Remember Abigail - A woman of good understanding (1 Samuel 25)

The purpose of this sermon is to show that wisdom and understanding of God's way of doing things is the most critical resource that should be sought.

Seeking first the kingdom is making God’s way of doing things our primary highest priority.

Read 1 Samuel 25: 1 There are three major characters in this chapter David, Nabal, and Abigail.

Verse 1 - Key points - Samuel died

Samuel's death happened at a time that David was on the run. David had been running from place to place for several years. Only a few people knew that Samuel anointed David to be king.

Fortunately, in 1 Samuel 24:20, Saul had a brief moment of sorrow and sanity. Saul admitted in front of 3,000 men and David’s six men that DAVID would be the next King.

Verse 2- Key points- A rich man in Maon

Before mentioning his name, we learned that the man from Moan was rich in material wealth. Material riches are the lowest form of riches. God does not object to material riches; however, he does want us to be aware of the dangers of trusting in material riches.

For what profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his soul.- Mark 8:36

Riches is just a tool to be used for God’s glory. God wants us to prosper, be in health, even as our soul prospers- 3 John 1:2.

It was the shearing season - A festive occasion like harvest time- the sheep wool would be sold for money or other goods.

Verse 3 :

The man’s name was Nabal ( means fool); he was harsh and not easy to approach.

His wife was Abigail- (means -My Father is rejoicing)-a woman of good understanding and beauty.

God, our Father, rejoices when we walk by faith, trust in Him. Praise Him, and honor Him.

Zephaniah 3:17 “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty;

He will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy;

He will rest in his love; he will joy over thee with singing”.

Verse 4- 9

It was customary for sheep and goat owners to give an honorarium/ gift to people who helped them profit by protecting their men and animals. In our day, this is like a donation, tip, or a tax for services rendered.

David sent men to ask for a donation for the service he rendered to Nabal.

Verse 10-11

Nabal harshly refused David’s request, even pretended that he did not know and insulted him and his men, calling them runaway servants- These were Fighting WORDS.

Proverbs 18: 6-7 A fool’s lips enter into contention. And his mouth calleth for strokes. A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.

Verse 12-13

David's men informed David how Nabal responded to his request.

David got upset, mad, and angry; he told his men to get their weapons; he was ready to kill Nabal and all his men. This is a contrast of how David acted in 1 Samuel 24 when David had mercy on Saul.

Verse 14- 18

Thank God one of Nabal’s men told Abigail what happened. She quickly used WISDOM and UNDERSTANDING to DEESCALATE and RESOLVE the situation.

HOW did she DEESCALATE and RESOLVE?

Verse 18-19-First she acted quickly to gather gifts and goods to David for his service, and she sent the gift before her. - “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bring him before great men.” Proverbs 18:16 ----- We must bring our gifts to God

Verse 19-She did not tell her husband- Proverbs 18:2 “A fool hath no delight in understanding, But that his heart may discover itself.” (Have their own opinion without seeking God's guidance). We must not tell foolish people our God-given plans.

Verse 23- She met David and humbled herself (she fell face down and bowed at David’s feet). We must honor and respect others that help us fulfill God's plans.

Verse 24- She took responsibility and accepted all blame. We must not blame others; look inward.

She humbly asked David to listen to her.--- Ask, and it shall be given. Matthew 6

She asked for forgiveness for her husband's foolishness.-- Intercede for others.

She reminded David of his legacy and his past victories.-- Remember your testimony and your future. God plans to give you an expected end. The unnecessary bloodshed would have tarnished or hindered David’s kingship.

Verse 33- 35- David received Abigail's advice and gifts. David humbled himself.

Nabal died then, David married Abigail.

Imagine a world with people like Abigail; it would be a place of peace and harmony.

Questions

Do you want to get even with someone that harmed or offended you?

What story do you want others to tell about you?

Are you willing to humble yourself to receive God’s plan for your life?

Are you willing to receive God 's wisdom and understanding?

Let’s pray!!