Chapter 25 is enveloped by two significant events. In the chapter's first verse, the death of the prophet Samuel marks the end of an era. In the chapter's last verse, the only remaining link between David and Saul, Michal, Saul's daughter and David's wife, is taken away from David as Saul marries her to another man. These two incidents extinguish any hope of reconciling the two kings.
Chapters 24 and 26 narrate parallel stories where David refrains from taking the life of Saul on two occasions when he has occasion to do so. The lesson from both stories is that God will vindicate injustice perpetrated against his people. Up to this point in the narrative, David has acted impeccably in his battles with the Philistines, his protection of the people of Israel, and his dealings with the frantic, foolish king Saul. Significantly, chapter 25 falls between the parallel stories in 24 and 26, only this time, we will find a flawed king David, an unexpected hero, and in the place of Saul, a rich ignoble fool named Nabal.
While David was unable to apply his trust in God's justice, Abigail demonstrates astonishing wisdom. Her words and actions are used to open David's eyes to the sin he would have otherwise committed in carrying out a massacre on Nabal and his people. God rescued David from his own wrongdoing using Abigail, who was at once decisive, resourceful, perceptive, engaging, respectful, encouraging, theological, rational, convincing, and shrewd. God finally executed justice on Nabal by taking his life. The death of the Saul-like fool leaves us with the looming thought that the only way this conflict between Saul and David will end will be with the death of king Saul. |
