Day 6

A LESSON IN DIPLOMACY

"Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil." Proverbs 3:7

It was the time for sheep shearing in Maon for the rich landowner Nabal. David has been in the region for some time repelling raiders on his own account and protecting Nabal's shepherds. He sends to Nabal for food for his men, expecting some gratitude for his protection (1 Sam. 25:2-9). Nabal's rejection is appallingly insulting (v10,11) and David orders his men to arms and rides forth instinctively for vengeance (v 12,13,20-22).

Nabal's wife Abigail, beautiful and intelligent as he is churlish and ignorant, sees disaster looming and takes things into her own hands (v14-17). Taking gifts she rides out to meet David and handles him with the skill of a practised diplomat!

Abigail takes all the blame on herself and then reminds David that he has been chosen by God for high office. He must not harm his future by taking hasty action without direction from the Lord (v 26-31).

David's reaction is characteristic he sees the work of God in Abigail's intervention and gives thanks. He freely admits his error and accepts Abigail's gifts with grace. This humility and teachable nature marks David out as different from almost any other character in the Bible.

God intervened to save David from a terrible mistake. Does God only intervene when great things are at stake?

Does God still intervene on behalf of his servants today?

Consider Jesus' words in Luke 11:4 and Paul's in 1 Cor. 10:13.