32 David said to Abigail, ‘Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me. 33 May you be blessed for your good judgment and for KEEPING ME FROM BLOODSHED THIS DAY AND FROM AVENGING MYSELF WITH MY OWN HANDS. 34 Otherwise, as surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, who has kept me from harming you, IF YOU HAD NOT COME QUICKLY TO MEET ME, not one male belonging to Nabal would have been left alive by daybreak.’ 1 Samuel 25
In the earlier blog on 5 December we saw that Abigail had reacted quickly to the news that Nabal had insulted David’s young men when they came to ask for a gift during a festival time at the shearing of the sheep. We also noted that Rahab had been decisive and hidden the two Israelite spies and saved her whole household. Lastly the Shunamite mother didn’t give up hope when her young son died but set out to find Elisha and plead that God restore his life. All three of these women faced disaster, but took their stand and eventually rescued those dearest to them.
23 When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed down before David with her face to the ground. 1 Samuel 25
On meeting David and his men in the ravine (they had to meet, no way around the steep sides) Abigail immediately humbled herself before them. David in his hot anger was now faced with this lovely woman on her face and a small train of gifts. Three times in this account we read the word ‘Quickly’, twice of Abigail, attempting to redeem a dangerous situation and lastly when David responded to her. This is a wonderful picture of an Intercessor, Abigail threw herself between David’s men and her household. She pleaded with David not to shed innocent blood and he acknowledged that God had used her to prevent him from this blood guilt. Even though David was the wronged party on this occasion, God used Abigail to stop him, by her quick thinking and complete humility.
When we are wronged we may need to step back for a moment and rethink before we do something we’ll regret later. On other occasions we may be the one to step in and bring peace to others who are ready to erupt because of ill treatment.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5
God does reward those who bring peace into troubled situations.
May the Lord bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.