Abigail from the Bible and Life lessons from her!

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. —Proverbs 25:11

It was customary at sheep-shearing time for the master to host a celebration for his household and servants. Nabal had made festive preparations for his household and his shearers (1 Sam 25:11). David and his band of 600 men lived in the hills, hiding from Saul. King Saul feared David would take the kingdom away from him, so he tried repeatedly to kill David. While living in the hills, David’s men unofficially protected Nabal’s herdsmen and flocks from thieves and wild animals. David requested a share of food during the shearing celebration for protecting Nabal’s herds and servants— a courtesy that a generous man would have gladly given. But instead Nabal didn't. He spoke arrogantly and was very rude. So rude that made David furious. It is here that Abigail comes in.

The name Abigail means “cause of joy.” The Scriptures don’t say why Abigail—a beautiful, joyful woman—would marry a foolish brute like Nabal. Theirs was an unequal match—perhaps an arranged marriage in which Abigail had little to say. It might be so because Nabal was very rich (1 Sam 25:2). Abigail dealt with her unhappy marriage by conducting herself with respect, avoiding confrontation with her husband, and speaking persuasively.

Abigail must have endured a terrible marriage, but she stayed with her husband until he died. Understanding her supportive role in life, she acted in the best interests of her husband and his business, even when it was not agreeable to do so.

Abigail was wise, and the servants talked with her when they were afraid to talk to Nabal. A servant’s life in his household was never pleasant, but it suddenly turned catastrophic when Nabal insulted David, the future King of Israel. 

David was angry at Nabal’s rudeness. He and his men strapped on their swords, mounted up and headed out, with the intention of leaving none of Nabal’s men alive. “Surely,” said David, “in vain I have protected all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belongs to him. And he has repaid me evil for good” (v. 21).

✨Abigail saves the day✨

Nabal’s shepherds hurried to Abigail, warning of David’s approach with armed men. Abigail quickly put together an impressive gift of food, loaded it on donkeys and headed out toward the oncoming troops. At the sight of David, Abigail “dismounted quickly from the donkey, fell on her face before David, and bowed down to the ground” (v. 23). In this humble, respectful manner, she appealed to David’s honor not to let a villain like Nabal cause David to take vengeance on the entire household. Carefully choosing her words, Abigail presented the generous gift to David’s men. She respectfully told David that his reputation as future ruler of Israel shouldn’t be blemished by shedding innocent blood in the affair with Nabal.

✨Respect rewarded✨

Abigail calmed David’s anger. He thanked her for preventing him from taking revenge on Nabal. David said that Abigail’s clear thinking and courage was a blessing to him and to all Israel: “Blessed is the LORD God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! And blessed is your advice and blessed are you, because you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed and from avenging myself with my own hand” (verses 32-33).

In a surprising turn of events, Nabal died of a heart attack 10 days later, and David made Abigail his wife. God rewarded Abigail’s gracious conduct by releasing her from Nabal and blessing her with a happier future.

Knowing God’s word, Abigail made good decisions for her husband, for David, for the servants and ultimately for herself.

Takeaways from her life

Though, Abigail was in a Toxic Relationship, caught up with a rising tension, she was wise. 

1. Don’t let fear hold you back – move forward in God’s courage and wisdom. “Abigail lost no time…” (1 Samuel 25:18)

2. Be humble and kind, seek peace with those around you.

3. Our words and actions are powerful. Look to the bigger picture.

4. A true warrior is loyal and faithful, thinking of others before themselves. 

 - Abigail fought to protect her husband and her house. She was not thinking only of herself, but of all those she loved. She was loyal and honored God and her family in all she did.

5. Remember, God will fight for you. You are never alone.

Maybe your story is very different from Abigail’s, yet you’re still feeling like your future is troubled or threatened; possibly by illness, loss, uncertainty, or by difficult relationships, or a toxic environment. Be assured my friend, God knows your way, and He understands the burdens you carry. He is fighting for you right now, even when it’s hard to see the full, big picture. 

Keep following His lead, press in close to His presence. He is faithful to give you grace for each day, and power to walk through the most difficult of times. Your story is not over yet, He is bringing greater beauty and strength through every hard moment. God is able to carry you straight through. Keep pressing forward, there is good and blessing still in store.