Title: Nabal & Abigail - Lesson from Sunday September 29, 2024

Introduction: “Marley was dead”. Thus began that great Dickens novel, A Chrisrtmas Carol. Similarly, 1 Samuel 25 begins “Now Samuel died.”

This statement accomplishes several things for the reader. First, it acts as sort of a time stamp. With ancient records this information allows historians to better date the book for us. Secondly, it marks the end of an era in Israel. Samuel represents the final judge in Israel. Finally, his death and funeral seem to provide a small respite for David as Saul takes a short time, along with the rest of the nation to mourn. It is not clear whether or not David was able to attend and also mourn the loss of Israel’s final judge/priest.

The outline for this lesson covering 1 Samuel chapters 25 & 26:

• David and Saul separated at the end of Chapter 24.
• Consider the characters of Chapter 25
• David receives word that Nabal is shearing his sheep
• Nabal returns insults rather than rewards
• David is insulted, infuriated & impulsive
• Abigail intervenes
• David married Abigail & Jezreel
• David spares Saul again

The Settled In Heaven podcast series consists of weekly episodes that are recorded in our Sunday School class at Stuart Heights Baptist Church in Hixson, TN. Please reach out if you have any questions. If you live nearby, we'd love to have you join us! Do not forget to check out our other series on other books of the Bible and topics which can be found by searching "Settled In Heaven".

Teacher: Chris Cordes

Keywords: 1 Samuel 1st Samuel First Samuel Bible David Saul Jonathan Christian Christianity Sunday School Religion Religious Prayer Book of Samuel Old Testament