Real Hope: Women in the Bibleናሙና

Abigail

Abigail is a lesser-known heroine in the Bible who God used to be a truth-bearer to calm a hostile situation (1 Samuel 25). She was an ‘intelligent and beautiful’ woman, married to Nabal, a man described as ‘harsh and evil in his dealings’ (v3). After Samuel died, David moved into the desert of Maon where he met the household of Nabal. David and his men treated Nabal’s shepherds with kindness. Yet, when David asked Nabal for kindness in return, the man harshly declined: ‘Who is this David?’ (v10).

When David received this report, he grabbed his sword and told 400 men to strap on theirs. There is no doubt what he planned to do. However, God in His grace sent Abigail to intervene. She acted swiftly, and she spoke honourably to David. She took control of the situation that would be dangerous for them all. She didn’t just sit around and blame her husband or remain stuck in fear. Abigail had the courage and strength to shoulder the blame for something she didn’t do. She begged forgiveness on behalf of her entire household, and God used that moment to show David how wrong it would be to take revenge in his own way and kill these innocent servants.

While she admitted that her husband was a man of bad character, she reminded David that his life was in the hands of God. Abigail’s humble response turned David’s heart. David immediately recognised her wisdom as from the Lord and followed it. In fact, he admired her so much that, when God struck Nabal dead, David asked Abigail to be his wife (v39). God fought for Abigail, just as He so faithfully fights for us still today. He did not leave her on her own but gave her great favour in the sight of David.

Written by HEIDI WYSMAN