Lessons from Abigail's Story

By Natasha Miller (c) 2022

Day 2: God Will Avenge

Positioning Prayer: Heavenly Father, I deeply desire to walk in alignment with You and to know You. Teach me Your ways. Bless me with Understanding. Allow Your wisdom to guide my every thought, word, and deed. Thank you for speaking to me as I study your Word. In Jesus Name, Amen. 

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 25:2-44, Romans 2:6, Deut 32:35

   Many times, our first instinct is to lash out in revenge. Somebody did us wrong, WE will set it straight. Anger, righteous indignation, pain, embarrassment can all contribute to our response. But there is a better way.

   David was right; Nabal had repaid him evil for good. David had directly increased Nabal’s wealth by acting as a private security detail for every shepherd and sheep. In response to this, Nabal denied knowing David and even called him a mere run-a-way slave. David, the King’s son-in-law, known to be a victorious warrior in battle, an unknown? No, Nabal with his words and denial of David’s request for food, had unleased insults and disrespect upon David. This was evil. 

   David’s warrior instincts went into high gear. In a flash, Nabal had become an enemy and now his household would deeply suffer. Around 400 men “girded on [their] sword” with the intent to kill. 

   Then, Abigail, with her wisdom and honor turned David’s heart. She brought gifts: “two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five sheep already dressed, five seahs of roasted grain, one hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs.” She took the lowly position as she “fell on her face before David, and bowed down to the ground.” She began to speak against Nabal’s actions, to ask for forgiveness, to declare the promises of God over David’s life, and to give advice. Her words reminded David who he ultimately was and that he did not need to avenge himself, the Lord would avenge him. 

   And, in fact, the Lord did avenge David. “The Lord struck Nabal, and he died,” and David “proposed to Abigail, to take her as his wife.” “The Lord [had] returned the wickedness of Nabal on his own head,” and David married a wise and honorable woman. God will avenge.

Activating Prayer: Lord, I truly repent for all the times I have avenged myself. Please, bring people like Abigail in my life to remind me who I am in You. Thank You that You avenge. You will repay. Everything in the past and everything in the future meant to disrespect and dishonor me, I give to you. Thank you that you will do the right thing in each and every case. I take my hands off and put the situation and people into Your hands.

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(Photo by Lewis Zhao)