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Abigail’s Influence Prevents Tragedy, November 15
And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which sent
thee this day to meet me: and blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou,
which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood.
1 Samuel 25:32, 33
.
The piety of Abigail, like the fragrance of a flower, breathed out all uncon-
sciously in face and word and action. The Spirit of the Son of God was abiding
in her soul. Her heart was full of purity, and gentleness, and sanctified love. 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. An entire household would
have been slain, containing more than one precious, God-fearing person like
Abigail, who had engaged in the blessed ministry of good. Her words healed the
sore and bruised heart of David.
Would that there were more women who would soothe the irritated feelings,
prevent rash impulses, and quell great evils by words of calm and well-directed
wisdom. “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of
God.”
A consecrated Christian life is ever shedding light and comfort and peace. It
is 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. He received
the rebuke with humility of heart.... He gave thanks and blessing because she
advised him righteously.
There are many who, when they are reproved or advised, 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.
Abigail rejoiced that her mission had been successful, and that she had been
instrumental in saving her household from death. David rejoiced that through
her timely advice he had been prevented from committing deeds of violence and
revenge. Upon reflection, he realized that it would have been a matter of disgrace
to him before Israel, and a remembrance that would always have caused him the
keenest remorse. He felt that he and his men had the greatest cause for gratitude....
When David heard the tidings of the death of Nabal, he gave thanks that God
had taken vengeance into His own hands.—
The Signs of the Times, October 26,
1888
.
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