Lady Wisdom (1 Sam. 25)

What is 1 Samuel 25 doing? Is it simply an interesting story about David that the author decided to "throw in" just for fun? Probably not. And especially because chapter 25 is sandwiched in between the two stories of how David spared Saul. And the story of Abigail is carefully crafted. The narrative is carried by speeches – and the longest and most important speech is right at the middle – and in the voice of Abigail.

The story of Nabal and Abigail is at the very center of "The Adventures of David." It is surrounded by the two episodes of Saul being given into David's hand: it is preceded by the story of David in the Judean wilderness; it is followed by David in the land of the Philistines. The Adventures of David begin with the death of Goliath. They end with the death of Saul.

And in the middle come the deaths of Samuel and Nabal.

In these central episodes in 1 Samuel 24-26 we hear of what will happen to all of David's enemies. David's enemies will be destroyed – not because of David's might and power, but because the LORD was with David.

It is not David's military might, but his faith and trust in Yahweh that give him the victory! Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD! And as that was true for David, so was it most powerfully true for our Lord Jesus Christ, and therefore it is true for us as well! Wait upon the LORD and he will accomplish his purposes for you...