Today’s scripture: I Samuel 25:9-14; 18-19; 23-25; 32-33 (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me in this passage? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two before reading on.
My thoughts (Christen Peters):
…Abigail did the right thing.
A bit of background begins with verse 4. David, once a shepherd himself, and his men have been in the wilderness and were keeping an eye on Nabal’s flocks. It was common for the Philistines to raid the livestock of the Israelites. Thanks to David, Nabal’s flocks have safely returned from their grazing and Nabal’s men have begun shearing the sheep. It is from such wool that Nabal has become a rich man. David has, in all fairness, provided a crucial service in protecting Nabal’s men and livestock, and now is asking for a bit of remuneration. In this case, he’s simply asking that he and his men be fed in exchange for their services. Nabal, however, knows nothing of David and most certainly is not given to sharing what he views as his alone.
How many times have we stubbornly clung to our possessions?
David, insulted by Nabal’s denial of his request (as well as the form of the denial), acts in haste and declares that he will see all of Nabal’s household destroyed.
How many times have we taken offense to something and reacted a little ‘over the top’?
Luckily for all involved, Abigail possesses a clearer head than David or Nabal. She is able to see the value that David and his men have provided. She also sees God’s will for David’s future, and moves to protect her household by acting as a peacekeeper. Because she knows the stubbornness of Nabal, Abigail offers to take upon herself all responsibility for her husband’s selfishness.
It is amazing how hard it can be for us to sometimes put the good of a situation above our interest in people seeing us as ‘right’. Abigail could just as easily have pleaded for her life, proclaiming her innocence, and allowed David to slaughter her husband along with the rest of her household. Her good name, however, was not her prevailing interest. Peace is Abigail’s interest. And she knows that it can’t be gained by allowing both Nabal and David to act rashly.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
Indeed.
Thought for the day: How often am I willing to place peace above my own selfish interests?
Today, let’s join together in prayer and ask God, “Where do I need to let go of my own interests, in order to bring about Your good?”
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. Use the item above as a starting point, or consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.