I SAMUEL 25:32-34: “Then David said to Abigail: “Blessed is the LORD God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! And blessed is your advice and blessed are you, because you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed and from avenging myself with my own hand. For indeed, as the LORD God of Israel lives, who has kept me back from hurting you, unless you had hurried and come to meet me, surely by morning light no males would have been left to Nabal!” NKJV

OBSERVATION: Have you ever done something you regretted because you were acting through overcharged emotions rather than spiritual discernment? This is what almost happened to David as he decided to seek vengeance upon a scoundrel named Nabal!

Yet – David did not miss God’s protection!

David and his men were weary and in need of supplies. Nabal was a very wealthy sheep rancher with great resources. David sent an emissary of men to Nabal to ask for supplies. David felt he had the right to ask for these supplies as he and his man had protected Nabal’s men while they were in the fields. David had protected them from harm and loss all the time they cared for Nabal’s sheep.

David, God’s anointed, makes a reasonable request. Nabal’s response was not only the opposite of what David had asked but was filled with ridicule and disdain. When David received this report from the emissary he sent to Nabal he was filled with rage. David did not take time to pray over the matter. Rather, in the heat of his emotions David strapped on his sword and led his men to take vengeance on such an unworthy man.

This is where we see God’s faithfulness to protect David – from himself. We all need protection from ourselves. Often, in the heat of the moment, when we are in distress, what appears to be the right course of action is the exact opposite of what God would call us to do. In times of emotionally charged duress, we must be sensitive to God’s faithfulness and protection!

Paul writes to the Corinthians,

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” I Corinthians 10:12-13 NKJV

This is not a suggestion, it is a promise of God!

There are two aspects of this promise that we observe in this account of David with Nabal. First, we will all face times of frustration and temptation. We will all be ready to make the wrong decision, blinded by our emotions. Yet, God is faithful. If we have an open heart to the voice of God and a teachable spirit –

God will send us a way of escape! God will protect us!

Abigail was David’s way of escape provided by the faithfulness of God! As ungodly as Nabal was, Abigail was godly and ready to do the right thing. She understood that David had every right to take vengeance upon her worthless husband. Yet, she also knew this would be an act motivated by anger that David would regret. So the Lord prompted Abigail to provide provision for David and to be his protection.

Abigail was God’s way of escape for David.

David, a man after God’s own heart did not miss God’s protection!

As I study the life of David, as I look over my life, it is clear that I do not always recognize God’s protection. Yet, it is always there. God always provides a way of escape. I must learn to stop and pray before I act – and then I will find it. Jesus warned his disciples,

“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41 NKJV

Usually, when I blow it, I have not been watching or praying. When my emotions are charged, I am hurt or offended or am tempted in any way – I need to stop, quiet my heart, and watch and pray. God always has a way of escape. It is always there. Like David, I need to see it and embrace it.

God is more interested in my protection and victory than I am!

Lord, You gave David Abigail to protect him from a wreckless act of aggression that would be out of character for the anointed of the Lord. I pray that You protect me from my blind spots, weaknesses, and tendency to move forward before stopping, quieting my heart, and watching and praying.

Help me to watch and pray so that I do not miss Your avenue of escape and victory!

“Then David said to Abigail: “Blessed is the LORD God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! And blessed is your advice and blessed are you, because you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed and from avenging myself with my own hand.”

In Jesus’ Name!