In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Gothic American romance The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne is forced to wear the scarlet letter “A” on her breast as a badge of shame after an adulterous affair in which she refuses to expose the father of her child. After reading the story of Abigail, I too wanted to wear the letter “A” across my breast as a badge of admiration for the courageous acts of this beautiful WOB. Abigail had a very discerning spirit. She saved lives, spared David from sinning, and as stated in our text, rose above her circumstances to change the course of events. Wear this letter with pride as you comment on one or all of the questions below:1. In 1 Samuel 25:1-13, these verses reveal what a mismatched couple Nabal and Abigail were. How do women in Abigail's position cope?
2. Compare the words of David (25:6-8) with the words of Nabal (25:10-11). What does that tell you about each man.
3. Why do you think David was so quick to ask Abigail to marry him (25:40)? Was he attracted to her? Did he feel responsible for her? Did he admire her?
4. What Davids do you have in your life? What Nabals? What can you learn from Abigail about living and working with each of these men?
1 comment:
Abigail was a very wise and strong woman. She knew that her husband was full of evil and ignorance, so to speak. She knew that his actions could cause ruin for God's people. Therefore, she interceded and met with David personally to prevent the disaster that could have been. When Abigail met with David she did not respond haphazardly, she had a strategy. First, she sided with David, acknowledging that her husband was wrong and David was right. Secondly, she brought him food (she did not rely on her words alone, sort of a peace offering). Thirdly, she emphasized her positive view of David's character, thus reminding him of his own values and his future as King. She was truly a phenomenal and brave woman and evidently a woman that he felt would compliment him. "Way to go David!"
I think David admired, respected and was amazed at Abigail for her graciousness, wisdom and strength. In times past, women did not speak up or out to men in an effort to be accepted. I think this happens with a lot of women today, as well. Sometimes women will not really be themselves in order to be accepted by men. A lot of women will hold back their strengths in fear that they will put off potential dates or marriage, often times disguising the very qualities that might make them attractive to stronger confident men, like David. As women we should realize that God created us to be help meet for man (help meet means suitable; right). Men often allow their egos to overtake them and make foolish decisions as Nabal did. This is why it is good for a man to have a righteous woman by his side to help him when he is weak or just doesn't know any better. We as women have to be mindful of our actions. We must be wise decisive and yet sensitive as Abigail was.
What a great story and example!!
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