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David and Abigail

This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in 1 Samuel 25, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.

Once there was a man named David who was in the wilderness of Paran with his men. He had been running away from King Saul, who wanted to hurt him. David and his men were very hungry, so David decided to send some of his young men to a rich man named Nabal, who was shearing his sheep in Carmel. David thought that Nabal might give them some food to eat.

Nabal was a very wealthy man who had a bad attitude. He was not kind to his servants or to other people. Nabal’s wife, Abigail, on the other hand, was a very wise and discerning woman. She was also very beautiful.

When David’s young men came to Nabal, they greeted him and asked him for some food. They told him that David and his men had been protecting Nabal’s shepherds and sheep from robbers while they were in Carmel.

But Nabal answered them harshly, saying, “Who is David? Who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants these days who are breaking away from their masters. Shall I take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers and give it to men who come from I do not know where?” Nabal did not show any kindness or hospitality to David’s men.

One of Nabal’s young men saw how angry David and his men were and knew that they might hurt Nabal and his family. The young man went to Abigail and told her what had happened. Abigail was very worried and knew that her husband was not a wise or kind man. She decided to act quickly to prevent harm. Abigail gathered some food, wine, sheep, grain, raisins, and fig cakes, and put them on donkeys. She and some of her servants went to meet David and his men before they could attack Nabal’s household.

When Abigail met David, she fell on her face before him and begged for mercy. She told David that Nabal was a foolish and wicked man and asked him to forgive him. Abigail also said that God had a special plan for David and that he should not do something he might regret later. David listened to Abigail and was very grateful for her help. He thanked God for sending her to him and said that she had saved his life.

After Abigail left, Nabal had a feast in his house and got very drunk. The next morning, Abigail told Nabal what had happened, but he did not believe her. About ten days later, Nabal became very sick and died.

When David heard about Nabal’s death, he thanked God for avenging the insult he received from Nabal. He also decided to ask Abigail to be his wife, and she agreed.

Biblical Lessons

  • It is important to be kind and show hospitality to others, even strangers.
  • God can use wise and kind people to prevent harm and bring peace.
  • Anger can lead to bad decisions and actions that harm others.
  • God rewards those who seek forgiveness and show mercy to others.

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