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 ‭

_Have you ever felt the sudden shock of betrayal and wondered why, or how could they have done that?

_What have you done with those who seem to have rejected you and followed after more favorable pursuits? Did you let them go?

 Until recently, I’ve been guilty of all the above. That is until the words in Matthew 5:9 began repeating in my head: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons/daughters of God.” 

I went back to have another look at what is often referred to as the “Beatitudes”. They’re found at the very beginning of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 5) Jesus opens up with these, not only to gain His listeners attention I believe, but also because they were so important, for they are at the very heart of God!

The Amplified Bible defines the word, “blessed” as "enjoying enviable happiness, spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions". Just imagine enviable joy and happiness no matter what the circumstances you find yourself in.

A “peacemaker” is both a maker and maintainer of peace, which means to be a peacemaker takes work! It’s an active role more than a passive one and a title that fits well on Abigail.

The story of Abigail begins in 1 Samuel 25, during a time when David and his men are fugitives running from King Saul, and have been helping Nabal's servants and expect Nabal to offer some kind of payment for their kindness and service. 

However, Nabal, who is described as “surly and mean,” insults David’s servants, saying, “Who is this David? Who is this son of Jesse? Why should I take my bread and water, and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men coming from who knows where?” He denied their request for food, and when David learns of it he becomes angry and decides to kill Nabal and all his men. 

David gathers 400 men and heads toward Nabal’s camp. BUT when Abigail, who is described as a beautiful, intelligent woman who was in an arranged marriage to Nabal learns of this, she quickly gathers the food supplies and loads them on a donkey and heads out to meet David in hopes to stop the confrontation that is about to happen. 

When Abigail meets David she falls down before him and offers him gifts of wine and grain and pleads with him to show mercy, “Please pay no attention, my lord, to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name—his name means fool, and folly goes with him.”

Abigail’s words and actions save the day. David thanks Abigail for stopping his own foolish and rash decision to slaughter Nabal’s men. In fact, David knows that Abigail’s intervention was a blessing from God and he sends her home in peace.

There is so much more I'd love to add about Abigail. We really don't know much about her, but her actions truly do speak volumes! I only have time to share a few thoughts, but I hope you'll add your thoughts as well in the comments. 

Abigail's actions convey to us that:

1.) We should Never Allow Fear to Keep Us from Doing What We Know is Right in God's Eyes. “Abigail lost no time…” (1 Samuel 25:18))

I know some might argue that Abigail went over or around her husband rather than submitting to his wishes, but in doing so she saved many lives.  Abigail showed great wisdom I believe in acting quickly, swiftly, and speaking honorably to David. She took control of the situation that was potentially dangerous for them all. She didn’t just sit wringing her hands and blaming her husband; she knew what the right thing was to do and she acted even risking her own life.

2.) We should always be humble and kind, seek peace from those around us. “When Abigail saw David, 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. Please let your servant speak to you, hear what your servant his to say…” (1 Samuel 25:23-24)

 Abigail had the courage to shoulder the blame for something she wasn't responsible for, and God used that moment to show David how wrong it would be to take revenge. 

3.) We should remember that our words and actions can be very powerful when we go with God. “Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the Lord will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my master, because he fights the Lord’s battles. Let no wrongdoing be found in you as long as you live. Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my master will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the Lord your God. But the lives of your enemies he will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling.” (1 Samuel 25:28-29)