1 Samuel - The Coming King Sýnishorn

Disciples with even a small amount of self-insight know how easily they can be overcome by sin. This is the case too with David, the chosen king. In 1 Samuel 24 we saw David’s meekness and mercy, but here in 1 Samuel 25 we see David’s violence as he comes to the brink of committing an atrocity! 

The days are already dark because Samuel, God’s great prophet, has died (v. 1). And David is now provoked by a wealthy, prosperous farmer called Nabal. His name actually means ‘fool’ in Hebrew! Nabal shows himself to live up to his name (vv. 3, 14, 25). In response to a request for help (vv. 2–9), he insults David and his men (vv. 10–11), provoking David to come and kill him (and others). It’s very striking to see here how David’s restraint with Saul isn’t repeated with Nabal. In fact, David is starting to follow Saul’s methods (see 22:6–19). Nabal is undoubtedly a fool, but David is also acting like a fool himself. The passage is warning us that, like David, we too can, in a moment, fall away into sin and foolishness. 

Ironically, the only thing that stands between David and an atrocity is a wise woman, Abigail. She takes responsibility in the situation, appeases David’s anger (vv. 18–25) and, remarkably, refocuses David on the Lord’s sovereign plan and justice (vv. 26–31). Her speech was the speech David had just given Saul outside the cave (see 24:11–15)! David is immediately convicted and recognises the evil of what he was about to commit, as well as Abigail’s role in preventing it (vv. 32–34). 

Let’s be thankful for the countless times the Lord has restrained us from evil, and even sent us our own ‘Abigails’. And let’s imitate the wise man in Proverbs, who always listens to correction (Prov. 13:18). That may be the only thing that stands between us and a sin we’ll come to regret.

REFLECTION

1. Are you being tempted to anything at the moment that is foolish or sinful? How will you resist it?

2. How good are you at listening to the wisdom of others? Do you feel that you need it?