Women of the Word

Abigail: Triumph Over Turmoil

By Colleen Maile

I Samuel 25:1-42

Abigail’s name, “Cause of Joy,” might seem ironic. How much joy could she cause in the world? Her own life appears to have been pretty awful. Her husband, Nabal, was a mean-spirited, greedy drunk who followed the false god Baal and worshipped only his worldly goods.

In modern times Abigail might have made a better match. But her family probably arranged the marriage. It’s possible that Nabal’s riches so impressed Abigail’s father that he overlooked his future son-in-law’s major character flaws.

Whatever the reason Abigail, who the Bible describes as beautiful, brainy and godly found herself living with a man whose very name means “fool.” We encounter Abigail and her ungodly husband at the epitome of his foolishness. Nabal’s greed and arrogance serve as a flashpoint for potential tragedy. They also underscore the contagious nature of sin and the speedy effectiveness of godly intervention.

As you know from the Book of I Samuel, Abigail’s story unfolds during David’s life as a fugitive. He’s on the run from Saul who, fueled by unwarranted jealousy, is trying to kill him for no good reason. David travels with a band of about 600 supporters most of them fighting men. They make their living, in part, providing protection for weaker members of society. Wealthy livestock owners typically paid to have their shepherds and herds protected while the flocks grazed in the wilderness. It was an informal relationship. There were no guarantees for free-lance guardians like David and his men. But the practice seemed to be common and accepted—except by the unfair Nabal.

Abigail’s husband took advantage of David’s services but when he was asked for payment—in any form—Nabal refused. His arrogance triggered David’s anger. Israel’s future King vowed bloody revenge on Nabal and his entire household.

Enter Abigail. Nabal’s servants alert her to the impending tragedy and she immediately acts. Quickly gathering food for David and his men she saddles her donkey and rides out to meet the band of fugitives. She does not rely on an employee to deliver her message. She does not engage her husband in a useless “what were you thinking?” argument. She immediately seeks a godly solution to crisis.

When she meets David he is angry. She is humble. He is on his way to destroy her home, family, and servants. She addresses him as if he were already king of the land. Before David can respond to her humble petition, she reminds Him of God’s good hand in His life.

Abigail’s godly perspective on the situation saves the day. David remembers that vengeance belongs to God alone. His anger melts into gratitude as he realizes that Abigail has delivered him from becoming a murderer. Abigail’s courage and good sense saves her entire household.

As for Nabal? When Abigail explains all that happened, his near brush with death so terrifies him it appears he has a stroke. Although it’s impossible to tell just what malady befalls this foolish man, within ten days he is dead. David remembers Abigail; they marry and have a son. We know no more of her life. But her story continues to inspire. Like Abigail we can all be women determined to shine God’s light on life’s challenges. We can all be humble messengers of truth. We can all cause God’s joy to emerge from the darkest of circumstances.

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