Daily Devotional

“The name of the man was Nabal, and the name
of his wife Abigail. And she was a woman of good understanding and beautiful appearance; but the man was harsh and evil in his doings” (1 Samuel 25:3). 

Did you know that the rectangular pupils of sheep allow them to see nearly 360 degrees—a complete circle—without moving their heads? This God-given ability helps keep them alert to predators and other threats. David understood the dangers that sheep and shepherds face. Maybe that’s why, when he fled from Saul to the wilderness, he and his men watched over Nabal’s sheep and shepherds to protect them. Even as a fugitive, he made himself useful. 

Eventually, David and his men ran low on provisions. So, David sent a group to greet Nabal and ask for a donation of food. But selfish Nabal rudely replied, “Who is David, and who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants nowadays who break away each one from his master. Shall I then take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men when I do not know where they are from?” (1 Samuel 25:10, 11). He sent them packing without an ounce of sustenance! 

Furious, David headed for Nabal’s place with about 400 armed men. Meanwhile, a servant told Abigail what her husband had done and how David and his men had protected the flocks and servants. Unhesitating, Abigail flew into action, loaded food onto donkeys, and set off to meet David. 

When she found him, Abigail bowed before him. She spoke boldly but respectfully, begged his forgiveness for her husband’s response, and offered the gift of food. 

David’s heart softened. He praised her good judgment and admitted that she had saved him from bloodshed. But Abigail gave the praise to God. When Abigail told her husband what she had done and how he had nearly lost his life because of his rudeness, the shock affected Nabal’s health. He never recovered and soon died. After his death, David took Abigail to be his wife. 

Holy God, bless us with good judgment to avert trouble in our own lives, and may the glory be Yours.