Exact Words and Phrases (Using KJV)
This phrase describes Nabal’s character in 1 Samuel 25:3.
"churlish and evil in his doings"
How many young men did David send to Nabal?
10 (1 Sam 25:5)
Why did David initially plan to kill Nabal?
Nabal repaid good with evil and refused provision after David protected his shepherds (1 Sam 25:21)
In chapter 25, David almost takes vengeance on ___; in chapter 26, he spares ___.
Nabal; Saul
What does Nabal’s death demonstrate about God?
God executes justice / vengeance belongs to the LORD (1 Sam 25:38–39)
Finish Abigail’s statement: “The LORD will certainly make my lord a…”
“sure house” (1 Sam 25:28)
What feast was Nabal celebrating when Abigail approached him?
“a feast like the feast of a king” (1 Sam 25:36)
What did Abigail say that revealed her understanding of God’s long-term plan for David?
That the LORD would make him a “sure house” and fight his battles (1 Sam 25:28)
Who stops David from sinning in chapter 25? Who could have helped in chapter 26 but didn’t?
Abigail; Abishai (instead encouraged killing Saul)
Fill in the blanks from Abigail’s warning in 1 Samuel 25:31 (KJV):
“That this shall be no __________ unto thee, nor offence of heart unto my lord…”
"grief"
David calls Nabal this insult, tied to his name’s meaning.
“son of Belial” (1 Sam 25:17, 25 context)
How long after Abigail spoke to Nabal did the LORD smite him?
“about ten days after” (1 Sam 25:38)
Why did David refuse to kill Saul in chapter 26? (Be specific)
Because Saul was “the LORD’s anointed” (1 Sam 26:9, 11)
In chapter 25, David acts in anger; in chapter 26, David demonstrates this quality:
restraint / mercy / grace / trust in God
What does David’s speech to Saul reveal about how he views himself?
As insignificant (“a flea,” “a partridge”) (1 Sam 26:20)
Complete the oath David makes before Abigail intervenes: “So and more also do God unto the enemies of David…”
“if I leave of all that pertain to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall” (1 Sam 25:22)
Where was Saul encamped when David entered his camp in chapter 26?
"in the trench” (1 Sam 26:5)
What reasoning did David give for how Saul might die instead?
The LORD would smite him, his day would come to die, or he would perish in battle (1 Sam 26:10)
What key phrase appears in both chapters regarding God’s role in justice?
God repays or avenges (1 Sam 25:39; 26:10)
What does David say the LORD will do for every man?
Reward righteousness and faithfulness (1 Sam 26:23)
Abigail says God will keep David from this specific sin.
“bloodguiltiness” / “avenging thyself with thine own hand” (1 Sam 25:26, 31)
What object, besides Saul’s spear, did David take as proof?
“the cruse of water” (1 Sam 26:11–12)
In 1 Samuel 26:19, David suggests Saul may be acting under outside influence. What two possible sources does he name—and what solution does he propose if the LORD is behind it?
Either the LORD has stirred Saul up, or “the children of men”; if the LORD has done it, David says, “let him accept an offering” (1 Sam 26:19)
Both chapters end with God (directly or indirectly) restraining David from bloodshed—but through two completely different means. Identify the agent and the method God uses in each chapter.
In chapter 25, God restrains David through Abigail’s intervention and counsel (preventing sin before it happens);
in chapter 26, God restrains Saul by putting him into a deep sleep from the LORD, giving David opportunity but testing his restraint (1 Sam 25:32–34; 26:12)
How do these chapters together illustrate the difference between human vengeance and divine justice?
Humans tend to act impulsively and imperfectly; God always judges rightly, at the right time (25:39; 26:10, 23)