Character Studies - ElectronicGospel

Abigaila character study by Jeff S. SmithIntroductionToward the end of First Samuel, David and King Saul had experienced a falling out. Gone were the daysof David’s soothing musical performances and Saul’s godly gratitude. A growing wickedness and envyhad enveloped the king, who correctly suspected that David would soon take his crown. However, Sauldid not understand that this change of power was Jehovah’s doing, rather than the son of Jesse’s. In 1Samuel 25, we read of an event that occurred as Saul was pursuing David with the intention of murderingthe upstart young shepherd. Here lived a couple named Nabal and Abigail, an unlikely pairing if everthere was one (First Samuel 25:2-3). From them, we learn some basic, but vital lessons about ourbehavior.DiscussionI. The TextA. David’s Request (First Samuel 25:4-9)1. it is said that an army travels on its stomach and although David’s cohort was not exactly an army,they still needed food to survive the journey2. in his band’s travels, it had come through Nabal’s neighborhood, but had proven to be kind toNabal by leaving his land and stock alonea. most armies are known for looting every village they encounter, often out of greed ordesperationb. David’s group seemed to share his godliness, though, and refused to steal from Nabal or treathim like Job3. David sent word that he needed something for the feast dayB. Nabal’s Foolish Reply (First Samuel 25:10-11)1. it should be noted that in Hebrew, Nabal, means fool and this man has proven his parents wise intheir choice of name2. though David has withheld the usual barbaric hands of an army from harming Nabal’spossessions, Nabal is ungrateful and refuses to give a small amount to these travelers3. without knowledge, he blamed David for the break with Saul, not bothering to learn the truth ofthe matterC. David’s Wrong Intention (First Samuel 25:12-13)1. the anger in David’s scorned heart shouts off the page; “Gird on your swords,” he commands2. Nabal’s foolishness is about to return on his own head3. David’s 400 easily would have defeated Nabal and his servants and carried off everything4. let me say that David was wrong in this plan, for it was not a decision made out of militarynecessity against an enemy, but an act of vengeance and hatred5. luckily a godly woman is about to intercede on behalf of both these menD. Abigail Appears (First Samuel 25:14-17)1. one of Nabal’s young men came to his wife, Abigail, and told her what had happened2. he relates how good David’s men had been to the farm3. he tells Abigail that her scoundrel of a husband was marked for death4. Abigail’s marital devotion overcomes the prospect of her husband’s permanent removal and sheprepares a feast to take to David and to pray that he will release her husband from his self-inflicted doom(First Samuel 25:18-22)E. Abigail and David Meet (First Samuel 25:23-31)1. never had David heard such eloquence and certainly never from a womana. courage of this woman is the same that guided women like Clara Barton and Harriet Tubmanb. with quiet reproof, she shows David that his prey is surely a fool and a scoundrel, but to takepersonal vengeance upon his house would only cast the future king to the same depthsCharacter Studies! 1