The story of Abigail.
Besides Esther’s story, Abigail’s story might be one of my favorite ones in the Bible. Abigail displayed grace, complete bravery, gentleness, understanding and empathy all the things that I strive to always have when I am dealing with a delicate situation.
When I was a little girl I read “my book of my Bible stories” hundreds of times over and over again. I remember my mom used to ask why do I always re-read that one book! Because I hated to read any book more than once but this one has always been my favorite! I told her it’s because all of the Bible stories are in there! And I love all of them!. You can find this book on jw. Org, recently while doing my personal study I read Abigail story with new eyes and I was amazed at her once again now that I am a young woman.
Let’s start from the beginning:
Abigail was married to Nabal and her husband had a lot of wealth and David and his men were protecting all of Nabal’s property with their presence. In return for all of their hard work David ask Nabal for provisions such as food for his army which David thought was an expected courtesy for protecting Nabal’s property. Nabal refused David’s request and even insulted David! Which showed how inconsiderate Nabal was since David was kind enough to give his army in order to protect his properties. Needless to say, David was furious immediately he started gathering his army to go confront Nabal. But Abigail was informed of the incoming attack and springs into action (she did not hesitate she knew she had to do something to protect her family! She knew saving lives was more important than to stroke her husband’s ego) quickly she assembled some gifts to appease David, but she does not inform her husband (because she knew how stubborn her husband was and telling him wouldn’t change a thing and he would probably get even more mad) once she loaded all of the provisions on all the donkeys she sent them off and follow behind them closely. She met with David herself instead of her husband, she took the responsibility of her husband’s brashness and lack of hospitality even though she had nothing to do with it! Her acting on behalf of her husband was more than making up for his failure. She could have sent the gift and not meet with David, but she wanted to recognize What David had done for her family, and she wanted to show gratitude. Abigail’s pleading for peace showed discernment and foresight!
David was amazed by her, and he applauded her good sense and quick thinking, recognizing that she kept him from violence and releases her back to her household in peace. The worst is over! Temper fizzles out and she has saved many lives! When Abigail returned home, she found her husband still feasting unaware that death came knocking on his door. She decided to leave him in ignorance until the morning. When she tells him what has happened, Nabal was shocked and within 10 days he died!
David hears about Nabal’s death, and he sends for Abigail to be his wife and Abigail agreed! Because of her actions she allowed David to become the next king! If David had killed Nabal in an act of anger never, would he had been the next ascendant to the throne.
Her story showed me:
- Saving lives is always more important than anything else even if that means offending some people.
- Acting quickly when danger is near is essential for survival imagine if she waited until the morning it would have been too late! Act quickly when you need to stop a dangerous situation.
- Apologizing for your spouse doesn’t mean you agree with what your spouse have done it shows how kind you are and you are willing to appease any situation your spouse may not be able to handle.
- Protecting someone you love often times means going against their wishes if you know it will protect them in the future.
- Being a woman means appeasing the tension with hospitality and with soft spoken words
- Never follow violence with violence
- Sometimes being the hero means apologizing and coming into an agreement
- Waiting until the tension subsides to have an honest conversation is always best.
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