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STEPPING INTO THE LINE OF FIRE
The beautiful wife of pugnacious Nabal had nothing to apologize for. She was putting out her husband’s fire. Nabal had refused to supply provisions for David’s troops, though they had protected his property. Stunned at Nabal’s discourtesy, David was en route to avenge the insult. Abigail stood between them, sensibly handling the tension, negotiating a settlement.
Her speech to David is a brilliant example of strength, cleverness and dignity. First and foremost, Abigail deflected blame from Nabal to herself, which put David in an awkward position; he could hardly take revenge on a beautiful and defenseless woman. Then she reminded David of God’s sure justice — David didn’t need to take revenge because God would do it for him. Finally, she advised David in light of his coming greatness. After all, why clutter his good conscience with a hasty act of violence against a fool?
Abigail did not have to answer for her husband’s actions. Yet she did because she recognized that a greater evil would result if David followed through on his emotional venting: inappropriate vengeance and the death of innocent people.
It takes practice to learn the difference between meddling in business that’s not your own (bad — see Proverbs 26:17) and wounding a friend (good — see Proverbs 27:6). When someone smart is about to do something dumb, don’t be afraid to consider stepping in the line of fire. Even better, when you see a fight coming, ask God to show you a smart way to end it.
PRAYER
Show me, Lord, when to confront . . .
READ
Abigail’s story is told in 1 Samuel 25:1 — 2 Samuel 2:7.
The beautiful wife of pugnacious Nabal had nothing to apologize for. She was putting out her husband’s fire. Nabal had refused to supply provisions for David’s troops, though they had protected his property. Stunned at Nabal’s discourtesy, David was en route to avenge the insult. Abigail stood between them, sensibly handling the tension, negotiating a settlement.
Her speech to David is a brilliant example of strength, cleverness and dignity. First and foremost, Abigail deflected blame from Nabal to herself, which put David in an awkward position; he could hardly take revenge on a beautiful and defenseless woman. Then she reminded David of God’s sure justice — David didn’t need to take revenge because God would do it for him. Finally, she advised David in light of his coming greatness. After all, why clutter his good conscience with a hasty act of violence against a fool?
Abigail did not have to answer for her husband’s actions. Yet she did because she recognized that a greater evil would result if David followed through on his emotional venting: inappropriate vengeance and the death of innocent people.
It takes practice to learn the difference between meddling in business that’s not your own (bad — see Proverbs 26:17) and wounding a friend (good — see Proverbs 27:6). When someone smart is about to do something dumb, don’t be afraid to consider stepping in the line of fire. Even better, when you see a fight coming, ask God to show you a smart way to end it.
PRAYER
Show me, Lord, when to confront . . .
READ
Abigail’s story is told in 1 Samuel 25:1 — 2 Samuel 2:7.
Scripture
About this Plan
This is a 21 day extract of the Once-A-Day Men & Women of the Bible Devotional with 365 daily readings unpacking the most memorable people of the Bible. Daily readings take a look at the lives of Bible characters and include Bible text, a short reading, and a thought to ponder.
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