ABIGAIL: THE PEACEMAKER1 Samuel 25: 14-39

(p. 273)

August 8, 2010

1. ORDINARY PEOPLE: EXTRAORDINARY FAITH

Abigail Ordinary

person Stuck in a

relationship with a bad person – her husband Nabal

Extraordinary faith in God

Us Ordinary

people May have bad

relationship with: family member, neighbour, coworker, or your boss

DavidOrdinary

personBad temper,

overreactedTeachable

and did the right thing in the end

2. THE STORY OF ABIGAIL THE PEACEMAKER David is on the run from Saul, who is trying to kill him Living in wilderness with 600 men Act as a “protection racket” – protect shepherds and then expect

payment/hospitality In Hebron near the property of a rich, mean, wicked man named Nabal

(lit. “fool”) “Sheep-shearing time” (v4) = festival time, time to repay debts, and

right wrongs David asks Nabal for gifts of hospitality (i.e. payment) for taking care of

Nabal’s shepherds & sheep (vv5-9) Nabal rudely says, No! (vv10-11) David is angry and responds violently, telling his men to “strap on their

swords” and get ready for battle (v13)

2. THE STORY OF ABIGAIL THE PEACEMAKER (CONT’D)

Nabal’s servant reports events to Abigail, Nabal’s “intelligent & beautiful” wife (vv14-17)

“Abigail acted quickly” and wisely (v18) Took a generous gift of food and wine to David and his men Meanwhile, David is cursing Nabal, swearing he will kill all the

men in Nabal’s household (v21) David’s overreaction is in stark contrast to story in 1 Sam 24 &

26: David spares Saul’s life because he remembers that vengeance

belongs to God alone Reaffirms his trust in God’s ways and God’s plans for his life.

2. THE STORY OF ABIGAIL THE PEACEMAKER (CONT’D)

Abigail intervenes: Asks David’s forgiveness - takes the blame for Nabal’s

bad behaviour (v25ff) put aside her pride Smart yet presumptuous – speaks as though David has

already decided to stop his attack (v26, 31) Appeals to David’s dignity and honour as a man of God

(v28) and to his future as God’s anointed ruler (v30) Abigail boosts his confidence Abigail reminds him that God has a plan for him

Meets David’s physical needs with food and drink

2. THE STORY OF ABIGAIL THE PEACEMAKER (CONT’D)

Radical actions in the face of hostilityAbigail’s speech shows:

Extraordinary faith in God to fulfill his promises to secure David’s future as king of Israel

Intelligence - Nabal’s response was wrong, giving hospitality was right according to OT laws

Bold & brave – speaking truth to powerAND she was a woman!!All in order to seek peace, shalom

2. THE STORY OF ABIGAIL THE PEACEMAKER (CONT’D)

It worked! Abigail was successful!David was convinced and convicted, and thanked

God for Abigail’s messageGreat picture of David – he listened to good

judgment and stopped his evil plan teachable humble contrite / repentant a man after God’s own heart

3. REAL LIFE

Who are you? David – quick to anger, bad temper Abigail – faithful, bold, ready to intervene Nabal – mean, wicked, foolish All of the above?

3. REAL LIFEMy mother’s story

The neighbour:• Faithful and firm in her convictions about raising children• Bold & fast acting• Brave to tell a stranger how to raise her children

Shalom entered my householdAnna’s story (CBC Radio)

The neighbour:• Sorry that she did nothing• Bystander effect? Fear?

Long-lasting brokenness

Who are you?

Be like Abigail. Be a peacemaker.