1 Samuel 25: Nabal’s Folly and Abigail’s Wisdom

The Rev. Dr. Jason Wagner, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in High Ridge, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 Samuel 25.

David and his men had guarded the sheep of Nabal, a rich and rude landowner, in the wilderness. On a festive day, David sent some of his men to ask Nabal for some food as a reward for their service. Nabal refused and insulted David, calling him a rebel and a runaway servant. David was furious and decided to attack Nabal and his household with 400 men. But Abigail, Nabal’s wife, who was wise and beautiful, quickly prepared a large amount of food and wine and went to meet David on the way and interceded for her husband.

The Book of 1 Samuel beings with the unique birth of Samuel, the last judge of Israel. Soon, the people of Israel begin to press upon the aging prophet Samuel to anoint a king over them like the other nations. YHWH assures Samuel that the people are rejecting their God, not Samuel. He advises Samuel to give the people what they want. What follows is the rise and fall of King Saul, the eventual anointing and coronation of David as king, the forerunner of Jesus. It’s a true story of political intrigue and warfare, but it’s also more than that. 1 Samuel shows us God working to save his people from their enemies and even from themselves.