Read 1 Samuel 25: 1-22
The first verse records a very significant event: the death of Samuel. The remainder of the chapter makes no further mention of Samuel. He was a rare gem, faithful to the end.
The chapter proceeds with a description of a character who was nothing like Samuel. Consider the story of Nabal and Abigail. Start by contrasting the two of them in verses 2 and 3.
David didn't have the same patience with Nabal that he had with "the Lord's annointed" How did he plan to respond to Nabal's rudeness?
Not all mates are perfectly suited for one another. Scripture certainly proved that Nabal was indeed "surly and mean" and Abigail was a wise woman. But the Word of God records several instances of faithful husbands and spiteful wives.
Read 1 Samuel 25: 23-44 How did David respond to Abigail's approach?
What do you think Abigail might have been trying to accomplish when she used the words, "But the lives of your enemies he will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling"?
In verse 39 David recorded a wonderful lesson for any of us dealing with wicked, dreadful people, whether in business or in personal relationships.
Do you see any principles in 1 Samuel 25:39 that you could apply in dealing with difficult people?
Not all stories have happy endings, but this one does. What happened to Abigail?
God's Word is better than any novel, but David went a bit overboard in the marriage department. We could be a little bit understanding about his broken vows to Michal; after all, Saul had given his wife away to "Paltiel son of Laish." The hopeless romantic in us could say, "Bless his heart" on that one and could be thrilled he had a new bride. But then, who was Ahinoam (v. 43) ?
Sometimes we can thank God not only for what He wrote in His Word but also for what He did not. We don't need to know any details. Some things we may never understand; however, one principle is definitely ours to claim no matter what we see happen. Polygamy was not the will of God. You can't be one flesh with two spouses! Genesis 2:24
Did God tolerate David's actions?
Did God make exceptions to His first commands regarding marriage in the lives of His kings?
Read Deuteronomy 17: 14-20
Why were kings told not to multiply wives?
David knew that God intended him to be the next king of Israel. Already he had disobeyed one of God's specific commands for kings. As always, God's commands are for our sake, not for His.
The word many or multiply is the Hebrew word rabah.
Eventually David's heart will be led astray. God presented the consequence as promise, not a possibility.
May we take God at His Word and not have to learn everything the hard way!!
Amen!!
next lesson: overkill
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