1 Sam. 25:36-44
Abigail went back to her husband, who was completely clueless about the danger she had saved him from. Her quick thinking, humility, and wisdom had saved his life while he was getting drunk at a party. And she saved not only the life of her worthless husband but those of every male in the household. By the way, the phrase “holding a banquet like that of a king” is probably meant to compare him to Saul. It turns out this man was not only an ingrate and a drunk, he was a coward as well. Some type of attack, possibly a stroke, struck him, and he died a few days later.
David, who'd seen what kind of woman Abigail was, wasted no time in proposing to Abigail, who accepted. Thus everything worked out perfectly for everyone, except of course for Nabal. The old cliché “Good things come to those who wait” certainly applied in this case. David had been patient and waited on the Lord to vindicate him in his own way and time, and it happened.
We’ll look more closely at justice in this world in a couple of months, but I think this merits some examination now. I heard Dennis Prager once opine that he can’t see how anyone can believe in a just God and not believe in an afterlife. The reason he advanced (and I heartedly agree) is because there's so much injustice in this world. Innocent people get killed by guilty people every day, and nothing happens to the guilty. The wealthy and powerful exploit the weak and powerless, and they seemingly get away with it. The reason why this story appeals to me (and probably to you) is because it worked out so perfectly: Nabal got what he deserved when he treated David unjustly. Not only that, but David got “the girl” just like in the movies. Unfortunately, this sort of thing is the exception, not the rule.
I also want to point out--again--that the best of God’s people still have trouble sticking to God’s plan. Of course I'm referring to the fact that David unfortunately followed the common pattern of his time in indulging in polygamy. We've discussed this before, but just to summarize: The Lord allowed it, some of the best men of the Bible did it, but that doesn't make it good or right. God never indicated that he smiled upon it, and in every single instance of it in the Scriptures--no exceptions--it's always a source of perennial strife in the home. I guess it’s a common male fantasy to have multiple women at your beck and call, but I assure you, the fantasy is a lot better than the reality. I always wonder at the foolishness of men who have a wonderful wife and who throw that away in order to follow their hormones. You don’t need to trust me, just trust your Maker. If someone designed an automobile, then don’t you think he knows better than anyone how it works? Why do we think we know better than the One who designed our brains and who invented human sexuality? If you have a wife like Abigail, please cherish her like the treasure she is. If you’re single, please don’t settle for anything less than God’s best.
Father, I want to show more gratitude for the incredible spouse you’ve given me. She's the most important person in my life after you. Please help me to show her that.
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