Series: Israel’s 2nd King- David [#9]
DEALING WITH THE WEAK AND THE FOOLISH
1 Samuel 25:1-44
Introduction:
Last week, we studied about how to handle a hostile person. In 1 Samuel 24 and 1 Samuel 26, David spared Saul’s life- He could have killed him; but instead, he continued to run from Saul. In 1 Samuel 25, David encountered problems with a different person- Nabal. The chapter begins with sad news.
1 Samuel 25:1
A close friend to David had died. Samuel had been a part of David’s life from the day of his anointing as King. David traveled to the Desert as a man in mourning.
1 Samuel 25:2-35
There are 3 people in this story that we need to look at- David, Nabal, and Abigail. Each person represents an attitude.
1. David- The weak.
David’s anger was not justified. He had been offended by Nabal, and his reaction was to go kill everyone. When your emotions flare, is your anger out of proportion to the offense that’s been given? Is the anger truly justified or is it possibly coming from a need to control or a selfish desire for something you do not have?
Through David’s angry response, we can see how weakness can lead us straight into sin. Is there an area of your life where you are especially weak and vulnerable? The difference between a weak man and a fool is the ability to humbly repent and be redirected even by someone who has no authority his life. In the heat of the moment, when David is given the opportunity to humble himself and repent, he takes it.
1 Samuel 25:36-44
2. Nabal- The foolish.
A fool feels entitled to everything he has, returns evil for good, refuses to recognize what God is doing in the world, and has his own agenda. The justice brought in Nabal’s life is a warning for anyone living life on their own terms having no regard for what God is doing. Living his life as though he were in control, Nabal found himself with a heart hardened to the point where repentance was no longer available because he was unable to see the grace extended to him.
3. Abigail- The humble.
When the people around Nabal and Abigail were in an emergency situation and did not know what to do, they went to Abigail. She was a resource for those around her. Are you a resource for the people in your life? What keeps you from being that for others?
Abigail’s focus was on fitting her life with what God was doing, and she reminded David of God’s Sovereignty and divine justice. She handled things in a way that the weak man and the foolish man were protected. Instead of exacting revenge and taking justice into her own hands, Abigail owned the cause of all those behind and underneath her, including her fool of a husband. While Abigail was staring down 400 armed men, her husband was throwing a party and getting drunk. She comes home and simply acts out of obedience and leaves justice to the Lord.
Conclusion:
Abigail was a woman of wisdom and of action. She was a leader, giving direction to her people with resources she knew how to use wisely. This did not happen in a moment- This was character forged over a lifetime.
