Magnanimity of David
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not to seek revenge for personal wrongs, even though persecuted as a
traitor. She continued: “Though man be risen up to pursue thee, and
to seek thy soul, yet the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle
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of life with the Lord thy God.... And it shall come to pass, when the
Lord shall have done to my lord according to all the good that He hath
spoken concerning thee, and shall have appointed thee prince over
Israel; that this shall be no grief unto thee, nor offense of heart unto
my lord, either that thou hast shed blood causeless, or that my lord
hath avenged himself: and when the Lord shall have dealt well with
my lord, then remember thine handmaid.”
1 Samuel 25:29-31
, R. V.
These words could have come only from the lips of one who had
partaken of the wisdom from above. The piety of Abigail, like the
fragrance of a flower, breathed out all unconsciously in face and word
and action. The Spirit of the Son of God was abiding in her soul. Her
speech, seasoned with grace, and full of kindness and peace, shed a
heavenly influence. Better impulses came to David, and he trembled as
he thought what might have been the consequences of his rash purpose.
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children
of God.”
Matthew 5:9
. Would that there were many more like this
woman of Israel, who would soothe the irritated feelings, prevent rash
impulses, and quell great evils by words of calm and well-directed
wisdom.
A consecrated Christian life is ever shedding light and comfort and
peace. It is characterized by purity, tact, simplicity, and usefulness. It
is controlled by that unselfish love that sanctifies the influence. It is
full of Christ, and leaves a track of light wherever its possessor may go.
Abigail was a wise reprover and counselor. David’s passion died away
under the power of her influence and reasoning. He was convinced
that he had taken an unwise course and had lost control of his own
spirit.
With a humble heart he received the rebuke, in harmony with his
own words, “Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and
let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil.”
Psalm 141:5
. He
gave thanks and blessings because she advised him righteously. There
are many who, when they are reproved, think it praiseworthy if they
receive the rebuke without becoming impatient; but how few take
reproof with gratitude of heart and bless those who seek to save them
from pursuing an evil course.