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ABIGAIL: THE PEACEMAKER1 Samuel 25: 14-39
(p. 273)
August 8, 2010
1. ORDINARY PEOPLE: EXTRAORDINARY FAITH
Abigail Ordinary
person Stuck in a
relationship with a bad person – her husband Nabal
Extraordinary faith in God
Us Ordinary
people May have bad
relationship with: family member, neighbour, coworker, or your boss
DavidOrdinary
personBad temper,
overreactedTeachable
and did the right thing in the end
2. THE STORY OF ABIGAIL THE PEACEMAKER David is on the run from Saul, who is trying to kill him Living in wilderness with 600 men Act as a “protection racket” – protect shepherds and then expect
payment/hospitality In Hebron near the property of a rich, mean, wicked man named Nabal
(lit. “fool”) “Sheep-shearing time” (v4) = festival time, time to repay debts, and
right wrongs David asks Nabal for gifts of hospitality (i.e. payment) for taking care of
Nabal’s shepherds & sheep (vv5-9) Nabal rudely says, No! (vv10-11) David is angry and responds violently, telling his men to “strap on their
swords” and get ready for battle (v13)
2. THE STORY OF ABIGAIL THE PEACEMAKER (CONT’D)
Nabal’s servant reports events to Abigail, Nabal’s “intelligent & beautiful” wife (vv14-17)
“Abigail acted quickly” and wisely (v18) Took a generous gift of food and wine to David and his men Meanwhile, David is cursing Nabal, swearing he will kill all the
men in Nabal’s household (v21) David’s overreaction is in stark contrast to story in 1 Sam 24 &
26: David spares Saul’s life because he remembers that vengeance
belongs to God alone Reaffirms his trust in God’s ways and God’s plans for his life.
2. THE STORY OF ABIGAIL THE PEACEMAKER (CONT’D)
Abigail intervenes: Asks David’s forgiveness - takes the blame for Nabal’s
bad behaviour (v25ff) put aside her pride Smart yet presumptuous – speaks as though David has
already decided to stop his attack (v26, 31) Appeals to David’s dignity and honour as a man of God
(v28) and to his future as God’s anointed ruler (v30) Abigail boosts his confidence Abigail reminds him that God has a plan for him
Meets David’s physical needs with food and drink
2. THE STORY OF ABIGAIL THE PEACEMAKER (CONT’D)
Radical actions in the face of hostilityAbigail’s speech shows:
Extraordinary faith in God to fulfill his promises to secure David’s future as king of Israel
Intelligence - Nabal’s response was wrong, giving hospitality was right according to OT laws
Bold & brave – speaking truth to powerAND she was a woman!!All in order to seek peace, shalom
2. THE STORY OF ABIGAIL THE PEACEMAKER (CONT’D)
It worked! Abigail was successful!David was convinced and convicted, and thanked
God for Abigail’s messageGreat picture of David – he listened to good
judgment and stopped his evil plan teachable humble contrite / repentant a man after God’s own heart
3. REAL LIFE
Who are you? David – quick to anger, bad temper Abigail – faithful, bold, ready to intervene Nabal – mean, wicked, foolish All of the above?
3. REAL LIFEMy mother’s story
The neighbour:• Faithful and firm in her convictions about raising children• Bold & fast acting• Brave to tell a stranger how to raise her children
Shalom entered my householdAnna’s story (CBC Radio)
The neighbour:• Sorry that she did nothing• Bystander effect? Fear?
Long-lasting brokenness
Who are you?
Be like Abigail. Be a peacemaker.