Biblical Blueprint for Idumuje Ugboko Women for peace Building for Progress and Stability: from the Narrative Ricochet of Abigai’s Intervention in 1 Samuel 25:26-30

Abstract

The need for peace that makes for progress and stability in every society is priceless and cannot be overemphasized. Women from ages past have been agents of peace, progress and stability by the nature of their God-given gifts. Abigail, the focus of the research uses her feminine endowments to broker peace between King David and her husband Nabal. The narrative teaches that women can position their womanly traits to bring about peace in time of crisis in their homes or organizations. Abigail’s peace initiative can provide, in concrete ways solutions to the crisis that has for long ravaged Idumuje Ugboko society in Aniocha North local government area of Delta State. Very many peace moves to reconcile the warring parties have not yielded much success, and Abigail’s Biblical solution for the crisis has not been sought, hence the focal point of the research.  The research shows that Abigail’s theological stand point through narrative Criticism model can be deployed by Delta state Idumuje Ugboko women as peace blueprint to achieve peace, progress and stability in the community and the entire state, more so as they are Christians that believe the Bible contains prescriptions for practical living. It is discovered that Abigail’s timely intervention, fear of God and other feminine moral features are appropriate theological tools for Idumuje-Ugboko Christian women to be used for resolving the age long crisis in the area. Finally, the Abigail research study showcases and distinguishes wealth of character in peace making from the other three riches intrinsic in making peace: riches in what one has, what one knows and what one does. Wealth of character, otherwise called riches in what one is remains the best form of peace making.