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The narrative of Abigail delineates a woman of exquisite beauty and profound discernment. Hailing from Carmel, she was wed to a prosperous man named Nabal, who hailed from the adjacent town of Maon. Nabal, whose name translates to “fool” or “senseless one,” was notoriously brusque and unreasonable. (1 Sam. 25:2, 3)

The gravity of a predicament involving David, which could have implicated him in bloodshed and imperiled all the men in Nabal’s household, presents the depth of Abigail’s wisdom. During his tenure as an outlaw under King Saul’s reign, David remained altruistic towards his fellow Israelites. He and his men safeguarded Nabal’s shepherds and flock against marauders. Considering this, David believed it fair that Nabal had a chance to express gratitude for the services enhancing his prosperity. The sheep-shearing season seemed a perfect time for Nabal to demonstrate his appreciation, which was typically accompanied by celebrations. (1 Sam. 25:4-8)

When Nabal coldly rejected David’s ten-men delegation from Judah’s wilderness, David, supported by about 400 of his armed men, resolved to annihilate Nabal and all the males in his household. (1 Sam. 25:9-13) Fearing repercussions from Nabal’s spiteful response, one of his shepherds shared the scenario with Abigail, who immediately recognized the potential danger that her husband’s actions had engendered.

With no hope of convincing her obstinate husband, Abigail exhibited initiative and wisdom. Her fealty to principles overshadowed her desire to appease a man who defied divine law by repaying benevolence with malevolence. From the abundance at her husband’s feast, she gathered a sizeable assortment of food, including 200 loaves of bread, two large jars of wine, five prepared sheep, a bushel of roasted grain, 100 cakes of raisins, and 200 cakes of pressed figs. These provisions, loaded on donkeys, were delivered to David by her servants, with Abigail herself in tow. (1 Sam. 25:14-19)

Upon meeting David, Abigail humbly pleaded with him to forgo vengeance, elucidating that Nabal was a “good-for-nothing man,” and hence, under divine judgment. She proclaimed that David’s aversion to bloodshed was a testament to Jehovah’s guiding hand. Moreover, she appealed to David to accept the provisions for his men. (1 Sam. 25:23-27)

Expressing faith in Jehovah’s purpose for David, she continued: “Please forgive the transgression of your slave girl, for Jehovah will certainly make for my lord a lasting house, because my lord is fighting the wars of Jehovah, and no evil has been found in you all your days. When man rises up to pursue you and seek your soul, the soul of my lord shall be wrapped up in the bag of life* with Jehovah your God; but, as for the soul of your enemies, he shall sling out as from the hollow of a sling. And when Jehovah has done to my lord according to all the good that he has spoken concerning you and has appointed you leader over Israel.” These prophetic words signified her belief in David as Jehovah’s anointed and foresaw a royal lineage to be established by David. She was confident that Jehovah would protect him if David refrained from seeking deliverance without divine assistance. (1 Sam. 25:28-31)

* The expression “wrapped up in the bag of life” means that the individual life of David would be wrapped up (to protect and preserve) David’s life from his enemies. This would be the case if David waited on Jehovah and did not try to deliver himself out of difficulties. On the other hand, the soul of the enemies of David would be thrown away.

Upon hearing Abigail’s account the following day, Nabal was so profoundly affected that he suffered what appeared to be a stroke, which was followed by a fatal stroke ten days later. (1 Sam. 25:36-38) David, in the aftermath, proposed marriage to Abigail. She humbly accepted, expressing willingness to render the humblest of services. Along with five maids, she joined the nomadic life of David, living in the Philistine city of Gath and later in Ziklag. Despite enduring hardships, including being taken captive by Amalekite raiders, she remained unscathed. (1 Sam. 25:39-42; 30:1-19)

Abigail’s life epitomizes the virtues that render a person discreet from a divine perspective. Her humility and prioritization of loyalty to God over loyalty to man underscore her wisdom. The discernment that marked her life was rooted in her recognition of divine guidance.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).