CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
His Check From Abigail
1 Samuel 25
In our last chapter we saw how that God submitted David unto a testing of quite
another character and from a different quarter than those he had previously
been tried by. Hitherto, the thorn in his side had been none other than the
king of Israel, to which we may add the callous indifference toward him of the
nation at large. But now he was unexpectedly rebuffed by an individual farmer,
from whom he had sought some victuals for his men. "His churlish soul, adding
insult to injury, dismissed the messenger of David with contumely and scorn. It
is a hard thing to endure. David had endured, and was enduring much. He was
suffering from the active enmity of Saul, and from the dull apathy of Israel.
But both were great, and so to speak, dignified enemies. Saul was Israelłs
king; and Israel were Godłs people. It seemed comparatively honourable to be
persecuted by them: but it was a far different thing to endure the reproach of
one so despicable as Nabal. ęSurely in vain,ł said David, ęhave I kept all that
this fellow hath in the wildernessł" (B. W. Newton).
What made the trial more poignant to Davidłs soul, was the fact that he himself
had acted honorably and kindly toward Nabal. When, on a previous occasion, he
had sojourned in those parts, he had not only restrained his own men from
preying upon Nabalłs flocks, but had been a defense to them from the wandering
bands of the Philistines. It was, then, the least that this wealthy sheep owner
could do, to now show his appreciation and make present of a little food to
Davidłs men. Instead, he mocked them. Ingratitude is always trying to flesh and
blood, but more so when it is coupled with gross injustice. Yet often God is
pleased to try His people in this way, calling upon them to receive treatment
which they feel is quite "uncalled for," yea, positively "unjust." And why does
God permit this? For various reasons: among others, to furnish us opportunities
to act out what we profess!
The reaction of David unto this trial is recorded for our learning: for us to
lay to heart, and turn into earnest prayer. "And David said unto his men, Gird
ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David
also girded on his sword" (1 Sam. 25:13). Well may we ask, Had he been so long
in the school of affliction and not yet learned patience? "He forgot that all
suffering, all reproach, that is for Godłs sake, is equally honourable, whether
it come from a monarch, or from a churl. His proud spirit was roused, and he
who had refused to lift up his hand against Saul, and had never unsheathed his
sword against Israel: he who was called to fight, not for his own sake, against
his own enemies, but for the Lordłs sake against the Lordłs enemies, heDavid,
forgot his calling, and swore that Nabal should expiate his offence in blood"
(B. W. Newton).
And how are we to account for his lapse? Wherein, particularly, was it that
David failed? In being unduly occupied with the second cause, the human
instrument; his eyes were upon man, rather than upon God. When his men returned
with their disappointing tidings he ought to have said with Job, "Shall we
receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" (Job 2: 10).
Ah, it is easy for us to say what David ought to have said, but do we act any
better when we are similarly tested? Alas, has not both writer and reader full
reason to bow his head in shame! Far be it from us, who thoroughly deserve them
ourselves, to throw stones at the beloved Psalmist. Nevertheless, the Holy
Spirit has faithfully recorded his failures, and the best way for us to profit
from them is to trace them back to their source, and seek grace to avoid
repeating them.
Above we asked the question, Had David been so long in the school of affliction
and not yet learned patience? This leads us to enquire, What is patience?
Negatively, it is meekly receiving as from God whatever enters our lives, a
saying from the heart, "The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not
drink it?" (John 18:11). Positively, it is a persevering continuance in the
path of duty, not being overcome by the difficulties of the way. Now to accept
as from God whatever enters our lives requires us to cultivate the habit of
seeing His hand in every thing: just so long as we are unduly occupied with
secondary causes and subordinate agents, do we destroy our peace. There is only
one real haven for the heart, and that is to "rest in the Lord," to recognize
and realize that "of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things" (Rom.
11:36): ever seeking to learn His lesson in each separate incident.
It is blessed to know that "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,"
and that "though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord
upholdeth his hand" (Ps. 37:23, 24). Yes, and ofttimes though we trip, He keeps
us from falling. Where it is the genuine desire of the heart to please the Lord
in all things, He will not let us go far wrong; where the will is sincerely
bent Godwards, He will not suffer Satan to prevail. Thus it was here with
David. To answer the fool [Nabal] according to his folly (Prov. 26:4) was just
what the devil desired, and momentarily he had gained an advantage over him.
But the eyes of the Lord were upon His tempted servant, and graciously did He
now move one to deter him from accomplishing his vindictive purpose. Let us
admire His providential workings.
First, we are told that, "But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabalłs wife,
saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our
master; and he railed on them. But the men were very good unto us, neither
missed we any thing, as long as we were conversant with them, when we were in
the fields: They were a wall unto us both by night and by day, all the while we
were with them keeping the sheep. Now therefore know and consider what thou
wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his
household: for he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him" (vv.
14-17). One of Nabalłs servants acquainted his mistress with what had
transpired, confirming, be it noted, what was said, by Davidłs men in verse 7.
He probably drew the logical inference that David would avenge his insult, and
anxious for his own safety, as well as for the other members of the household,
and yet not daring to voice his fears unto Nabal, he informed Abigail.
How wondrously God makes all things "work together" for the good of His own.
How perfect are His ways: fulfilling His own secret and invincible designs, yet
leaving quite free the instruments, who unconsciously, fulfill them. The
providential machinery to restrain the impetuous David was now set in motion. A
servant of Nabalłs, moved by nothing higher than the instinct of
self-preservation (so far as his consciousness went), warns his mistress of
their impending danger. Now mark, secondly, her response: she did not laugh at
the servant, and tell him his fears were groundless; nor was she suddenly
paralyzed by feminine fright at the alarming tidings. No, a hidden Hand calmed
her heart and directed her mind. Accepting the warning, she acted promptly,
setting out at once with an elaborate present to placate the angry David; a
present that would meet the immediate needs of his hungry men: see verses 18,
19.
There are some who have criticized this action of Abigailłs, dwelling upon the
last clause of verse 19: "But she told not her husband Nabal." Such a criticism
is a very superficial conclusion. What Abigail did was necessary for the
protection of the family. Perceiving that Nabalłs stubbornness would ruin them
all, the exigencies of the situation fully justified her conduct. It is true
she owed allegiance to her husband, but her first and great duty was to take
measures to protect their lives: inferior interests must always be sacrificed
to secure the greaterour property to preserve our lives, our very lives to
preserve our souls. As we shall see, verse 24, 28 make it clear that she acted
from no disloyalty to Nabal. Nevertheless, it is an extraordinary case which is
here before us, and so not to be used as an example.
And what of David at this time? Was he recovered from his outburst of anger?
No, indeed, or there had been no need for Abigailłs mission of conciliation.
The words of Nabal were still rankling within his heart. Hear him as he
petulantly declares, "Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow hath in
the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained unto him: and
he hath requited me evil for good" (v. 21). He repented of the kindness shown
Nabal, feeling now that it had been wasted upon him, that he was devoid of
gratitude and incapable of appreciating the good turn shown him. But God is
"kind to the unthankful and to the evil," and bids us "Be ye therefore
merciful" (Luke 6:35, 36). Ah, to cultivate that attitude we must seek grace to
mortify the spirit of pride which desires recognition, and that bitterness
which rises when we are slighted.
Not only was David chafing under the ingratitude and taunts of Nabal, but he
was still bent on revenge: as verse 23 shows, he had determined to slay every
male in Nabalłs household. This was unjust and cruel in the extreme, and if God
had suffered him to carry out such a design, would have greatly sullied his
character and given his enemies an immense advantage against him. So determined
was he, that he confirmed his intention with an oath, which was rash and
savored of profanity. See here, dear reader, what even the child of God is
capable of when grace is not active within him. The realization of this ought
to make us walk softly, and work out our salvation with "fear and trembling."
It is for this reason that God so often withdraws from us the power of His
Spirit: that we may know what is yet in our hearts (2 Chron. 32:3 1), and be
humbled before Him.
How blessedly God times His mercies. Here was David premeditating evil, yea, on
the point of carrying out his wicked purpose. But there was one, sent by the
Lord, already on the way to deliver him from himself. Ah, dear reader, have not
you and I often been the recipient of similar favors from Heaven? Were there
not times, be they recalled to our deep shame, when we had determined upon a
course dishonoring to our Lord; when, all praise unto Him, some one crossed our
path, and we were delayed, hindered, deterred? That some one may not have
spoken to us as definitely as Abigail did unto David: rather perhaps their
errand was of quite another nature, which at the time we may have resented as a
nuisance for interrupting us; but now, as we look back, do we not see the kind
hand of God withholding us from carrying out an evil purpose!
Apparently David was already on his way to execute his evil intention when
Abigail met him (v. 20). Blessed it is to see the place which she now took:
"When Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before
David on her face and bowed herself to the ground; and fell at his feet" (vv.
23, 24). This was not mere adulation, and it was something more than an
oriental salutation: it was faithłs acknowledgment of the "anointed of the
Lord." Nabal had insulted him as a runaway slave, but his wife owns him as a
superior, as her king in the purpose of God. Her address to him on this
occasion (vv. 24-31) is deserving of close study, but we can only offer a few
brief remarks upon it.
It is to be carefully noted that Abigail did not upbraid David for cherishing
the spirit of revenge and tell him that it ill became his character and
calling: that had not been seemly for her to do; rather did she leave it for
his conscience to accuse him. She did not excuse her husbandłs conduct, nor did
the present case allow her to hide his infirmity, but she sought to turn his
well-known character for rashness and insolence (v. 25) into an argument with
David, why he should lay aside his resentment. ęShe intimated that Nabal (whose
name means ęfollył), intended no peculiar affront to him, but only spoke in his
usual way of treating those who applied to him; and it was beneath a person of
Davidłs reputation and eminence to notice the rudeness of such a man" (Thomas
Scott).
Abigailłs piety comes out clearly in verse 26. Possibly she perceived a change
in Davidłs countenance, or more probably she felt in her spirit that the object
before her was now gained; but instead of attributing this unto her pleading,
or the present she had brought, she ascribed it solely unto the restraining
grace of God: "the Lord hath withholden thee from coming to shed blood, and
from avenging thyself with thine own hand." Thus alone is God honored and given
His proper place, when we freely impute unto His working all that is good in
and from our fellow-creatures. Beautiful too is it to behold how she shields
her churlish husband: "upon me, my lord, upon me, let this iniquity be" (v.
24), "I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine hand maid" (v. 28). She took
upon herself the blame for the illtreatment of his men, and says, If thou wilt
be angry, be angry against me, rather than with my poor husband.
Next, we behold her strong faith: "the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure
house" (v. 28). She makes reference unto the future to draw his heart from the
present. As another has said, "To the heir of a kingdom, a few sheep could have
but little attraction; and one who knew that he had the anointing oil of the
Lord upon his head, might easily bear to be called a runaway servant." Ah, it
is ever the office of faith to look beyond present circumstances and
difficulties, on to the time of deliverance; only thus do we begin to judge
things from Godłs viewpoint. Then she pointed out that David was fighting "the
battles of the Lord" (v. 28), and therefore it was not for him to think of
avenging an insult to himself.
Her closing words in verses 29-31 are very beautiful. First, she makes
reference to the relentless persecution of Saul, but in becoming loyalty to the
throne speaks of him as "a man" rather than "the king," and assures David in
most striking language that his life should be preserved (v. 29). Second,
looking away from his abject condition, she confidently contemplated the time
when the Lord would make him "ruler over Israel": how heartening was this unto
the tried servant of God! Thus too does God often send us a word of comfort
when we are most sorely tried. Third, she pleaded with David that he would let
his coming glory regulate his present actions, so that in that day, his
conscience would not reproach him for previous follies. If we kept more before
us the judgment-seat of Christ, surely our conduct would be more regulated
thereby. Finally, she besought David to remember her, his "handmaid," when he
should ascend the throne.
"ęAs an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover
upon an obedient earł (Prov. 25:12). Abigail was a wise reprover of Davidłs
passion, and he gave an obedient ear to the reproof according to his own
principle: ęLet the righteous smite me, it shall be a kindnessł (Ps. 141:5):
never was such an admonition either better given or better taken" (Matthew
Henry). Herein are the children of God made manifest; they are tractable, open
to conviction, willing to be shown their faults; but the children of the devil
("sons of Belial") are like Nabalchurlish, stubborn, proud, unbending. Ah, my
reader, lay this to heart: if we will listen to faithful counselors now, we
shall be delivered from much folly and spared bitter regrets in the future.
God blessed this word of Abigailłs to David, so that he was now able to view
the whole transaction and his own bitter spirit and purpose, in a true light.
First, he praises God for sending him this check in a sinful course (v. 32): it
is a true mark of spirituality when we discern and own the Lordłs hand in such
deliverances. Second, he thanked Abigail for so kindly interposing between him
and the sin he was about to commit (v. 33): ah, we must not only receive a
reproof patiently, but thank the faithful giver of it. Note that instead of
speaking lightly of the evil he premeditated, David emphasized its enormity.
Third, he dismissed her with a message of peace, and accepted her offering. The
whole shows us wise men are open to sound advice, even though it comes from
their inferiors; and that oaths must not bind us to do that which is evil.
Finally, let us point out for the benefit of preachers, that we have in the
above incident a blessed picture of an elect soul being drawn to Christ. 1.
Abigail was yoked to Nabal: so by nature we are wedded to the law as a covenant
of works, and it is "against us" (Col. 2: 14). 2. She was barren to Nabal (see
Rom. 7:1-4). 3. It was tidings of impending doom which caused her to seek David
(v. 17). 4. She took her place in the dust before him (v, 23). 5. She came to
him confessing "iniquity" (v. 24). 6. She sought "forgiveness" (v. 28). 7. She
was persuaded of Davidłs goodness (v. 28). 8. She owned his exaltation (v. 30).
9. She, like the dying thief, begs to be "remembered" (v. 31). David granted
her request, accepted her person, and said, "Go in peace" (v. 35)!
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