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The story of Nabal in 1 Samuel 25 is a testament to men of YHVH that listening to and discerning the wise council of others, including women, can be life-saving.
The Scriptures tell of how David sent 10 men to a man called Nabal to ask for favour, for they had been kind to his men. To this, Nabal flat-out refused and additionally insulted David.
So, naturally, David prepared for battle. When Abigail (Nabal’s wife) was informed of the matter, she prepared to intercept David before disaster struck. It was Abigail who pleaded with David to abort his mission. David had been motivated towards murder, for although Nabal had acted greedily, he hadn’t actually broken any law.
In a heated moment of poor judgement, Abigail helped David to see clearly. She even reminded him that he was to be king over Israel and in doing so, reminded him of his great calling and identity.
David blessed Abigail for her good taste and from keeping him from shedding blood without just cause.
Abigail returned home to find her husband drunk and feasting. When she told him of the events the next morning, his heart failed. YHVH smote Nabal; he died 10 days later and David praised YHVH and then married Abigail.
1 Samuel 25:39 displays the Torah principle (Deut. 32:35) of letting YHVH avenge:
1 Samuel 25:39
“And Dawiḏ heard that Naḇal was dead, and he said, “Blessed be YHVH, who has pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Naḇal, and has kept His servant from evil! For YHVH has returned the evil of Nabal on his own head.” And Dawiḏ sent and spoke to Abigayil, to take her as his wife.”
Deuteronomy 32:35
“Vengeance is Mine, and repayment, at the time their foot slips; For near is the day of their calamity, and the matters prepared are hastening to them.”
If David had silenced Abigail or had ignored her for being a woman, he would have committed murder and sinned against YHVH. It is a weighty reminder to allow ourselves to be rebuked without receiving it as condemnation, to rid ourselves of our pride in the heat of the moment in order to hear an intercepting voice of wisdom and warning.
This is Biblical Manhood.
Author, Jared Gragg
Date, May 12, 2025