Text: 1 Samuel 25:2-38

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Ancient Society Did Not Properly Esteem WomenWives were purchasedWives were kidnappedWives were given as prizesWives were used in idol worshipWomen could not inherit property (Ref. Num.

27) The disciples marveled that Jesus would

speak to a woman. (John 4:27)

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The Bible Taught Proper Respect for WomenFather and Mother are to be honored (Ex.

20:12; Deut. 27:16) Jesus surrounded himself with godly women

(Luke 8:3) Godly women were with our Lord at Calvary

(John 19:25) An excellent wife is the crown of her husband

(Prov. 12:4)

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Text: 1 Samuel 25:2-38

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AbigailIntelligent

Lit. of good understandingShe was wise, prudent, and perceptive

Beautiful in appearanceBeautiful: To be fair, comely, beautifulAppearance: handsome in form, beauty.

Beautiful inside and out1 Sam. 16:7; 1 Peter 3:3-4;

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NabalHarsh—qaseh—to be hard, harsh, severe, to

be hard, difficult, firm, unyielding, stiff necked, hard-hearted, stubborn, obstinate.

Evil in his doings—habitual action.Calebite—means dog like, or shameless,

character of a man

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Applications from AbigailAbigail illustrates the pain in poor mate

selectionIt may not be a sin to marry an unbeliever, but it

is unwise. Marry a believer not just a “pew warmer” Abigail’s plight was due to her marriage to Nabal

Nabal was harsh and evil (v. 4) Nabal was rude and offensive (v. 14-15) Nabal was worthless and unapproachable (vv. 16-17) Nabal was a man of folly (v. 25)

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Abigail Illustrates What Happens When Men Fail to Lead in the HomeThe New Testament Teaches Male Spiritual

Leadership in the Home: God wants men to lead (Gen. 18:19)Wives are to submit (Eph. 5:22; Col. 3:18) Wives are to respect their husbands (Eph.

5:33) Fathers are to teach and train their children

(Eph. 6:1-4)

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Abigail Illustrates What Happens When Men Fail to Lead in the HomeDue to Nabal’s lack of spirituality Abigail

had to take the lead in her home.The servants looked to Abigail in time of crisis

(vv. 14-17) Abigail prepared provision for the salvation of

her home (vv. 18-19) Abigail plead with, admonished and

encouraged David (vv. 24-31)

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Abigail illustrates that it is possible for a godly women to

fulfill her role in the home (Eph. 5:22) and exercise great influence and leadership in her home (ref. Acts 5:29; Acts 16:1-

2; 2 Tim. 1:5)

Abigail Was Placed in an Unenviable SituationShe made a major decision concerning the

welfare of her household without consulting her husband. (vv. 18-19)

Godly women today are put in unenviable situations:When husbands will not fulfill their roles in the

homeWhen husbands bring strong drink into the

homeWhen husbands refuse to allow hospitality to be

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Abigail Loved Her Husband Unconditionally“But he does not love me!” God commands wives to love their husbands (Titus 2:4-

5) Nabal was hard to love:

He was harsh and evil (v.4) He was rude and offensive (vv. 14-15) He worthless and unapproachable (vv. 16-17) He was a man of folly (v. 25)

Abigail came to terms with her husband’s character (vv. 25-26), and she still acted in his best interest.

It is women like Abigail who will have the best opportunity to convert their unbelieving husband. (1 Pet. 3:1-2)

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Abigail Admonished and Encouraged David to Continue in Godly BehaviorDavid was a good man. (Ref. Acts 13:22) David was overreacting. (1 Sam. 25:28-31)

Do not shed blood without cause (31) This will cause you grief later (31)

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This is the type of person that you need to marry! One who will love you unconditionally. One who will

encourage, admonish and even rebuke you when needed. Marry an

Abigail not a Nabal!

Abigail Illustrates that Godly Women Are Worthy of PraiseDavid praises God for Abigail (v. 32) David praises Abigail for her judgment (v.33) David praises Abigail (v.33)

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Today Is Mother’s DayHave you praised the worthy women in your

life? Women who are willing to exercise a spiritual

influence for good when no one else will. Women who are sometimes put in unenviable

situations because of their husband’s shortcomings.

Women who love unconditionally.Women who encourage, admonish and rebuke.These are worthy of praise! (Prov. 31:10, 30-31)

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