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1 Samuel 25
Growing Christians Ministries
English - January 02, 2022 17:30 - ★★★★★ - 10 ratingsChristianity Religion & Spirituality gcm dr. dave reid bible teaching books of the bible matthew Homepage Download Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS
David’s Dealings with Nabal and Abigail
BACKGROUND NOTES
God allows the Nabals to test our faith and patience.
God provides the Abigails to save the day
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONLet God handle the Nabals.
QUESTIONSWho was Nabal?
What did David request of Nabal, and what was Nabal’s response?
How did David then respond to Nabal’s insult?
How did Abigail intervene and save the day?
How does the story of David, Nabal, and Abigail end?
ANSWERSNabal was a wealthy rancher who owned 4000 head of sheep and goats. David and his men were camped in the same area as Nabal’s flocks, thus providing protection against any sheep thieves.
David asked Nabal for some provisions for his men in return for the protection they had offered his flocks. Nabal responded with rudeness and pride and sent David’s men away empty-handed. He also denounced David’s character in the process.
David failed the test of faith and patience. He became enraged at Nabal’s insult and wanted to take his own revenge by killing Nabal and robbing his ranch.
Abigail brought a gift of food to meet the needs of David and his men. She showed humility and spoke softly. She acknowledged that David was in the right, and Nabal was wrong, but that did not justify David shedding blood. Abigail also reminded David that he would be king, and he should not be the cause of this bloodshed.
After Abigail saved the day, Nabal was struck with what may have been a stroke, and he later died. David took Abigail to be his wife!
DISCUSS/CONSIDERWhen was the last time God tested your faith and patience? Was there a Nabal-type person involved? How does James 1:3-4 encourage you to respond the next time such a situation arises?
Review Abigial’s approach to David. What lesson on being a peacemaker can you learn from her example? Matthew 6:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
CHALLENGEGod’s justice will always prevail in time. Let God handle the Nabals!
KEY VERSES“David said to his men, ‘Every man gird on his sword.’” 1 Samuel 25:13
“…knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:3-4
“And blessed is your advice and blessed are you, because you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed and from avenging myself with my own hand.” 1 Samuel 25:33