The Wisdom Of Abigail: The Woman Who Defeated A Murderous Warlord - 1 Samuel 25:1-31 Series

Introduction – Meet the Odd Couple

We have been studying through the book of 1 Samuel and we come this morning to chapter 25, where we are introduced to the odd couple. The chapter starts with some sad news – Samuel dies.

1 Samuel 25:1 Now Samuel died, and all Israel assembled and mourned for him; and they buried him at his home in Ramah.

David will be king

This verse doesn’t seem to have much of anything to do with the surrounding context.

But I think there are a couple reasons why it is inserted here.

First, the writer reports the death of Samuel here because this is the time when Samuel died.

Later on, when Saul goes to the witch of Endor and asks her to call Samuel’s spirit up from the grave, it would be a little odd if we didn’t know that Samuel had died.

So this way we know that he has been dead already for a long time prior to that incident.

Another reason for the placement of this verse right here may be because it was Samuel whom God used to make the transition between the period of the Judges and the era of kings over Israel.

Samuel anointed Saul, then announced God’s rejection of Saul, and anointed David.

But that transition from Saul to David seems questionable – until now.

The writer is showing us that at this point everyone realizes David is going to be king.

1 Samuel 23:17 "Don't be afraid," he said. "My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this."

1 Samuel 24:20 I know that you will surely be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.

1 Samuel 25:30 When the LORD has done for my master every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him leader over Israel,

So in three consecutive chapters you have it affirmed by the current king, the heir to the throne, and a random citizen.

Samuel’s job is done - everybody knows David is going to be king.

Then David moved down into the Desert of Paran.

The writer does not give any further comment – he is going to let us figure out for ourselves why that comment is placed here in chapter 25. And we will do that next week, but for now, let’s meet the odd couple.

2 A certain man in Maon, who had property there at Carmel, was very wealthy. He had a thousand goats and three thousand sheep, which he was shearing in Carmel. 3 His name was Nabal and his wife's name was Abigail.

Nabal means “fool.” I doubt his parents named him “fool.” Probably his name is just a homonym with the word “fool”… – kind of like naming your kid Jack does not mean you think of him as being like the thing that lifts up your car. But as we will see, “fool” ends up being an accurate name for this guy.

And in contrast to that his wife has a beautiful name – Abigail. It means “delightful to the father” or “her father was delighted.” And as the chapter unfolds we find that she is also aptly named, as her great wisdom must have been a delight to God. So right off the bat we are introduced to Mrs. Wise and Mr. Fool. And in case you miss the contrast in the names, the writer just comes right out and makes the contrast explicit.

3 …She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was surly and mean in his dealings.

There are two key themes that run through this chapter. The most important one is the same theme we have seen for many chapters now – God’s protection of David. We will get to that next week. The other theme is David’s response to folly and wisdom. How you respond to wisdom and folly reveals a lot about the condition of your heart. First let’s look at David’s response to folly.

How to respond to a Fool

The wrong response

The writer starts by giving us the background. David had been showing great kindness to the shepherds of this rich man, and when sheep shearing time comes he requests some help.

8… be favorable toward my young men, since we come at a festive time. Please give your servants and your son David whatever you can find for them.'"

David calls himself Nabal’s son. That is a gesture of respect and humility. So David sends a very warm and very respectful greeting to Nabal, and then makes a humble request. And he does not ask for anything specific – just whatever leftovers can be spared from the feast.