My God My Everything

Despite the new wealth brought to his forces by Nabal’s land and flocks, David, Abigail, and their followers were still not safe from Saul, who possessed a much larger army. They were soon forced to ally themselves with the Philistine king Achish and settle in Gath (1 Samuel 27:3). Achish later gave David charge of the town of Ziklag, where Abigail and David lived for more than a year while David led his men on various raiding parties as Achish’s agent. When David rode with Achish in preparation for the Battle of Gilboah against King Saul, however, Abigail and the other women of the town were kidnapped by an Amelikite raiding party. David…

The ancient rabbis regarded Abigail as one of the most remarkable women in Jewish history. She was said to be one of the four great beauties, the other three being Sarah, Rahab, and Esther. Her charm was irresistible to all who gazed on her. David was immediately enthralled by her and was only restrained by Abigail’s moral strength and dignity. Abigail was not, however, David’s only wife. King David had many wives, according to the Bible, although only eight of them are named. Of the eight, five are mentioned only once. The other three wives figure prominently in the story of King David. They are Michal, Abigail and Bathsheba. Many things changed…

What are some of the characteristics that you would look for in a spouse? What attributes would benefit your home and life if your spouse possessed them? David had just experienced the ideal characteristics he would like in a wife, during his encounter with Abigail. David recognized what an asset Abigail would be to him as a wife since she was clearly someone who managed well, protected her husband’s interests, and could recognize dangers in time to avert disaster. Perfect attributes of a wife for a soon to be king. When David heard that Nabal had died, he rejoiced that God has avenged him and that he had been spared…

The word spared means to give something of which one has enough of, to someone else and to refrain from killing, injuring, or distressing; to have mercy on. Spared perfectly describes the story of David and Nabal. Nabal had plenty to spare with others but chose to live a greedy and unrepentant life. David was spared when he refrained from killing Nabal and he saw God’s hand in preventing him from taking revenge. David and Nabal can be seen as examples of the two responses we have to Christ. Nabal does not repent or acknowledge his sin, neither does he thank Abigail for her willingness to risk her life on…

After a whirlwind day of rapid preparation and courageous confrontation, Abigail was again faced with a situation that would require boldness and a gentle and quiet spirit. Now that Nabal had sobered up it was time to tell him all that had taken place the day before with David. Abigail knew that she had done the right thing and with a clear conscience she could relay the details of God’s leading and intervention. Upon hearing about Abigail’s meeting with David which saved his life, the scriptures tell us that his courage failed him and he became like a stone. About ten days later, the Lord struck Nabal and he died.…

After David accepted the gifts and words of Abigail he blessed her and sent her home in peace. But upon arrival at her home, peace was not what she found. While she was away correcting the wrongs done by her husband and saving her household, her husband was holding a banquet like that of a king. He was in high spirits and very drunk. She could have gotten angry and yelled at him in front of his friends and servants. She could have made a point right then to tell him what a terrible position he had put them all in. She could have railed against him for being so…

The bible is full of stories of the miraculous works of God and I believe they are still happening today. It’s easy to agree that God protecting and providing for Noah and his family in the flood or the parting of the Red Sea or raising people from the dead were all miracles. But it’s also a miracle when God protects and provides for each and every one of our needs. When He removes obstacles in our lives or provides a way through them and when He brings a sinner back to life in Him. God is always orchestrating Divine Encounters which are people and events placed in our path…

When Abigail gave David the food and wine she also gave him something much more valuable; gentle words of assurance. She reminded him of the calling that God had given him and that the Lord was in control of everything. The Lord promised to do many good things for you, and He will keep his promises. He will make you leader over Israel.  So don’t do anything that would make you guilty of killing innocent people. Please don’t fall into that trap. (1 Samuel 25: 30-31) Abigail knew her words and actions were powerful and carefully thought through each and every one. She understood that the bigger picture of this story was much…

A peacemaker, like Abigail, is a person who helps others solve a conflict and reach a peaceful solution. She wanted David and his men to know she was grateful they had helped her husband and that she had become aware of the offence that they had received from him. She asked David to forgive Nabal’s arrogance and accept the gifts of food and wine that she had brought with her. Abigail not only reasoned with David, but she could empathize with him. She lived with her surly husband and was around his mean disposition every day. There must have been plenty of opportunities for her to be the peacemaker in her household.…