Chronological Reading Plan for April 16, 1 Sam 25-27.

Today's readings are 1 Sam 25-27. Tomorrow's are Psalms 17, 35, 54, 63. 

Samuel dies and the people begin to trust David as much as they did Samuel. David protects the shepherds of Nabal, who then treat David very poorly. David decides to go to war against Nabal. Abigail, Nabal's wife intercedes and averts war, giving David gifts. Many lives are spared. Nabal dies shortly thereafter. In all this, we see God's sovereignty over all things and His consistent use of an arbiter, in this case Abigail, to save lives. In an ironic twist, we will see that Abigal's honorable relationship with David saves her husband (albeit temporarily) while Bathsheba's sinful relationship with David will unwittingly cause the death of her's.

David takes Abigail as his wife. Saul has given his first wife, Michal, to another man. David now has two wives, Abigal and Ahinoam. Interestingly, in this case, the arbiter and the one she arbitrates for become one. They are united in marriage,becoming one flesh, a holy union. 

David, once again, spares Saul's life. David is adamant that he will not take the life of the king that God anointed. He confronts Saul, telling him he could have killed him, Saul apologizes and leaves. David is convinced Saul will eventually kill him and goes to live among the Philistines in order to avoid having contact with Saul.

David deceives the king of the Philistines by attacking only cities that are hostile to Judah and telling the king otherwise. The king is pleased with David, thinking he has become an enemy to Judah. The text does not condone David's lie but we do see evidence of God using all things for the good of His people.