1 Samuel 25
As we read about yesterday, David has shown that he is a merciful person. When he had the opportunity to get back at Saul, he decided to show him kindness. He even swore not to harm Saul’s family or ancestors. Think about the last time someone wronged or seriously mistreated you. My guess is that your natural disposition was to seek some sort of revenge or at least harbor of bitterness. In this moment, David proved to be a person of incredible forgiveness.
In chapter 25, David’s character is juxtaposed with the character of Nabal. David treated the man who was trying to kill him, Saul, with kindness. Yet Nabal could not bring himself to treat a stranger with any sort of hospitality. It’s clear Nabal doesn’t know the God of David, who treats all people with mercy.
Nabal’s name actually means “fool.” He is essentially the caricature of the rich and powerful man who let it all go to his head. From the text, it’s clear that Nabal has a lot of wealth in the form of sheep, servants, and property. At the time that David’s servants approached him he was out shearing sheep, signifying that more wealth from the wool was coming his way. Additionally, it was customary for there to be a dinner after the shearing of the sheep for the servants to eat, so David’s crew knew that there was a meal coming up. Though he would’ve had plenty, Nabal withholds the invite.
Emerging from Nabal’s greedy shadow, however, is Abigail. Unlike her husband, she goes out of her way to show David and his servants hospitality. While Nabal was getting plastered, Abigail was humbly apologizing for Nabal’s actions, bringing David gifts and food.
In this moment, Abigail embodies the character of God, even foreshadowing the actions of Jesus. When a stranger was mistreated, she took responsibility for reconciling. She freely gave David gifts and went out of her way to show him kindness. The text says she “acted quickly” as she provided David and his servants with all that they needed.
As people who know this God and follow him, we must decide whether we will treat the “outsider” like Nabal treated them, or how Abigail treated them. Though we were once far from God, alienated from his family, Jesus came to us and reconciled us to Himself. This was a free, undeserved gift of grace.
Can you think of anyone in your life who might feel like an outsider? Whatever their background, there is a God who desperately wants to be in a relationship with them and show them love. As disciples of Jesus, it is our responsibility to show them God’s love and hospitality.
Ask the Spirit to bring to mind people in your life who have been treated like an outsider. Identify a way to show them love and hospitality just as Abigail showed to David. May we be a people who embody the character of Jesus, who went out of his way to genuinely love and care for the sinner and the outcast.
