Ep. 82. 1 Samuel 25-27 | Abigail and More Running

EPISODE 82

ABIGAIL AND MORE RUNNING: 1 SAMUEL 25-27

I know I mentioned this in the video, but this chapter starts with the death of Samuel. Inquiring minds may ask, "How did he write the rest of First Samuel or any of Second Samuel if he is dead?" It is a fair question, but you should know that several of the books that have names attributed to them are not necessarily considered to be written by them. The two books of Samuel were likely compiled from the teachings and writings of Samuel, Nathan, and Gad. This should not freak us out and will only cause us minor panic if this news is brand new for us. I hate to throw another wrench in the works, but the four gospels were not named Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John until several decades after they were written, but the four books have never been in dispute when discussing what books belong in the Bible. I highly recommend the book THE CANON OF THE SCRIPTURE by F.F. BRUCE if you want more information on how the Bible came to be the Bible. It is very good but quite lengthy.

In contrast to our last blog, where David did not take revenge into his own hands, in this chapter, we see that David is completely ready to strike down Nabal and all his household. Thankfully, Abigail, Nabal's wife, is not only beautiful but very wise, and she keeps David "from bloodguilt and from avenging [himself] with [his] own hand."

David again spared Saul, though Abishai, brother to Joab, wanted to put Saul to death. Joab and his two brothers are relentlessly bloodthirsty men.

David returns to Achish, the king in Gath, and this time does not need to feign lunacy, but instead lives among the Philistines and destroys the enemies of God on regular raids, all while convincing Achish that they are attacking the Hebrew people. David lived among the Philistines for sixteen months.

Include in your reading Psalm 57. This Psalm could have been written at a couple of different moments when David was fleeing from Saul. It may fit better with yesterday's lesson, but we absolutely want to keep it in with our reading pertaining to David running from Saul. I want to point out again that David, even in his wilderness wandering as he fled Saul, was still exalting God's greatness and love. What an amazing attitude he maintained in his low moments, and I find myself encouraged by it.

ADDITIONAL READING: Psalm 57