Saul's Tragic End Series

January 31, 2026

Last week, we went on the run with David as Saul relentlessly pursued him. They parted ways after David chose to spare Saul’s life at the cave in Desert of En Gedi.

Now the Bible informs us that Samuel has died. With his death Israel’s transition from a Theocracy to a Monarchy was complete. Only one problem remained: Saul had chosen to reject God’s leadership and David was not yet ready to be king.

David moved into the Desert of Maon and took on the job of protector for the local shepherds. David and his men made sure the herds were not molested – either by raiders or wild animals. Apparently, David had positive dealings with these shepherds, so when the time came to shear the sheep, he sent 10 of his men with a greeting of peace to the owner with a request that his kindness be returned with the provision of food – giving the owner the opportunity to express his gratitude and generosity.

Nabal is described this way – He was:

• A Calebite.

• Very wealthy – having 1000 goats and 3000 sheep.

• Surly and mean in his dealings.

• Married to Abigail – a beautiful and intelligent woman.

After David’s men greeted Nabal, this is how he responded, Who is David? Why should I give my food to men who are coming from who knows where?

This was a grave insult, so when David’s men reported back to him, his response was angry and swift: “Put on your swords!”

400 men went with David and 200 stayed with their supplies.

Enter Abigail. One of the servants reported to her how Nabal had insulted David’s men even though, “they were very good to us. They did not mistreat us and nothing was missing. Night and day they were a wall around us. Please see what you can do, because disaster is hanging over our master and his household. He is such a wicked man that no one can talk to him."

Without consulting Nabal, Abigail wasted no time. She took 200 loaves of bread, 2 skins of wine, 5 prepared sheep, 5 measures of roasted grain, 100 cakes of raisins and 200 cakes of figs – put it all on donkeys and went quickly to intercept David.

He had just finished venting, “What a waste! All this time we have been watching over this fellow's property and he pays me back evil for good. May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by morning I leave alive one male of all who belong to him!" when Abigail arrived.

She got off her donkey and bowed before him. She took the blame for Nabal’s behavior and suggested that David not waste his time on Nabal because he was a foolish man who took stupid with him wherever he went. She said, “Yahweh has prevented you from taking revenge, so please take the gifts I have brought. Please forgive Nabal, for Yahweh will certainly make you a lasting dynasty because you fight for him. Let no wrong doing be found in you as long as you live and when Yahweh has done for my master every good thing he promised and you are king over Israel, you will not have to carry the staggering burden of needless bloodshed. When Yahweh has brought you success, remember me."

David praised God, realizing that He had sent her. He blessed her for her good judgment and for keeping him from shedding innocent blood. "For as surly as Yahweh lives,” he said, “if you had not come quickly to meet me, not one male belonging to Nabal would have been left alive. Go in peace. I have heard your words and granted your request."

When Abigail arrived home, she found Nabal hosting a feast - he was very drunk. She decided to wait until morning to tell him her story. Upon hearing that he had narrowly escaped death, Nabal collapsed – he’d either had a heart attack or a stoke. 10 days later he was dead.

When David heard that Nabal was dead, he praised God that he did not take matters into his own hands ---- then he asked Abigail to be his wife.

David now had three wives: Michal, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail. However, Saul ended David’s marriage to Michal and gave her to a man named Paltiel instead.

Attempt 11 –

David’s intuition had been correct. Despite all his promises, Saul was still intent on killing him and now the Ziphites turned on David, reporting his location to Saul. Again, Saul took 3,000 men to hunt him down. One night, as Saul and men slept, David and his nephew, Abishai, snuck into the camp – making their way to where Saul lay.