PODCAST
Overcoming Evil
July 18th, 2012
1 Samuel 25:32-44
David’s response to Abigail’s kindness was to recognize that she had been an instrument of the Lord to keep him from avenging himself on Nabal’s household. This revelation was later confirmed by Nabal’s death at the hand of God. David was surely reminded of God’s admonition to the children of Israel in Deuteronomy 32:35a, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay.”
When Abigail informed Nabal of her actions, he was struck with what some scholars believe to be a heart attack, and a few days later died. David interpreted this as an act of God on his behalf and praised the Lord that Nabal died of natural causes and not by his act of vengeance.
The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12 that we are to respond to evil with love and leave the vengeance up to God (Rom. 12:19-21).
Personal retaliation is not a response for Christ followers. Instead we are to “overcome evil with good” and leave any reprisal up to God.
