When Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matt. 5:9), He blessed the work of peacemakers to help others live in just and right relationships with others and God. Jesus calling peacemakers “children of God” confirms their deepest and original identity. The hard work of making peace pleases Him and allows you to follow in Jesus’ steps. Abigail’s peacemaking work between David and her husband, Nabal, becomes an example for all of us to follow.
Samuel died and all Israel gathered together to mourn for him. David arose and went down to the wilderness of Paran (1 Sam. 25:1). Peaceful leaders leave a positive legacy.
David told ten young men to bless and ask favor from Nabal since they hadn’t insulted or stolen from his shepherds. Nabal was rich with 3,000 sheep and 1,000 goats. His wife, Abigail, was intelligent and beautiful, while Nabal was harsh and evil in his dealings (1 Sam. 25:2-8). Harsh leaders leave a negative legacy.
Nabal refused to give David’s men food and scorned them asking, “Who is David? Shall I give meat to men whose origin I don’t know.” David told his men to take their swords with them leading 400 men while 200 men stayed with the baggage (1 Sam. 25:9-13). Returning evil for good builds animosity.
One of the young men told Abigail that since David’s men protected Nabal’s shepherds, she should consider responding to the evil plotted against Nabal and his household. Nabal’s associate said he was a worthless man where no one could speak to him (1 Sam. 25:14-17). Those who associate with harsh leaders see them as worthless.
Abigail brought supplies for David and his men, but didn’t tell Nabal. David said that in vain he guarded Nabal’s possessions as he returned evil for good (1 Sam. 25:18-22). A peacemaker takes initiative and uses discernment in reconciling relationships.
Abigail told David to not pay attention to the “worthless” Nabal. She brought gift of provisions and asked David to “forgive the transgression of your maidservant; for the Lord will certainly make for my lord an enduring house, because my lord is fighting the battles of the Lord, and evil shall not be found in you all your days.” Abigail said God would protect David’s life, appoint him as ruler over Israel and save him from taking revenge on Nabal (1 Sam. 25:23-31). A peacemaker prevents sin so people can fulfill their mission in life.
David blessed Abigail for showing discernment in preventing bloodshed. He received her provision and granted her request (1 Sam. 25:32-35). Authorities will exalt the discernment of peacemakers.
Nabal held a feast and became very drunk. When Abigail waited until morning to tell Nabal, his heart died, he became as stone and died ten days later (1 Sam. 25:36-38). God intervenes to confirm the discernment of peacemakers.
When David heard Nabal was dead, he said, “Blessed be the Lord, who has pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and has kept back His servant from evil. The Lord has also returned the evildoing of Nabal on his own head.” When David’s servants came to Abigail to take her as his wife, she washed the feet of “my lord’s servants” (1 Sam. 25:39-44). God avenges evildoing and exalts patience and humility leading to a positive outcome.
Ask God to make you into a peacemaker. Is there a situation where He wants you to be a peacemaker? If so, take the initiative and ask God on how He wants you to be a peacemaker.
