“And she fell at his feet and said, ‘On me alone, my lord, be the blame. And please let your maidservant speak to you, and listen to the words of your maidservant.’” – I Samuel 25:24
These words reveal Abigail’s humble and godly heart. She postured herself in a humble position before David, accepted the responsibility for the wrong he had suffered (at the hands of her foolish husband Nabal), and gently requested he listen to her plea. Not only did Abigail humbly identify as a maidservant, but she wholeheartedly approached him as the Lord’s loving servant. She doesn’t demand to be heard, but requests his attention for a moment. What a Christ-like example for us!
What can we learn from Abigail?
1. Abigail hurried to be accountable. Despite a difficult marriage, which she certainly could have used to withhold God’s desired actions, Abigail shows great humility, strength, and faith. Humbly accepting responsibility for a wrong suffered is one of the most difficult things we ever have to do, but it is the most efficient way to diffuse a difficult situation and restore peace. Jesus challenged us to turn the other cheek, give our coat, and to walk the extra mile (Matthew 5:39-41). These actions are another way of responding to aggression and communicate humility by putting other’s interests and needs before our own. This is certainly counter cultural.
2. Abigail hurried to accept responsibility. In addition to accepting responsibility for the trouble caused to David, Abigail didn’t mince words but spoke the truth about her husband and appealed to David to disregard him.
“Please do not let my lord pay attention to this worthless man, Nabal, for as his name is, so is he. Nabal is his name and folly is with him; but I your maidservant did not see the young men of my lord whom you sent.” – I Samuel 25:25
These words may seem harsh, but admitting the truth about Nabal was not disrespectful but simply reflected the truth about Nabal’s character. However, in our own lives, we must be extremely careful with our words in that we do not deflect our own responsibility onto another or stir up anger. As we’re reminded, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
3. Abigail hurried to make an appeal. First, Abigail considered the greater good. It was more important for her to save the lives of her household than to stand by Nabal’s foolish decision. She didn’t fly off the handle at her husband but instead decided to show respect to David, humbly approach him, call him lord, and honestly admit the truth about Nabal. In honoring David, she ultimately was honoring God. “Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” - Romans 13:7
Abigail redirected David’s eyes from vengeance back to his heavenly father.
Consider: How willing am I to be accountable, take responsibility, and make an appeal in order to bring honor to God? Our words and actions reflect what is in our heart. Similar to Abigail, let’s become a precious tool in the hands of God to redirect others back to our heavenly Father who sent his only Son to die for our sins.
With Love in Christ,
Diana