Read: 1 Samuel 25:14-22
Now therefore know this and consider what you should do, for harm is determined against our master [Nabal] and against all his house. (v. 17)
Who would you include in a list of biblical heroes who showed great courage and faith? No doubt the list would include Gideon, who attacked thousands of Midianites with only 300 men (Judges 7). Or what about Samson, who struck down the Philistines with only the jawbone of a donkey (Judges 15)? Let’s add Abigail to that list, who hurried to meet an angry war party of 400 swordsmen with no sword, no jawbone—but with groceries! That was courage indeed.
Abigail hadn’t seen the men that David had sent to her husband, but a servant quickly filled her in on the danger they all faced. Nabal had insulted David—a powerful man whose followers had gone out of their way to protect his herds and herdsmen. Trouble was coming, and Abigail needed to act fast! She quickly assembled a great deal of food, loaded up some donkeys, and went to meet the trouble head-on. If she appeased David, she would not only protect her household—she would keep David from violence he would later regret.
There was no hesitation on Abigail’s part. She didn’t speak to Nabal—evidently agreeing with the servant that he was “such a worthless man that one cannot speak to him” (v. 17). She moved forward with courage, trusting that God would use her to avert a tragedy.
As you pray, ask God for the courage to act quickly with wisdom and discretion when you must.
About the Author
Laura N. Sweet is a wife, mother, grandmother, and former Christian schoolteacher from Midland, Michigan. She writes devotional material for both adults and children, and her work has appeared in more than a dozen publications.
