His name was Nabal and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband was surly and mean in his dealings–he was a Calebite. 1 Samuel 25:3

Jennifer arrived at church on a Sunday morning shaken and distressed.  After a night of cruelty, her husband told her that if she left the house for church, she was never to come back.  When the service ended, she sought out a pastor for help.  “What should I do?” she asked in tears.

Long ago, a woman in the Bible named Abigail faced a dangerous situation when her harsh and evil husband insulted David, the king of the land. (1 Samuel 25) Abigail knew she couldn’t control her husband’s sinful behavior and that the many people employed by her rich husband would be killed by the king in retribution.

She quickly rode her donkey up a mountainous ravine to David, making amends with gifts and supplies.  Abigail’s bravery in standing up to the sin of her husband saved significant life.  God struck her husband dead days later.

The story of Abigail helps us understand that responding to sin in a marriage may require action. Sadly, Jennifer’s pastor told her to go home to her husband.  She and her children continued to be abused by him for years.  God is not glorified when sin is ignored under a cloak of marriage.  Instead, the Bible teaches that God is glorified when a husband and wife love, respect and put each other first. (Ephesians 5:25-28, 1 Peter 3:1-2, Colossians 2:3)

God brought Jennifer and Abigail to a place of safety.  He longs to do the same for you.

 

Resource Reading:  1 Samuel 25:1-42