1 Sam 25 — The Death of Samuel and David’s Encounter with Abigail
1 Sam 26 — David Spares Saul’s Life Again
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Chapter 25 tells the story of Abigail, the wise and her husband, Nabal the fool. Though Nabal was wealthy, he treated David’s request for food with contempt, causing David to react, “Each of you strap on your sword!” (1 Sam 25:13). Abigail learns of Nabal’s foolishness and “acted quickly” (1 Sam 25:18), thus saving them all from David’s wrath. Abigail was faithful to her husband, though she was careful not to let him know of her plan ahead of time. Nabal was hosting a banquet and completely drunk, so Abigail waited until he was sober to tell him how she acted and how they were delivered. When Nabal heard this, “his heart failed him and he became like a stone…about ten days later, the Lord struck Nabal and he died” (1 Sam 25:37-38). No more Nabal, so David invites Abigail to be one of his wives (along with another), she accepts. Meanwhile, Saul has given his daughter, David’s wife Michal, “to Paltiel son of Laish” (1 Sam 25:44).
The Ziphites show up again in chapter 26, still looking for favor with Saul, they tell him David is hiding there. Saul and Abner, along with 3,000 men, set out to find David and make camp beside the road. David consults his priest and sneaks into the camp with Abishai. Once again, they find Saul and David is entreated to kill him and end this, but David refuses. Instead he takes Saul’s spear and water jug and sneaks out (1 Sam 26:12). David put some distance between him and the camp then called out to Abner, letting him know that he could have killed Saul, but chose to spare his life. Saul hears the exchange and says, “I have sinned…surely I have acted like a fool and have been terribly wrong” (1 Sam 26:21). David knows Saul isn’t in his right mind so they part ways yet again.
David continues to act wisely and must be gaining incredible support for his actions as we hear Saul’s confession in front of thousands. We know David will ultimately become their king, but they don’t know that for certain. What battles are raging today? What troubles are in my way? Can I believe God has a plan even if I don’t understand? I pray I will act wisely, hear the Lord clearly and trust he will abide in me if I abide in Him.