Abigail the Peacemaker

Abigail the Peacemaker

1 Samuel 25:23 When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed low before him. (NLT)

            David had been chosen to be the next king of Israel, but his future appointment came at a huge cost due to the jealousy of current king of Israel – Saul. While staying out of Saul’s path, David and his men traveled to a place named Carmel where they came across some shepherds tending their sheep. Shepherds had to always be on the alert due to thieves and bandits being ready to take what was not theirs. David and his men provided protection for the shepherds until they completed shearing their sheep.

            Assuming that the shepherd’s owner would be gracious to them, David sent a request to him for food and whatever he had to spare. Unfortunately, the owner, Nabal, which means fool was true to his name and hurled insults at David’s men upon the mention of his request. 1 Samuel 25:10-11  “Who is this fellow David?” Nabal sneered to the young men. “Who does this son of Jesse think he is? There are lots of servants these days who run away from their masters. Should I take my bread and my water and my meat that I’ve slaughtered for my shearers and give it to a band of outlaws who come from who knows where?” (NLT) This angered David and therefore, he decided that he would take vengeance upon Nabal and his entire household of men.

            Word of Nabal’s behavior reached his wife, Abigail, so she decided to do what her husband refused to do. She gathered food, wine, and loaded them onto donkeys to take to David and his men. Even though she was not at fault for what her thoughtless husband had done, she became the peacemaker and mediated between the anger of David and the foolishness of her husband. 1 Samuel 25: 23-24 When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed low before him. She fell at his feet and said, “I accept all blame in this matter, my lord. Please listen to what I have to say. (NLT) Abigail apologized for what her husband had done and in so doing, she saved the men in her household from being slaughtered at the hands of David.

            There are times, that as vessels of the Potter, we too will have to be the peacemaker just as Abigail was. Situations may arise that will require taking the blame and/or responsibility for something even when you are not the party at fault – just for the sake of peace. Nevertheless, it is not always about who is right or wrong, but displaying the character that the Potter wants His children to have and that is one of peace and harmony even during turbulent times.

            Peace is a fruit of the Spirit that the Potter bestows upon His children. Peace begins when we are willing to compromise our need to be right in order to do what is right by God. In the end, all peacemakers will receive a reward. Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers,  for they will be called children of God. (NIV)