Chapters 24, 25 and 26 are like a sandwich in 1 Samuel. The first and last are very similar; the middle different but complementary. The three work together to show us David tested for suitability as the king that God
Help from the Lord
David is on a mission to kill and no man can stop him! So the Lord doesn’t send a man but a courageous woman, Abigail, who helps David to see he must not stain his hands with innocent blood in
Unexpected encounter
David is very angry. A wealthy neighbour, called Nabal, has rudely rebuffed his approach for fellowship. So now he’s going to pay him and his estate back with violence! However, Abigail – Nabal’s wife – takes her life in her
Failed expectations
There is a temporary peace between David and Saul. So David makes a peace effort with a wealthy neighbour in his tribal homeland. His expectation is that given its the festive time of shearing, his overtures will be welcomed and