1 Samuel 25

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

David’s Dealings with Nabal and Abigail

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. God allows the Nabals to test our faith and patience.

  2. God provides the Abigails to save the day

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Let God handle the Nabals.

QUESTIONS

  1. Who was Nabal?

  2. What did David request of Nabal, and what was Nabal’s response?

  3. How did David then respond to Nabal’s insult?

  4. How did Abigail intervene and save the day?

  5. How does the story of David, Nabal, and Abigail end?

ANSWERS

  1. Nabal was a wealthy rancher who owned 4000 head of sheep and goats. David and his men were camped in the same area as Nabal’s flocks, thus providing protection against any sheep thieves.

  2. David asked Nabal for some provisions for his men in return for the protection they had offered his flocks. Nabal responded with rudeness and pride and sent David’s men away empty-handed. He also denounced David’s character in the process.

  3. David failed the test of faith and patience. He became enraged at Nabal’s insult and wanted to take his own revenge by killing Nabal and robbing his ranch.

  4. Abigail brought a gift of food to meet the needs of David and his men. She showed humility and spoke softly. She acknowledged that David was in the right, and Nabal was wrong, but that did not justify David shedding blood. Abigail also reminded David that he would be king, and he should not be the cause of this bloodshed.

  5. After Abigail saved the day, Nabal was struck with what may have been a stroke, and he later died. David took Abigail to be his wife!

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. When was the last time God tested your faith and patience? Was there a Nabal-type person involved? How does James 1:3-4 encourage you to respond the next time such a situation arises?

  2. Review Abigial’s approach to David. What lesson on being a peacemaker can you learn from her example? Matthew 6:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

CHALLENGE

  1. God’s justice will always prevail in time. Let God handle the Nabals!

KEY VERSES

  • “David said to his men, ‘Every man gird on his sword.’” 1 Samuel 25:13

  • “…knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:3-4

  • “And blessed is your advice and blessed are you, because you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed and from avenging myself with my own hand.” 1 Samuel 25:33

1 Samuel, Old Testament, TalksRon Reid1 SAMUEL 25