I love the story of Abigail, who became one of David’s wives. Her story is found in 1 Samuel 25. Abigail was used by God to prevent war and bloodshed and bring a peaceful solution to a volatile situation.
Abigail was married to a wealthy but very foolish, arrogant, and unreasonable man. “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—he was a Calebite.” 1 Samuel 25:3
When David meets Abigail, he is riled up and angry, with 400 men ready to go to war against Abigail’s husband with the intent of killing every single man. David felt that his anger was a justified anger for Nabal had repaid David’s kindness with evil. A servant told Abigail that David’s men had protected Nabal’s shepherds, allowing no harm to come to them in the fields. He also told her that when David asked for some provisions from Nabal’s bountiful resources, instead of being grateful, Nabal hurled insults at David and refused any help. Knowing that her husband could not be reasoned with, Abigail was brave enough and wise enough to go directly to David to make peace.
David responded by seeing that God was intervening through Abigail to stay his hand against Nabal. “David said to Abigail, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me. May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands.” 1 Samuel 25:32-33
David let God deal with Nabal and God took Nabal’s life about 10 days later. David then made Abigail his wife which she was gracious and honored to become.
I have to admire Abigail for she was willing to humble herself and seek a peaceful solution. She showed reverence to David for being the one “ who fought the Lord’s battles” and yet appealed to his high code of honor that she knew God had instilled in him. She knew it would be a waste of her time to try to appeal to any moral code in her husband but she also was transparent and honest in telling her husband what she had done. She was blessed by acting with integrity and wisdom.
God promises blessings to us when we act as peacemakers and exercise wisdom and integrity to deal with the strifes of life.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:17-21
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:17-18