PCC Scroll: Women of the Bible - Abigail

Name: Abigail

Meaning: The father is joyful.

Her Work: After her first husband, Nabal, angered David while drunk, she acted as a mediator between her husband and David. She took gifts of cooked food to David and his men and appeased his anger. She later became David’s wife and was a great counselor to him.

Her Character: Abigail was sensible, capable, kind, and wise. She was also a persuasive Stateswoman.

Her Sorrow: Her first husband, Nabal, was a drunk, and he took her for granted.

Her Triumph: Her second husband was David, and she bore him a son, Chileab (Daniel).

Key Scriptures: 1 Samuel 25, 30; 2 Samuel 3:3

The Bible says that Abigail had a beautiful countenance and that she had good understanding. She was wise and kind. The Bible describes Nabal as churlish and evil in his doings. He was prone to drink, and he acted foolishly. He was one of the richest men in his area.

At the time of Abigail’s and David’s meeting, David was hiding from Saul. While in hiding, David and his men helped Nabal’s shepherds protect Nabal’s sheep and goats against neighboring factions. During a feast Nabal held, David sent some of his men to ask for food. Nabal, who was drunk, acted boorishly to this request. When Abigail learned of this, she was wise enough to know that this could have serious repercussions. So she had food prepared for David and his men.

She delivered the food herself. She arrived to hear David berate her husband. She interceded and apologized for Nabal’s actions. She was swift to diffuse the situation and keep David from taking vengeance against Nabal and her family. She entreated him to receive the food that had been prepared for him and his men. She also offered a prophecy on David’s future that was through God. She then departed.

The next morning, she informed Nabal how close he had been to being attacked by David and his men. She also told him what she did to offset an attack. Nabal then became sick, possibly of a heart attack, as he realized the ramifications of his actions. He died 10 days later. When David learned of Nabal’s death, he asked Abigail to become his wife through a servant. Although she didn’t feel worthy, she accepted. Abigail was a good wife to David.

Through Abigail’s example, we can see many applications for us today. She was humble and gentle when dealing with her husbands. From her, we learn how to gently and quietly correct the mistakes made by those we love. She was able to loyally support Nabal even though his behavior didn’t warrant it. She was not blind to his faults and used her strengths to compensate for his weaknesses. Abigail possessed the skill to see the big picture and was successful in promoting peace. Her encouragement of David continued into their marriage. This support is a crucial role for a wife to play.

Abigail is considered among the wisest of the women of the Old Testament. She had a strong, positive influence over David and probably Nabal. David had faith in her counsel. She helped remind him that he was God’s anointed and that God trusted the Kingdom of Israel unto him.