Women of the Bible: Abigail

Abigail is an intelligent and beautiful woman. In contrast, her husband, Nabal, is surly and mean; his servants call him wicked and she confirms his name means fool. Nabal is wealthy, with thousands of livestock.

David and his men protect Nabel’s herdsmen and flocks, anticipating he will appreciate their efforts and one day reward them, but Nabal disrespects David’s messengers, sending them back empty-handed.

Roiling with anger, David desires vengeance and prepares to kill Nabal and his men.

Abigail, a Wise Woman

When wise Abigail hears what happened, she takes immediate action. She prepares food for David’s army. She assumes responsibility (while professing innocence), wins David over, and stops the massacre.

Nabal is incensed when he learns what his wife did, has a stroke, and dies. David receives this news with glee, seeing it as God’s vengeance on his behalf.

David asks her to marry him and sends for her, but if their union is for love, affection isn’t mentioned.

Abigail becomes David’s wife. She and David have one son together, named Daniel. There is no other mentions of her in the Bible.

[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 23-25, and today’s post is on 1 Samuel 25.]

Learn about other biblical women in Women of the Bible, available in e-book, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

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