DBG - April 6 - I Samuel 25-27

In this chapter Abigail prevents David from attacking Nabal.

vs. 1 – The last Judge of Israel passes from the scene with barely a footnote.  Samuel had faded into the background with the anointing of Saul, and the preeminence has been placed on the crown.  Because Samuel was one of the only checks on Saul’s behavior, David removes himself further south to Paran (“abounding in caverns”) to put more space between he and Saul.

vs. 2-13 – Nabal (“fool”) is a wealthy man with land and flocks.  He is not a good man, but is married to a good woman, Abigail (“source of joy”).  David makes a very reasonable request from Nabal.  David’s men have been providing protection to Nabal’s shepherds.  David asks for some aid, but Nabal rebuffs the messengers.  David loses his temper and orders 400 of his men to prepare to attack Nabal.

vs. 14-35 – David is saved from committing a grievous sin in attacking Nabal by the intervention of Abigail.  She arrives with supplies and convinces David to back down. 

vs. 36-38 – Abigail reports to Nabal about the close call with David.  He has a stroke (?) and dies ten days later.

vs. 39-44 – David takes Abigail to be his wife.  His first wife was Michal, the daughter of Saul, who had now been given to another man.  His second wife was Ahinoam, making Abigail his third wife. 

In this chapter David again spares Saul.

vs. 1-4 – The Ziphites once again betray David to Saul, who has forgotten all about his oath to not attack David.  Saul arrives with 3,000 men to hunt David.

vs. 5-12 – David scouts Saul’s camp at night.  Saul is camped in the center by his general, Abner (“father of light”).  Abishai (“father of a gift”) offers to kill Saul but David will not allow it.  He takes Saul’s spear (finally someone took that dangerous thing from him!) and his water jar. 

vs. 13-25 – After leaving the camp, David yells at Abner and rouses the camp.  He chides Abner’s diligence to his duties as he produces the spear and water jar.  Saul recognizes David’s voice and confesses his sin in chasing after David.  The two part for the final time.

In this chapter David begins working with the Philistines as a mercenary.

vs. 1-4 – David again gives into despair and seeks refuge among the Philistines.  Achish welcomes David as an ally, probably because it was now clear that he was Saul’s enemy. 

vs. 5-7 – David is given the outpost of Ziklag (“winding”) as a home for he and his men. 

vs. 8-12 – David and his men acted as mercenaries for Achish.  The Philistines believed that David and his men were attacking their fellow Israelites, but instead they were attacking the various enemies of Israel south of Judah.  They send the spoils of their battles to Achish and he is convinced David has sided against his own people. 

When we speak of David’s worst failures, we should also note the case that would be on the list if not for Divine intervention.  David was ready to murder Nabal for dishonoring him and refusing to provide supplies.  God used Abigail to prevent this, which may have gone down as the darkest day in David’s life.  When we survey our own lives, give thanks to God for the close calls that He prevented. 

Our hymn today is “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind” by John Greenleaf Whittier.  This hymn is linked sometimes with David’s actions in Chapter 26.

Dear Lord and Father of mankind,
Forgive our foolish ways;
Reclothe us in our rightful mind,
In purer lives Thy service find,
In deeper reverence, praise.

In simple trust like theirs who heard,
Beside the Syrian sea,
The gracious calling of the Lord,
Let us, like them, without a word,
Rise up and follow Thee.

O Sabbath rest by Galilee,
O calm of hills above,
Where Jesus knelt to share with Thee
The silence of eternity,
Interpreted by love!

With that deep hush subduing all
Our words and works that drown
The tender whisper of Thy call,
As noiseless let Thy blessing fall
As fell Thy manna down.

Drop Thy still dews of quietness,
Till all our strivings cease;
Take from our souls the strain and stress,
And let our ordered lives confess
The beauty of Thy peace.

Breathe through the heats of our desire
Thy coolness and Thy balm;
Let sense be dumb, let flesh retire;
Speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire,
O still, small voice of calm.