1 Samuel 25:1-44 | Food for Thought
1 Samuel 25:1-44
Food for Thought:
Grace Denied | After we hear of Samuel’s passing, the story suddenly shifts away from the drama between David and Saul to a short vignette involving a local businessman named Nabal. Apparently, David had run into Nabal’s shepherds in the past (probably when he was in the wilderness near Maon in 23:24-25). Since he and his men had treated his shepherds well, David now asks for Nabal’s help while they’re wandering in the wilderness - only to be met with Nabal’s stubborn refusal.
When’s the last time someone from the past asked for help? How did you decide whether or not you were gonna help? What went through your head?
How do David and his men approach Nabal? How did they treat Nabal? What did they communicate?
Consider Nabal’s response. Based on what he said, what do you think would have moved Nabal to help? What does that tell you about what matters most to him? …the way he sees his possessions? …himself? …other people?
Read / refresh yourself on Matthew 25:31-46. Are there any similarities between Jesus’ parable and this exchange between Nabal and David’s men?
What does qualify someone for help in the eyes of the Lord? What qualifies you to be of help for someone?
Revenge Interrupted | David’s furious and ready for revenge when he hears about Nabal’s reply. One of Nabal’s men anticipates David’s fury and warns Nabal’s wife, Abigail, hoping that she’ll intervene in some way. She does, and her presence, gifts, and intercession satisfy David’s wrath.
Has anyone ever approached you asking to have mercy on someone? Were you open to hearing from them? Did you listen?
How did Abigail approach David? In what way was it similar / different to the way David’s men approached Nabal?
How is David’s response vastly different than Nabal’s? Why do you think that is?
Thought experiment: what are all the reasons the Lord could give to NOT help you or have mercy on you? And why is Jesus Christ such a completely, fully, satisfying response to all of those things?
Justice Served | Once Nabal finds out what his wife had done, “his heart died and he became a stone,” dying 10 days later. They attribute his death to the Lord’s vengeance, and David asks for Abigail - now a widow - to join him in marriage.
Christians don’t operate by the idea of karma (popularly understood as people getting what they deserve in this life). However, sometimes we get to see the Lord’s justice come to fruition (even if it’s years!) in our lifetime. Have you experienced this in your life?
How would Nabal’s death have served as confirmation of Abigail and David’s pursuit of mercy on Nabal? How would justice have been tainted / experienced differently had it been by David’s hand personally?
Is it difficult for you to entrust justice to the Lord’s hand? How is the final judgment of the Lord (again talked about in Matthew 25) freeing for you to show mercy and ask for mercy?
Are there any relationships right now where you need to intercede on behalf of someone? …where you need Jesus to intercede on your behalf?