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● Sermon : Sodom and Gomorrah →

1 Samuel 25

Instead, she acts in place of her husband when he is unable or unwilling to, and her actions are protective of the estate and its interests.⁹ She is loyal and considerate, even apologising for her husband's stupidity, but she acts of her own volition — even when she knows what she does would be disapproved of. She acts behind Nabal's back after all.

In the same way, she submits to David, but she does so through correction. She might outwardly be prostrate, but through her words she is standing face-to-face with soon-to-be king. Though she is bold in confronting an army on the brink of slaughter, her correction is gentle and edifying, and she steers David clear of disaster.

By this we see that Abigail had the good of the community in mind while the two male characters were busy being self-focused. Nabal was greedy and rude, while David was vengeful and acted upon his knee-jerk reactions.

David used his resources to exact his own personal vendetta, but Abigail used hers to save her people, and save even her boorish husband.

In fact, Abigail bears a striking resemblance to Jesus.¹⁰

She rides down on a donkey, she presents a sin offering, she assumes a guilt not hers, and by this she saves a people and promotes peace. Abigail is a more Christ-like figure than even the great King David. You could say she shows David what the King of Israel is really like.

So it all comes down to this simple question, but one the Scriptures are constantly asking. What kind of person are you?

Are you Nabal, always putting your own interests first? Are you naval-gazing and hording wealth? Jesus said that riches are a stumbling block for entering into the Kingdom. It is no coincidence that Nabal's wealth is highlighted at the beginning of the story.

Are you David, neglecting to think through your actions and without counsel moving on your own selfish and emotionally-based ambitions?

Or are you Abigail?

Ibid.
Heather Celoria, 'Abigail: An Old Testament Type-of-Christ,' The Seeded Blog. http://seedbed.com/feed/abigail-old-testament-type-christ/