23. Abigail: Wisdom That Averts Wrath Series

Abigail: Wisdom that Avert Wrath

September 3, 2025

Dr. Bradford Reaves

Crossway Christian Fellowship

1 Samuel 25

Introduction

If you’ve ever been moments away from making a disastrous decision, then you understand the power of a timely word of wisdom. Proverbs 25:28 says, “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” In 1 Samuel 25, David — the man after God’s own heart — nearly becomes that city without walls. His anger burns hot. His sword is strapped on. His men are ready. And if God had not intervened through a wise, courageous woman named Abigail, David’s testimony and future kingship would have been stained by needless bloodshed.

This chapter is a masterpiece of contrasts: the foolishness of Nabal, the anger of David, the wisdom of Abigail, and the justice of God. At its heart lies a big idea. When pride provokes us and anger tempts us, God provides wise voices and sovereign interventions to preserve righteousness.

1. Samuel’s Death: A Transitional Moment (v.1)

Now Samuel died. And all Israel assembled and mourned for him, and they buried him in his house at Ramah. Then David rose and went down to the wilderness of Paran. (1 Samuel 25:1)

The chapter opens with a brief but monumental note: “Now Samuel died, and all Israel assembled to mourn for him; and they buried him in his house at Ramah.”

That short sentence is monumental. Samuel wasn’t just another old prophet passing away; he was David’s spiritual anchor — the man who anointed him, spoke God’s truth to him, and stood as a stabilizing, prophetic voice during the turbulence of Saul’s reign.

What is a spiritual anchor? A spiritual anchor is someone whose walk with God steadies your own. They are:

• Truth-tellers when you’re tempted to wander.

• Prayer warriors when your strength fails.

• Voices of wisdom when emotions cloud your judgment.

• Reminders of God’s promises when you’re tempted to forget them.

Samuel was all of these to David. From the anointing at Bethlehem (1 Sam. 16) to confronting Saul (1 Sam. 15), Samuel embodied God’s authority and presence in Israel.

2. David’s Request to Nabal: A Test of Humility and Gratitude (vv.2–8)

And there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel. The man was very rich; he had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. He was shearing his sheep in Carmel. 3 Now the name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail. The woman was discerning and beautiful, but the man was harsh and badly behaved; he was a Calebite. 4 David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep. 5 So David sent ten young men. And David said to the young men, “Go up to Carmel, and go to Nabal and greet him in my name. 6 And thus you shall greet him: ‘Peace be to you, and peace be to your house, and peace be to all that you have. 7 I hear that you have shearers. Now your shepherds have been with us, and we did them no harm, and they missed nothing all the time they were in Carmel. 8 Ask your young men, and they will tell you. Therefore let my young men find favor in your eyes, for we come on a feast day. Please give whatever you have at hand to your servants and to your son David.’ (1 Samuel 25:2–8)

David is camped out in the wilderness with his six hundred men. They’ve just gone through a season of restraint — sparing Saul’s life in the cave — and now they’re hungry, weary, and in need of supplies. Off in the distance, Nabal is holding a massive feast. Sheep-shearing season was like harvest time — a moment of joy, prosperity, and generosity. It was common in Israelite culture that the wealthy would share with neighbors and laborers during these festivals.

So David does the respectful thing. He doesn’t march in with his army to demand food. Instead, he handpicks some young men and instructs them: “Go up to Nabal in Carmel. Greet him warmly in my name. Tell him this: ‘Peace to you. Peace to your house. Peace to everything you own. During the time your shepherds were with us in the wilderness, we never harmed them. We didn’t steal from them. We kept them safe. Ask your men, and they’ll tell you the same. Now, we’ve come at a good time — during your feast. Please, if you have anything at hand, give it to your servants and to your son David.’”

David’s message was simple: “We’ve treated you honorably. Could you now treat us with generosity?” Notice the tone: it’s respectful, deferential, even humble. David refers to himself as “your son David,” not “the future king.” He frames the request not as payment, but as an invitation to generosity.