Conclusion of Abigail and David

David and his men have been kind to Na'bal.  They have helped to protect his sheep. So one day David sends some of his men to ask Na'bal for a favor.  David's men come to Na'bal while he and his helpers are cutting the wool off the sheep. It is a feast day, and Na'bal has many good things to eat. So this is what David's men says:  'We have been kind to you. We have not stolen any of your sheep, but have helped took after them. Now, please, give us some food.'

'I won't give my food to men like you,' Na'bal says. He speaks in a very mean way, and says bad things about David.  When the men return and tell David about it, David is very angry. 'Put on your swords!' He tells his men. And they start on their way to kill Na'bal and his men.

One of Na'bal's men, who heard the mean words that Na'bal spoke, tells Ab'i-gail what happened. Right away Ab'i-gail gets some food ready. She loads it on some donkeys and starts on her way. When she meets David, she gets off her donkey, bows down and says:  'Please sir, pay no attention to my husband Na'bal. He is a fool, and he does these foolish things. Here is a gift. Please take it, and forgive us for what happened.'

'You are a wise woman,'David answers.  'You have kept me from killing Na'bal to pay him back for his meanness. God home now in peace.'  When Na'bal dies, Ab'i-gail becomes one  of David's wives. 

1 Samuel 22:1-4; 25:1-43.

Next time: David Is Made King

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