DISCERN the ‘VALUE’ of your ‘UNDERSTANDING’ WIFE!

March 28 Bible Reading: 1 Samuel Chapters 25-27

DISCERN the ‘VALUE’ of your ‘UNDERSTANDING’ WIFE!

"Now there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel, and the man was very rich. He had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. And he was shearing his sheep in Carmel. The name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail. And she was a woman of good understanding and beautiful appearance; but the man was harsh and evil in his doings. And he was of the house of Caleb." (1 Sam 25:2-3)

Leaving En Gedi, David now returned to the region of Maon, which was located in the Judean hill country (see Joshua 15:55) about eight miles south of Hebron, and this was a place that he had frequented before (23:25). Nabal lived around that area and owned thousands of sheep and goats, and so was a prime target for thieves. David and his men had generously protected Nabal’s flocks and possessions for many days (25:15, 16, 21) but had never extorted supplies from them (v. 7). However, life was very hard for David in the wilderness with food being always in short supply, so he sent ten men to Nabal expecting a reward for their services (v. 5).

The personal conduct of Nabal towards David’s men suggests that his name (meaning “fool”) was aptly suited for his character (v. 25). Nabal answered David’s men in such a rude manner that David became enraged and started toward Carmel with about 400 men to kill Nabal and his entire household. In contrast, Nabal’s beautiful and discerning wife, Abigail (meaning “my father is rejoicing”) was a woman of wisdom, understanding and beauty. She quickly sensed the politically tragic results of her wicked husband’s foolish actions. At the same time, she was also sensitive to God’s good intentions for David and therefore submitted herself quickly to David, God’s anointed leader (v. 41).

Abigail quickly gathered a large supply of foodstuffs and prostrated herself at David’s feet and asked for forgiveness. Her act of humility was in strong contrast to the boorish behavior of her husband earlier (vv. 10, 11). She did everything she could to show respect to David when he was angry and to obtain his forgiveness for the wrong that Nabal had committed against him. She reminded David of Nabal’s true character (vv. 23–25) and of David’s efforts to do God’s work (vv. 26–29). She also told David that he would suffer when he remembered this incident in the future (vv. 30–31).

In fact, Abigail’s plea was such a masterpiece of wisdom that she saved Nabal and her household from certain death and destruction (vv. 32–35). What we can learn from this story is that whoever exalts himself will be humbled (Nabal was killed by God), and whoever humbles herself will be exalted (Abigail became the wife of the king). This is God’s principle found in Luke 14:11.

Take some time today to discern the value of your understanding wife, and get a broader understanding of the value that God has gifted in your life as your soul mate!

"Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain." (Prov 31:10-11)