David was impressed with Abigail’s good judgment in persuading him not to shed unnecessary blood. They parted in peace. When Abigail told Nabal what had happened, his cowardly heart failed him. He was paralyzed and died – the LORD struck him (38). God is the giver and taker of life.

When David heard the news, he realized the LORD had brought his revenge upon Nabal. When he restrained himself from retaliating out of his rage, the LORD brought the wicked man the judgment he deserved. (Ps 7:11)

David proposed to Abigail to be his wife, and she accepted. It was a romantic story of a future king and a beautiful and wise woman. But Abigail was not David’s only wife. Saul had given David his daughter Michal as his wife, and now David also took another woman, Ahinoam of Jezreel, as his wife. The Bible does not encourage polygamy, yet it tells the history as it happened. Besides David's troubles from the many sons he had from different wives, this chapter describes David’s human character. He had a hot temper although he desired to be right before God (22). He responded well to spiritual advice based on truth (32). He also tended to take whomever he liked as his wife (43).
Application: Father, you know my strengths and weaknesses. Discipline me to make me a useful servant.
One Word: The Lord is in control.