Abigail is our third Woman of Note this week. Her story is told in the Old Testament, more specifically in the first book of Samuel. She was a kind, courageous, respectful, and intelligent woman. There are not enough words to describe her. You will see why in just a few moments.
Who was Abigail ?
Abigail was the sweet and beautiful wife of a rich man named Nabal. Nabal was a selfish, mean, and inconsiderate man. The absolute worst. They had two very different personalities, yet they were husband and wife.
At one point in the story, as David and his men were in a desperate time of need, David sent ten messengers to Nabal and asked if he would kindly extend his grace towards him. “Anything you would like to share, just anything.” Simply demanding food and hospitality. The messengers asked in the most courteous and respectful way you can think of. Nabal heard their plea. However, being the heartless man that he was, he ferociously declined their requests and showered them with a handful load of insults. Referring to David and his fellow men, as runaway slaves!
What a disgrace.
The saddest part is that on the very same night, Nabal had a sumptuous and extravagant banquet for his friends and himself. They ate and drank until they couldn’t anymore.
David’s response
When David got informed of Nabal’s shameful response, he had no more respect and regards for him. David’s mind was now set on making Nabal and his household pay.
Revenge…
In the meantime, one of Nabal’s servants went to Abigail to let her know what had happened. He explained how hostile and rude Nabal was to the messengers. He made sure Abigail was made aware of how kindhearted and protective David was to Nabal and his people in the past. When David was a fugitive from the face of Saul and hid in the fields. Nabal’s messenger was a wise man. He knew David and his men did not deserve Nabal’s harsh and cruel treatment. He asked Abigail to do something about it. Just anything…
Abigail’s response
Abigail’s heart was crushed. Without wasting any time, she made a large supply of provisions and loaded everything on donkeys. Abigail and her servants hopped on the road and rode the donkeys to meet David where he was, in the mountains.
"And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be: and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine audience.” - 1 Samuel 25:23-24
Abigail approached David with grace and gentleness. She pleaded for his mercy. Every word that came out of her mouth was heartfelt and profound, which is what caught David’s attention. Her soft words made him back down from his revengeful intentions. Abigail was filled with the love of God. God blessed her with the proper words to use to calm David’s wrath. It was not an act nor did she do it in a malicious manner.
NO.
She knew who her husband was and felt very sorry for his actions. Her words were genuine and true, a pure bliss. A breath of fresh air, in the midst of a burning fire. Abigail knew that it was, her God speaking through her…
David’s final words to Abigail
“Then David accepted from her hand what she had brought him and said, “Go home in peace. I have heard your words and granted your request.”
– 1 Samuel 25:35
Words of wisdom
Abigail was wise and beautiful. She did not approve of her husband’s wrongful actions. This woman of faith did everything that was in her power, by God’s grace to find mercy in David’s eyes.
Abigail condemned evil and spoke with grace. She was also humble, courageous and kind.
What a blessing, there is so much to learn from her story. Abigail was the true definition of a virtuous woman, a woman of note.
Click here to learn about our previous woman of note, Lydia. 🙂