God’s provision to our folly.
1 Samuel 25:1-38
By: Ysrael De la Cruz
Throughout the Bible, we read about how God is faithful to provide and protect his people. Sometimes, God’s provisions come from where you least expect it. God has always been in the business of using men and women to accomplish his purposes. David became a fugitive since the first king of Israel attempted to kill him. David fled to the dessert with about 600 men. They had run out of supplies; then David sent ten young men to a man named Nabal, whose shepherds David and his men had protected in the wilderness.
1 Sam.25:1-38
Nabal (v.2-3)
-Very wealthy man (had property as Carmel); 1,000 goats and 3,000 sheep.
-His wife: Abigail (she was smart and beautiful)
-Nabal was surly (rude) and harsh (mean) in his dealings (v.3)

David sent messengers to Nabal requesting supplies (v.4-9)
-David sent 10 young men to ask to supply at a favorable time. (Sheep shearing); This is a time of celebration. David waited for the right time to ask for a favor.
-David asked Nabal to be favorable toward his men; to give them whatever he can. David and his men had protected Nabal’s shepherds in the dessert (v.7-8)

Nabal refused to help David (10-11)
-Insulted David’s servants and sent them back empty handed. (v.10-11)
David became angry and told his men to put on their sword; he was determined to kill Nabal and every man in his house (v.13).

V.21 Now David had said: “Surely in vain have I guarded all that his fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belonged to him and he has returned me evil for good. God do so to the enemies of David and more also, if by morning I leave so much as one male of all who belong to him.”
David is not thinking clearly; he had it with Nabal (he is about to do something crazy).

Abigail moved into action (v.14-31)
She is described as intelligent and beautiful; she moved into action when she was told the situation. (v.14-17)
“Think this over, (consider what you may do) for disaster is hanging over our master and his whole household.” (v.17)
She recognized the severity of the situation and moved into action. (v.18) she lost no time.
-She got supplies ready for David and his men (v.18-20). She sent her servants with the supplies.

Abigail saw David and humbled herself before him. (v.23) (She got off the donkey quickly and bowed down before him)
-She requested to speak to him (v.24)
-Please ignore that wicked man Nabal (he is a fool)
-She informed David that she didn’t see the servants he sent (v.25)
-She encouraged David to think before acting (v.26 God has kept you from shedding blood and from avenging yourself with your own hands.) Words of wisdom from this God-sent woman.
-She asked David to accept her gift.
-She asked for forgiveness for her wicked husband (v.28)

Abigail was God’s answer to David’s folly. She was God-sent to stop David from a massacre. She also saved her family for moving into action when she recognized danger. She saved her husband and he did not even realized.
She brought David a prophetic word (v.28-31) The prophet!
-God will give you a lasting dynasty (The LORD will make you a sure house) (v.28)
-The LORD will keep you safe from your enemies. (v.29)
-The LORD will make you ruler over Israel (30)
-When God has brought you success, remember me (v.31)

David praised God because of Abigail (v.32-35)
-He recognized it was God who sent Abigail to meet him. She was God’s answer to his madness.
-David blessed Abigail for her discernment. God used this woman to keep David from bloodshed that day.
-David accepted her gifts (v.35)
-David listened to her wise counsel “I have heard your word and granted your request.”

Abigail saved her household from catastrophe due to her husband’s foolishness because she moved into action when she realized the severity of the situation.

God used this woman to accomplish his purposes:
She displayed courage and discernment. Even David recognized her sound judgment and David thank God for her. There are lots of women like Abigail in our society today, in our churches; women of courage and determination, but who are married to jerks like Nabal. Women like Abigail are willing to do whatever is necessary to save their families even if they must do it alone. David praised God for Abigail; we too have women in our lives whom we thank God for. God has used them to bless you one way or another. Thank God for the ladies in our lives.