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Samuel chapter 25 illustrates the power of intercessory prayer, the
lifting up of others’ needs before God. The chapter begins,
“Samuel
died, and all Israel assembled and mourned for him“.
Mourning is important and necessary, but even as Samuel was passing,
his legacy would live on in David. Next we read about, “A
certain man … there at Carmel, was very wealthy… His name was
Nabal and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and
beautiful woman, but her husband… was surly and mean in his
dealings“.
Isn’t it interesting how often in marriage God brings together
opposites. Frequently that creates balance when both are committed
to working together. Financial counselor Larry Burkett used to say,
“If both of you were exactly the same, one of you would be
unnecessary”. Accepting and combining with the strengths of our
spouse makes us better than we can be on our own. Ephesians
3:31,
“and
the two shall become one”
refers to more than just a physical relationship, but a unique
bonding creating something new.
It
was shearing time, a time of celebration and generosity. David sent
men to Nabal, humbly asking for provisions. “When
your shepherds were with us, we did not mistreat them, and the whole
time they were at Carmel nothing of theirs was missing… Therefore
be favorable toward my young men… Please give your servants and
your son David whatever you can find for them“.
David and his men helped protect the flocks of Nabal and took
nothing from him. Nabal replied with an insult and a snub, “Who
is this David? Who is this son of Jesse?“.
David’s reaction was direct, he told his men, “Put
on your swords!“.
As soon as Abigail heard about her husband’s behavior, she took
action. She packed generous amounts of food for all of David’s men
and headed out to meet him. As she approached David and his army
“she
quickly got off her donkey and bowed down before David with her face
to the ground. She fell at his feet and said:
“My
lord, let the blame be on me alone“.
Abigail approached David with humility and asked for forgiveness.
“Please forgive your servant’s offense”. Next
she reminded David of his position, “The
Lord will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my master…
Let
no wrongdoing be found in you as long as you live… my master will
not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless
bloodshed or of having avenged himself“.
David heard the heart of Abigail and agreed. “May
you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from
bloodshed.”
David accepted what she had brought him and said, “Go
home in peace. I have heard your words and granted your request“.
This is an excellent pattern to follow when we pray!
In
the mean time, Nabal “was
in high spirits and very drunk“.
In the morning, when Nabal was sober, “his
wife told him all these things, and his heart failed him and he
became like a stone. About ten days later, the Lord struck Nabal and
he died“.
It seems the same words of truth that put David at ease, pushed
Nabal over the edge. 1 Corinthians 1:18 puts it this way: “For
the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,
but to us who are being saved it is the power of God“.
The chapter ends with, “David
sent word to Abigail, asking her to become his wife“.
And her answer reveals her respect for David. “Here
is your maidservant, ready to serve you and wash the feet of my
master’s servants“.
Praying with humility blesses God and all those we pray for. God
will hear you.