [his heart failed him] and he lay paralyzed on his bed like a stone. 38 About ten days later, the Lord struck him, and he died.
David Marries Abigail
39 When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Praise the Lord, who has avenged the insult I received from Nabal and has kept me from doing it myself. Nabal has received the punishment for his sin.” Then David sent messengers to Abigail to ask her to become his wife.
40 When the messengers arrived at Carmel, they told Abigail, “David has sent us to take you back to marry him.”
41 She bowed low to the ground and responded, “I, your servant, would be happy to marry David. I would even be willing to become a slave, washing the feet of his servants!” 42 Quickly getting ready, she took along five of her servant girls as attendants, mounted her donkey, and went with David’s messengers. And so she became his wife.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for this lesson about integrity. We know you are always watching our lives and how we treat others each day. We praise you for the mercy and grace you extend in Christ. Please forgive us when we fail to represent you and your character properly. May we grow and be recognized as people of your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.