BibleTech

Abigail was the wife of Nabal who was of the house of Caleb (I Samuel 25:2). Abigail was an intelligent and beautiful woman and Nabal was very wealthy but cruel and evil in his dealings with others (I Samuel 25:3). David had just moved down into the Desert of Maon after Samuel’s death because he was still running from King Saul (I Samuel 25:1).

Previously, David and his men watched over Nabal’s shepherds and possessions while they were in the wilderness and protected them without receiving any payment. After arriving in Maon, David sent some messengers to Nabal asking if he would give them some food and drink but Nabal answered harshly and sent the messengers away. After hearing Nabal’s response David took up his sword and 400 men to kill every last man in Nabal’s household before morning (1 Samuel 25:7-12, 22).

One of Nabal’s servants informed Abigail about how Nabal reviled David’s messengers. While David and his army were on their way Abigail interceded on Nabal’s behalf by bringing David the food and drink he asked for. She also gave a persuasive and prophetic speech reminding David that the Lord fights our battles and that David should not have this blood on his hands or his conscience and regret it later in life as king. David thanked Abigail and returned to his camp in the wilderness (1 Samuel 25:18-35).

That evening Nabal was drunk from feasting so Abigail waited until the morning to tell him what happened with David. Nabal’s heart failed him after hearing what Abigail said and he died ten days later. David heard of Nabal’s death and then he asked Abigail to be his wife. Abigail accepted the proposal and became one of David’s wives which also meant that she became a queen in David’s kingdom (1 Samuel 25:36-42). Abigail bore David his second son Chileab (2 Samuel 3:3; Called Daniel in 1 Chronicles 3:1).

Abigail shows us that we must always strive to do the right thing even if the circumstances prove difficult or life threatening. Her actions show that she had great courage, wisdom, and diplomacy to be able to appease David and win his favor. God fights the battles of the righteous and blesses those who are peacemakers “for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).