Gleanings From the Life of Abigail (1)—Abigail’s Wisdom - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2024

When the Lord has done for my lord according to all the good that He has spoken concerning you this will be no grief to you that you have shed blood without cause.
1 Samuel 25:30-31 NKJV

Gleanings From the Life of Abigail (1)—Abigail's Wisdom
Abigail shines as one of the brightest lights of the Old Testament. She spoke these words to David during the days when he lived as a fugitive from King Saul. David and those with him had protected the shepherds and flocks belonging to Nabal, Abigail's wealthy husband. Yet when David asked Nabal for some token of favor, he replied with insult and disdain. Filled with anger and intending a murderous revenge, David led 400 of his men toward Nabal's estate.

When Abigail heard of David's purpose, she rushed to gather a gift of food and wine. This was a great kindness in itself; but, upon meeting him, her words reveal the wisdom of her heart (1 Sam. 25:27-31). She declared that God would surely establish David on the throne and give him an enduring house. "My lord fights the battles of the Lord," she told him, "and evil is not found in you throughout your days" (v. 28). Thus she affirmed not only David's victories but also his integrity. Evidently Abigail had long been attentive to every mention of David's glories, despite his rejection by Saul. We too will be well established if we store up every mention of the Savior.

However, in this instance David was in danger of tarnishing his reputation. Abigail wisely observed that the revenge he sought would cause him to "shed blood without cause." Here is a lesson for us as well. David had been mocked and his pride wounded, but a vengeful response would mean shedding innocent blood—an act which God hates (Prov. 6:17). Through godly wisdom, Abigail calmed David and stopped him from permanently damaging his testimony. We too must depend on godly wisdom so that a reckless moment does not become an enduring memory of sorrow.

-- Stephen Campbell