David & Abigail

We had a great discussion in our Elders meeting on Monday about the benefit of studying Scripture word by word AND the benefit of zooming out to see the Author’s intent.

If we zoom in on David and Goliath we may evaluate the scene in light of the enemies we face. If we zoom out we notice the work of God to ensure His people are led well.

Likewise, if we zoom in on today’s text we may see Abigail’s change of husbands. If we zoom out we notice 3 scenes that threaten to derail David’s throne. In chapter 24 – David is tempted to prematurely end Saul when provided the opportunity. In today’s chapter David is tempted to feed his ego and force others to submit to him. Next week will see another temptation—David will be counseled to grasp what he deserves. We will come back to these 3 at the end of the sermon.

Have you noticed how the Scripture is the best interpreter of Scripture? And how God’s Spirit repeats things you need to learn? I knew that Eli’s sons were wicked priests because they took bribes. When we know we are vulnerable in a particular area we tend to see it and receive the challenge of Scripture. I knew Eli’s sons were rejected in contrast to Samuel. When I read the accusation and description in the paragraph beginning in 1:12 I took note that I need to protect against showing favoritism.

But in 1:22 where Eli rebukes his sons, I did not catch that he adds a detail that is not addressed in the indictment in the previous paragraph. 2 different settings this week I heard reference to 1:22b. Because I have taken steps to protect my marriage vows, I skimmed right past the sin in the second part of this verse. Hophni and Phinehas were abusing women that they found at the door of the Tabernacle.

Transition: Before we move too quickly from this confrontation, It may be helpful for us to consider OTHER ways that women are dismissed or mistreated.

The Danger of Male Egos (vv.1-13)

Explanation

1. David is a man on the move. His men were providing security (even if it wasn’t requested) for ranchers in the region (vv.7-8). The normal practice was to give these mercenaries a cut of the profit even if not contracts had been drawn up.

2. Nabal was wealthy, but also considered by those closest to him to be harsh and badly behaved (v.3)Text

3. Without clear expectations it is easy (if not inevitable) that one will overestimate his contribution to the results.

4. These two main characters are headed toward a bloody conflict as each considers himself to be in the right, and the other trying to take advantage.

5. When men set out to defend what they think is fair, egos usually make a mess out of things.

Illustration (Esther 1)

1. In my personal Bible reading, I started the book of Esther yesterday and I was introduced to another time that ego created a conflict.

I’m aware that several of us have seen the Sight and Sound presentation of Esther in Branson, but when did you last read the story behind the script?

2. Ahasuerus reigned over much of the land that we talked about earlier that is known by the acronym MENA. His empire is described as spanning 127 provinces, but his ego was threatened by 1 woman.

3. In Esther 1:8 Ahasuerus recognizes the ability of each man to decide priorities for himself. But when he was full of liquid courage, he perceived a threat where one did not exist.

4. Ahasuerus consults with those who are afraid to challenge the kings sense of ego and they exaggerate the perceived threat.

5. Ahasuerus overreacts and issues a quick and harsh decree (1:22).

6. I’m sure none of us could foresee any trouble from an edict that “every man be master in his own household”.

Application

It doesn’t matter if you are king of a Persian Empire, Rancher of 4,000 head, Supervisor of 600 security guards, or husband of 1 wife; An ego out of control is a conflict waiting to appear.

Transition: Often those most familiar with the character flaw are those closest to the person. But Egotism often requires a gentle touch.

Discretion dressed in humility (vv.14-31)

Explanation

1. One of Nabal’s employees saw the confrontation, but had the wisdom to know it wasn’t his place to intervene.

2 weeks ago I attended a conference of church leaders and I heard a phrase that made a lot of sense. Some of us have used the story of Jesus overturning the money-changers tables as permission to insert ourselves into an issue. One of the presenters offered this advice, “before you turn over a table, ask yourself if it is your table to overturn.” Just because a situation lacks justice, does not always demand that you are the best person to make things right.

2. Nabal’s employee knew he was not the right person and Nabal’s wife knew that she was the person to intervene (in Esther’s words, “she was there for such a time as this”) but how she intervened would make a difference.

Notice the first gifts Abigail brings to make peace—Bread, Wine & Lamb. How did John the Baptist describe Jesus who came to buy our peace? The Lamb of God. How did Jesus command that his death be remembered until He comes again? By bread and Wine. Abigail’s peace offering to David is the same as the offering that is required to make peace for our harsh and bad behavior when we were worthless.

3. Abigail met David’s physical needs with food (v.18), she settled his bruised ego (vv.23-25), then appealed to a sense of right and wrong (vv.26-31).

4. Abigail does not presume to lecture David, but she does lead him to water that he chooses to drink. In v.26 she uses the phrase saving with your own hand, then in v. 31 she uses working salvation himself. These phrases appeal to David’s temptation to use his own strength to accomplish God’s plan. Underline these phrases because we come back to them before the end of the sermon.

Transition: Abigail doesn’t attempt to diminish David’s ego. She instead gets him to think about the one who had given him the ability, and his longer purpose.

Delight of Wisdom received (vv.32-35)

Explanation

1. In v.33 David sees the wisdom of Abigail’s approach, honors her discretion and admits that if she had not intervened, he truly would have done exactly as she predicted.

2. Notice David’s admission that it was both God who restrained him AND it was Abigail’s voice that He used to do it.

Application

1. Likewise, It is only God who can save your family and friends, but He just may be using your words to make them aware of the plan.

2. It is only God who can enable you to walk in wisdom, but he just may be using the words of an unexpected and unlikely messenger to call you to change direction.

Transition: The path from Danger to Deliverance is only completed when one listens to wisdom and discretion.

Dissolving of a Marriage (vv.36-43)

Explanation

1. Just as God was using Abigail to work in David, God was also at work in delivering Abigail from a bad husband.

2. Abigail doesn’t leave her husband, David doesn’t take another man’s wife (as he will later).

3. Nabal experience a heart attack or stroke, then died 10 days later.

4. The only thing that is mentioned to have happened between Nabal’s merry heart of v.36 and his dead heart of v.37 is that Abigail told him of her intervention. Few things drain a man’s ego quicker than learning his wife accomplished what he couldn’t.

Transition: On the surface this chapter has advice about a wise, humble woman dealing with toxic male egos. A broader perspective reveals 3 attempts to ruin David’s role as King.

Conclusion:

What if David’s temptation to act on his own ego is not an isolated situation, but a strategy used by the Enemy of God to interrupt your fellowship with the God who loves us?

Eve - Gen 3:6

Good for food

Delightful to the eyes

Make one wise

David - 1 Sam 24-26

opportunity

Ego/strength

entitlement

Jesus - Matt 4:3-10

bread

Fellowship

Worship

Humanity - 1 John 2:16

Lust of the flesh

Lust of the eyes

Boastful pride of life

US

I like it

I want it

I deserve it

On the surface this is a message to men to consider that God may be using a woman to spare you pain.

On the surface this is a message for women to use patience and discretion and see God deliver from bad circumstances.

Whether you a man or a woman, I also see 3 applications for each of us!

Every good and perfect gift comes from God; We must be grateful.

Even good gifts can be misused for evil; We must be guarded.

The created is not the Creator; We must never accept glory.

As men, women and disciples of Jesus we depend upon his gracious guidance in this life!