The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 475

Yers. 18--31.- lVise persuasiveness. The facts are-1. Abigail aware of the d~nger, prov\des an m:1pfe p_resent, and sec~tly sen~s on her servant~ to prepnre the mmd of David for an mterv1ew. 2. On seemg David she humbly seeks an audience and intimates tlrn_t ~ abal wa~ not to be. regarded. as of impo_rtance .. 3. She plead~ her cause by remmdmg David of the kmd restramt of Providence m keeping him from wrong, of Nabal's utter unworthiness of his notice, of the provision made fo1· the yunng men, of his own integrity and coming distinction, of his spiritual safety amidst trials, of the future satisfaction of not having causelessly shed blood and then begs that she may not be forgotten in coming days of power. This nar;ative may be considered in relation to Abigail and to David. In the former it affords- !. AN !LLUSTRATION OF THE ART OF_ PERSUASJON. The course pursued by Abigail ,ms creditable to her courage, tact, piety, and loyalty to truth. A more beautiful instance of the art of persuasion in the sphere of private life is not found in the Bible. It may be considered in two ways. 1. In relatwn to the method adopted. This m_ay be s~en by noticing the li~e ?f argume:nt. David is, _after a respectful act of obeisance, mfonned that the om1ss10n of which he complamed was without the knowledge of _the peri:o!1 who_ was larg:ely re~ponsible for ~cts of hospftality (ver. 25). Then, with exqms1te delicacy, he 1s remmded of the sm of avenging self and of the goodness of God in restraining from it (ver. 26). This appeal to the ~oral sense is strengthened by an assurance that the offending person wns far beneath the notice of one so distinguished, and that dignity could well afford to let him alone (ver. 24). Moreover, the occasion which properly roused his g·enerous concern for huI)gry and deserving servants was passed, as ample provision was at hand for them (ver. 27). Passing from others, David is assured of confidence in his Divine call and the integrity of his life, despite all slanders (ver. 28). And though persecu- tion ie hard to be borne, yet he is reminded that full compensation is made in being securely kept by God, and thus blessed with the spiritual life embraced in the ever- lasting covenant (ver. 29)-a blessing which wicked foes cannot share. To crown all, he is led to think of the not distant day when, as king of God's people, he will enjoy the highest honours ; and it is gently suggested that it would be a pity to mar 1 lie joys of such a time by reflection on an__aet-mpersona-1 revenge by deeds of blood. A heautiful instance of what a wiseJiolywoman can do when emergency arises. 2. In relation to the general pringjples involve<f:. Persuasion is ~equired in the pulpit, 1 I,e lwme, and the common --mtercourse of life; and observat10n proves how much .JPpends nn the adoption of right principles in using it. Some never succeed. The l111111n.n soul can be successfully approached by certain avenues only. To be success- ful tl,ere ought to be-(1) A tone and manner befitting the persons and the circum- st,rnc-cs. (2) A clear but delicate reference to the governing sense of rig·ht; for ,-miscience properly addressed is !Ure to become an internal advocate for us. (3) .-\ readiness to meet every lawful claim and satisfy every generous instinct; for lieeJ is given to those who are zealous in doing right. (4) An evident appreciation oI the actual position in which those are whom we address; for confidence in our judgment and professed sympathy is then awakened. (5) A gentle appeal to the most sacred religious hopes and aspirations which, though unexpressed, may exercise a controlling power over life. (6) Regard to the principle of self-interest as a force in life supplementary to higher considerations. It is worth a study to become '' wise to win souls." Ii. AN ILLUSTRATION OF THE INFLUENCE ON TEMPER AND CONDUCT OF BELI0IOUS CONSIDERATIONS. There was power in Abigail's argument derived from her appeal to David's sense of the wrong of revenge, and the assurance that his generous concern for his young men was now unnecessary. But that which evidently touched David most was her reference to his being the object of God's love and care._ To be restrained by a loving God, to be in favour with him amidst the wrongs of evil- men, to have an interest in the higher spiritual life which is nourished and guarded by God was more than all besicie. How could one so richly and undeAervedly blessed be re\·engeful oz: act in any way unworthy. o_f _the na~~ of God_? The apostle adopts the same !me of argument when he, enJommg a spmt of forgweness, reminds J,is readers of the forgivenesR they have received (Ephes. v. 3~). If we would be humble, gentle, forgiving, and grateful, let us consider w1iat it is to have (JD, XXV. 1-44.] THE FIRST l:IUOK OF SAMUEL. 485