Nabal and Abigail seem to be very unevenly matched. While he is wealthy, he is also surly and mean in dealing with people. Abigail, however, was a beautiful and intelligent woman.
David and his army had protected Nabal's shepherds while they were in the wilderness together. Custom would have dictated a gift from Nabal to David as a courteous thank you. But Nabal had no memory of favors done to him and dismised David's servants out of hand.
Abigail heard of Nabal's rudeness and surliness, so she took the gifts to David herself. Her actions saved a battle and the lives of her husband's men.
David is aware that her actions saved him from taking the Lord's work into his own hands and being disobedient to the Lord. After all, vengeance belongs to God, not man.
We do well to remember that when we take revenge, we have crossed the line. We've entered into God's territory and are in desperate danger of being on the wrong side of God.
Father, God,
Keep us from rash actions. Help us to foresee the consequences of anything we contemplate doing. But most of all, keep us from usurping your privileges to our selves.. Help us redeem the time by praying for those who despitefully use us.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
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