First Samuel 23-26

Abiathar brings the ephod. - 23:7-13

Demonstrates David’s reliance on the Lord.

Demonstrates the vitality of David’s relationship with the God of Israel.

Heightened the contrast between David and Saul; Saul would repeatedly fail to establish a link with the Lord, while David would have easy and extended dialogue with him.

Also, it demonstrates that God is not always with, or in favor of the prosperous, but sometimes with those who the world despise.

Keilah would hand David over to Saul.

It is possible that the inhabitants of Keilah were aware of what Saul had done to Nob. This would explain why they would have turned David over.

This may not have simply been a selfish unfeeling act on their part. - 23:7-8

Consider David’s Care:

He had gone to the aid of Keilah, then he leaves peaceably before Saul can besiege the city.

He now has at least 600 individuals who have come under his care. Their lives are very much in his hands.

David has to act in such a way as to protect them, not just himself.

His strategy is:

Frequent relocation.

He chose remote locations.

He chose easily defensible locations such as mountain strongholds and caves .

His situation, put yourself in David’s situation.

Separated from home and loved ones. - 26:17-19

Discomfort, fear, and anxiety.

Unjustly persecuted. - 23:14-15

Samuel dies. - 25:1

Betrayed by those he loved and thought were his friends.

Consider Psalm 54

Yet, in the midst of all of this what does David keep doing?

Worshiping God.

Trusting God. - 24:8-15

Serving others. - 25:4-8, 14-17

Avoiding conflict. - 23:24-26, 24:5-7, 26:7-12 (Dt. 32:35)

How would Jonathan’s visit be received? - 23:14-18

He strengthened his hand in God.

Do not be fearful, my father shall not find you.

You shall be king.

I will stand with you.

Even my father knows that.

Nabal, David, and Abigail

Nabal’s insult. - 25:10-12

A violation of the Law. - Lev. 19:13

David’s immediate response. - 25:13, 21-22

Violates God’s Law. - Lev. 19:18

Foolish behavior. - Pr. 14:17, 19:11

Abigail’s intercession. - 25:23-31

It began with absolute humility. - 25:23-24

She fell on her face before David.

She fell at his feet. - An act of pleading for mercy.

She was willing to take responsibility for the sin of her husband. - vs. 24, 25, & 28

She begged to be able to talk to David.

This is the longest speech by a woman in the Old Testament.

In it, she refers to David as “my lord” fourteen times.

She points out that David has not avenged himself against his enemies. - vs. 26

David is to fight the Lord’s battles. To take vengeance for himself would be sin. - vs. 28

God will take care of you. - vs. 29

You do not want to this in the future. - vs. 30-31

Listen to this appeal:

Begins with humility and right standing.

Is concerned for the welfare of others.

However, is also concerned with the welfare of David.

Makes no demands.

Consider Pr. 15:1, & 21:14

David’s considered response. - 25:32-35

Blessed is the Lord God of Israel. - vs. 32

Blessed is your advice. - vs. 33

Blessed are you. - vs. 33

The outcome:

God avenges David. - vs. 39

Abigail’s family is saved. - vs. 35

David’s integrity is preserved.- vs. 39

Abigail is released from a wicked man. - vs. 40-41