24th March 2026

David’s situation in 1 Samuel 25 was that he had been anointed but had not been enthroned as king, and he was on the run, leading weary men through the wilderness. He and his men had been protecting the flocks of a wealthy man named Nabal, and when the time came to request food during the sheep-shearing season, a customary act of hospitality, Nabal refused and insulted David (1 Samuel 25:10-11). David reacted angrily, armed his men and prepared to settle the matter himself and take revenge (vv.12-23). 

But before David could act, God acted. Abigail, Nabal’s wife, arrived with provision just at the right time (v.18). The raisins and figs weren’t random groceries, they were compact energy food that was nourishing, and long-lasting, for warriors on the move. God provided exactly what was needed. Also, he gave Abigail the wisdom to deal with a threatening situation: she acted quickly, spoke humbly, honoured David’s calling, and reminded him of his calling (vv.23-31). David’s response was to say ‘Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me. May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands’ (vv.32-33). This episode in David’s life presents us with a couple of important lessons:

God provides through unexpected people – David expected provision from Nabal, the wealthy man with resources. Instead, it came from Abigail, a discerning woman in a difficult marriage. Never assume the channel of God’s blessing.
God provides to prevent us making mistakes – David was close to committing bloodshed. The real danger wasn’t hunger, it was vengeance. God’s provision came when David was on the brink of making a destructive decision. The food satisfied physical hunger, but Abigail’s words and humility fed something deeper: restraint, wisdom, and perspective. Sometimes God’s provision isn’t just about survival, it’s about saving us from ourselves. 

After Abigail intervened, David stepped back, and God dealt with Nabal. Ten days later, Nabal died (v.37-38). David didn’t have to fight, he didn’t have to defend himself, he didn’t have to avenge his honour. When we let God handle our issues, he inevitably handles them better than we could.

How important it is for us to recognise the raisins and figs that God provides for us. Not every blessing from God is big and dramatic: sometimes they are an unexpected phone call; a small bonus that just covers our needs, or an encouraging word of correction or a delay that saves us from disaster. Those are our raisins and figs – they may look small, but they carry sustaining grace. The question for us should not be ‘will God provide?’ but ‘did we recognise his provision?’ David did, and because he did, his destiny stayed intact.

If you are in a wilderness on the verge of a reaction you’ll regret, or are angry at someone who dismissed you, or are tired of being overlooked, before you strap on your sword, look around. God may already be sending raisins and figs. He may be speaking through someone you didn’t expect. He may be protecting a future you cannot yet see.

Local congregation:
Grace Communion West Hampstead 
Sidings Community Centre
150 Brassey Road
West Hampstead
London
NW6 2BA

Meeting time:
Sunday 12.30 pm

Local congregational contact:
Gordon Brown
gordon.brown@gracecom.church

Word of Life contact:  
wordoflife@gracecom.church