Who was Abigail in the Bible?
"Nabal answered David’s servants, 'Who is this David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants are running away from their masters these days. Why should I give away my bread and water? Why should I give away the meat I’ve prepared for those who clip the wool off my sheep? Why should I give food to men who come from who knows where?'" (1 Samuel 25:10-11).
"When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey. She bowed down in front of David with her face toward the ground. She fell at his feet. She said, 'Pardon your servant, sir. Please let me speak to you. Listen to what I’m saying. Let me take the blame myself. Please don’t pay any attention to that evil man Nabal. His name means Foolish Person. And that’s exactly what he is. He’s always doing foolish things. I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to see the men you sent'" (1 Samuel 25:23-25).
"Abigail bowed down with her face toward the ground. She said, 'I am your servant. I’m ready to serve him. I’m ready to wash the feet of his servants'" (1 Samuel 25:41).
Abigail is one of David's wives. She was a caring, compassionate, and brave woman. Abigail was originally married to a man named Nabal, who was a wicked and unkind man. King David is traveling when he meets Nabal and his wife. When David asks Nabal for shelter and food, Nabal refuses. Instead of being nice, he is mean toward David (1 Samuel 25:10-11)
David wasn't happy with Nabal's refusal to help him and his soldiers so he swore to kill every man in Nabal's family. David leaves, but Abigail intercedes and begs David not to harm Nabal. She provides David and his men with food and water. David is gracious to Abigail and decides not to harm Nabal. Through this, we can see how Abigail cared about her husband and wanted to make things right with David.
Many days later, Nabal is struck dead by the Lord and David sends a message to Abigail. The message was asking if she would be his wife. She accepts the proposal and becomes one of David's wives. Throughout her life, she remained faithful and loyal to David. Even though her first husband was wicked, she didn't allow his wickedness to fill her heart. Instead, she extended love, compassion, and mercy to all people.
