“……that his heart died within him, and he became as a stone. And it came to pass about ten days after, that the Lord smote Nabal, that he died” (1 Samuel 25:37b-38).
Abigail related to Nabal how close he and his household had been to extinction. She had played the part of a diplomat and they were all spared. Instead of flying into an angry rage, (like Abigail surely thought would be the case) Nabal apparently had a heart attack. He didn’t die immediately. Ten days later, “the Lord smote Nabal, that he died.”
I’m sure Abigail had mixed emotions. One of them had to have been relief. Nabal had been such a difficult man to live with. She kept her vows and lived an exemplary life in spite of her plight. She was alone now and life wasn’t going to be easy. Sadly, she might as well have been alone all the years she lived with Nabal. It’s always sad when a person lives her life in hopes a mate will change, and, he refuse sto do so. Abigail’s godliness didn’t seem to phase her husband.
Abigail may not have known what tomorrow would hold, but, she held on tight to the hand of the One who holds the future.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for travelers—especially college students headed home today.
