Notable Lessons From Women in the Bibleনমুনা

Day 4: Lessons from Abigail

In Day 3, we learnt from Mary about the importance of prioritising well and defying societal norms. Today we’ll learn from Abigail. The story of Abigail is the final one in this series of notable lessons from Women in the Bible.

The story of Abigail is one that epitomises great courage, wisdom, true humility, selflessness, and decisiveness. Abigail saved the demise of her family by pleading with great humility to David to spare the life of her husband and their clan.

Abigail was a wife to a wealthy man called Nabal. The Bible says that Abigail was an intelligent and beautiful woman. But her husband’s character was nothing to ride home about. He was rude and mean. In his foolishness, he insulted David when he sent his men to ask for some food and water.

It’s important to point out that while David was in the wilderness running away from King Saul’s death threats, he had been kind to Nabal’s men, sharing with them and protecting them.

Because of Nabal's refusal to help them, David and some 400 of his men in quest for revenge, travelled to Nabal’s hometown, with the intention to kill him and his clan.

When Abigail heard from one of the servants what Nabal had done and what was about to happen, she defied the norms and did not wait to seek permission or consult with her husband. She used good judgment and took decisive action to meet up with David and do what needed to be done to save her family.

Upon meeting with David and his men, Abigail humbled herself by apologising for Nabal’s foolishness. She offered the food and water as a peace offering. She then courageously reminded David that God’s justice on those who do evil will prevail. Therefore, David should not bear the sin of unnecessary bloodshed by avenging Nabal himself.

Abigail reminded David that God will fulfil all of His promises on his life and that he will be king.

Upon the acceptance of the gifts, David sent Abigail back home in peace. When she got home, her husband Nabal was very drunk. Abigail wanted to tell him the news but because of his drunken state, she waited until the morning when he was sober. When Nabal found out what was imminent and how they got saved, his heart failed him and he died.

Abigail’s example teaches us to use good judgment in all situations we face. Irrespective of whether we are angry, afraid, or anxious, we should not act on an impulse.

Exercising good judgment is about having discernment, reading the room, and practising self-control.

Abigail knew that talking to her husband about the day’s activities in his drunken state would not yield positive results. She waited for an opportune time, when she knew that Nabal would be attentive and actually receive wholly what she needed to share with him.

When David heard that Nabal died, he said, “Praise be to the Lord, who has taken revenge on Nabal for insulting me and has kept me, his servant from doing wrong. The Lord has punished Nabal for his evil.”

If it wasn’t for Abigail’s humility, good judgment and stepping out courageously even in the face of danger, the story would’ve turned out differently.

Summary of lessons from Abigail:

• Do what is right even when you are faced with opposition.
• Use good judgment. Be daring and courageous even when you are afraid.