Abigail spoke in such a way that assumed David would hear the wisdom of her words and act accordingly. She was very conscious of the fact that bloodguilt (see Exodus 23:7) is a sin and thus unworthy of the Lord’s anointed.1 David must not become like Saul who was obsessed with revenge (1 Samuel 14:24; 1 Samuel 18:25) and happy to kill the innocents when they got in his way (1 Samuel 22:1–23).2
26 Now then, my lord, as the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, because the LORD has restrained you from bloodguilt and from saving with your own hand, now then let your enemies and those who seek to do evil to my lord be as Nabal.