She used this knowledge to help facilitate an effective conversation and ultimately persuade David. [5] Nabal refuses and insults David, who doesn't take the rejection well and plans to slaughter him. Abigail was incredibly faithful in her words, her actions, and in her demonstration of love for the servants. When her foolish husband offended King David and was about to bring disaster on their household, Abigail took action to prevent bloodshed by approaching King David with sound judgment and diplomacy. Let me briefly run through the verses in 1 Samuel 25 to explain the account: Now Samuel died. He is such a wicked(V) man that no one can talk to him.. Now think it over and see what you can do, because disaster is hanging over our master and his whole household. Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings, A New Translation with Introductions, . 16), the grandsons of Zerubbabel (ver. Shall I take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers and give it to men who come from I do not know where?. Thank you for sharing, Scott! Gods wrath was turned away from believers because it was poured out on His Son. Abigail's godly intervention saved David from having on his conscience "the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself" ( 1 Samuel 25:31 ). Knowing Nabal was drunk, she held off sharing the whole story until daybreak an incredibly wise decision. Proverbs 31:26,30,31 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness, 1 Samuel 25:10,11,17 And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? 2Sa 3:3; 1Ch 3:1 . Samuel 23:1-14, and Nabals flocks in this account. Who Was Abigail in the Bible? Even though it wasnt her fault, she defused an intense situation with the power of humility! After her peacemaking mission to David, she comes home and finds her husband drunk and partying, so she decides not to tell him about it until the morning, when Nabal was sober (1 Sam. Shortly after sending the food, Abigail meets David and gives a powerful speech in an attempt to save her husband's life. Why did Moses send twelve spies into the Promised Land. Now therefore know this and consider what you should do, for harm is determined against our master and against all his house, and he is such a worthless man that one cannot speak to him. Then Abigail made haste and took two hundred loaves and two skins of wine and five sheep already prepared and five seahs of parched grain and a hundred clusters of raisins and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on donkeys. All through Davids life, God fought for him, His beloved, and that very God was fighting for Abigail too. It examines the typology between Isaac and God the Son, and Abraham and God the Father. thats against us. and who is the son of Jesse? David met his strategic match in Abigail, a successful businesswoman who had navigated the world of abusive men. Why should we care about how the Israelites camped and traveled? Jesus befriends and teaches the group of children who discover His camp on the outskirts of Capernaum. Hi Stacy, Thanks for reading and commenting. And David said to his men, Every man strap on his sword! And every man of them strapped on his sword. And the lives of your enemies he shall sling out as from the hollow of a sling. See, I have obeyed your voice, and I have granted your petition.. 43David had also married Ahinoam(BI) of Jezreel, and they both were his wives. Her early training, and the question respecting the sources whence she derived her wisdom and deep, far-sighted piety--apparently far in advance of her age--is discussed further on in the chapter. Suddenly David is about to commit mass murder, while Nabal cares more about his pride than about his workers and family. Known for: After the death of Moses, Joshua became the leader of Israel, successfully directing the Israelite army in its conquest of the Promised Land.He also served as an Old Testament type of Christ. Abigail powerfully showed her humility by humbling herself before David and asking him to forgive her husbands reaction to Davids request. Abigail in the Bible was an incredibly wise and discerning woman. Abigail arrived home to find her husband in a drunken stupor, having gorged himself like royalty. David Takes Abigail And Ahinoam To Be His Wives - King James Bible Online 13David said to his men(O), Each of you strap on your sword! So they did, and David strapped his on as well. To be He was shearing his sheep in Carmel. And when the Lord has dealt well with my lord, then remember your servant.. Instead, his lack of understanding led him down a dangerous path! 6Say to him: Long life to you! turned away the wrath that was against Nabal, like Jesus turns away the wrath 25:3637). Her intelligence was even mentioned in scripture! What is the story of Joshua and Caleb in the Bible? Abigail showed great wisdom in acting quickly, swiftly, and speaking honorably to David. Nabal answered Davids servants, Who is this David? She acted with humility and compassion. But as a man of war, violence was his language and an issue that surrounded him his entire life. David was usually a man of peace, but when Nabal insulted him and his men calling them riffraff no less! ABIGAIL IN THE BIBLE - King James Bible Online Abigail knew her words and actions were powerful and carefully thought through each and every one. 2016 Scott LaPierre | Privacy Policy | This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Abigail had the courage and strength to shoulder the blame for something she didnt do. 21), and descendants of Shechaniah (ver. 11Why should I take my bread(N) and water, and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men coming from who knows where?, 12Davids men turned around and went back. And Nabals heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk. 17Now think it over and see what you can do, because disaster is hanging over our master and his whole household. The Bible describes Abigail as being an intelligent and beautiful woman,but sadly, her marriage was hard (1 Samuel 25:3). Many of us have read the story of Abigail, Nabal, and David in 1 Samuel 25 so many times that we fail to appreciate the precarious situation in which Abigail finds herself. Abigail was no stranger to swift decision-making. 25:25). father (i.e., "leader") of the dance, or "of joy." The sister of David, and wife of Jether an Ishmaelite ( 1 Chronicles 2:16 1 Chronicles 2:17).She was the mother of Amasa ( 2 Samuel 17:25). However, she saw that this moment, although powerful and significant on its own, paled in comparison to what God had planned for Davids life, so she reminded him that he was part of something bigger even God Himself fought alongside David. Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb. Abigails incredible accessibility ended up saving lives. Just like Esther saved her people, Jesus saves His people. Mostly." He spends a lot of time helping his twenty-something son and girlfriend get to work, and he . Jesse, the paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Abigails life was a powerful reflection of this very truth. In fact, this chapter is sandwiched between two chapters of David being tempted to kill Saul, Gods anointed, and his own violent streak scared him.5 But now, faced with a rich, established man who was not anointed by God, David had no misgivings about violence. First Samuel 25:3 gives us a description of who she was. And thus you shall greet him: Peace be to you, and peace be to your house, and peace be to all that you have. Abigail. A precocious local girl named Abigail stumbles upon Jesus' camp and plays with the craftsman's tools while He is away. She had a feast prepared in anticipation and warmly greeted him on the road, delivering an inspiring speech that foretold of his inevitable coronation as king! An God isnt trying to help us understand their marriage. He has paid me back evil for good. Her humility and diplomatic approach make a lasting impact on him so much so that he marries her. What can we learn from her story? Abigails lesson of speaking to people at the right time is highlighted in her story. Unlike Nabal, David was not known as a drunk or a fool. Timing really can be everything. (G) She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband was surly and mean in his dealingshe was a Calebite. The Bible tells us that when Abigail paid a visit to Nabal, he was throwing an extravagant feast fit for royalty and drunk definitely not the ideal moment to start making requests! Abigail and Joshua the Brave. Then Abigail made haste and took two hundred loaves and two skins of wine and five sheep already prepared and five seahs of parched grain and a hundred clusters of raisins and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on donkeys. Please let your servant speak to you, hear what your servant his to say(1 Samuel 25:23-24). We would love to hear about it in the comments! Then David sent word to Abigail, asking her to become his wife. Obviously you learned this information from Bible school? In the Bible, Abigail is described as a beautiful and intelligent woman. Abigail, the wife of Nabal of Carmel, is the only woman in the Hebrew Bible who is described as both intelligent and beautiful. Similarly, Jesus bore our iniquity: Let not my lord regard this worthless fellow, Nabal, for as his name is, so is he. Abigail paints a fitting portrait of Nabal, who not only lived up to his name (which means fool or boor see Proverbs 17:7) but was also part of the Calebite clan an adversary for Davids soon-to-be Judean monarchy. Ready to experience the life-changing power of God's love in your life? Example 1: Abigail rode a donkey on the way to make atonement. But still, she chose to do the right thing. If the Philistines had heard of Davids exploits, Nabal had too, but he acted like David was a nobody. (AU) 30When the Lord has fulfilled for my lord every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him ruler(AV) over Israel, 31my lord will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. Abigail reveals substitutionary guilt, especially with the words, On me alonebe the guilt. She was willing to bear Nabals iniquity. Get our free devotional - You Are God's Beloved Daughter: 31 Days of Love Letters from God. He wholeheartedly thanked her and swore a peaceful oath in an attempt to break his former violent one. She didnt just sit around and blame her husband or remain stuck in fear. I heard a famous pastor telling the story from the perspective of how wives should act and all I could see in his description was the Plan of Salvation! She fell at his feet and said, On me alone, my lord, be the guilt. Hi Janelle, Thank you so much for your insights. NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. More than you might think: Often in life, its not the easiest of times, but the hardest that can bring out the best in people. Jesus soon befriends and teaches Abigail and Joshua, as well as the friends they invite in the following days. Adding more knowledge to your toolbox gives you options when challenging problems come up, and learning what you need ensures that each issue is met with a solution backed by confidence! God bless you! Psalm 10:3 For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth. He gave into his flesh and we find out later he wasnt Its about listening to the perspectives of others, even if it might not seem like something you want to hear at first. And as for me, your servant, I did not see the men my lord sent (1 Sam. servants knew there was no reasoning with him, so they went to his wife, Reading the Women of the Bible, 319-320. Battle Ready -Joshua and Caleb by Steve Farrar. She fell at his feet and said: My lord, let the blame be on me alone. Without Abigail there would have been judgment on Nabal, but Abigail established peace between he and David. But through Christ, weve been given this access! When he doesnt get his way with Nabal, the narrator tells us of his crude intentions to kill [every] one who pisses against the wall (1 Sam. Abigail was the businesswoman. Moreover, his great restraint in such a difficult situation proved him capable and worthy of guiding Israel with justice. Subsequent to Jesus moving camp, Abigail discovers that he left a gift for her. Many servants are breaking away from their masters these days. Blessed be your discretion, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodguilt and from working salvation with my own hand!" No matter how difficult or threatening the situation, Gods power within us is greater than we can ever fully see or comprehend. In verse 23, when she notices Davids approach, the Bible records that Abigail wasted no time hopping off her donkey and bowing down in reverence. And about ten days later the Lord struck Nabal, and he died. Now your shepherds have been with us, and we did them no harm, and they missed nothing all the time they were in Carmel. how well, and honorably, the servants said David and his men protected the Then David received from her hand what she had brought him. Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. In the morning, when the wine had gone out of Nabal, his wife told him these things, and his heart died within him, and he became as a stone. God spoke to the serpent about the Seed of the Woman, referring to Jesus: He shall crush your head., When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the Lord who has avenged the insult I received at the hand of Nabal, and has kept back his servant from wrongdoing. They did not mistreat(S) us, and the whole time we were out in the fields near them nothing was missing. She showed great respect for David when it would have been easy to give up hope and reminded him of all the blessings that awaited if he stayed true. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! Ultimately, Abigail becomes David's third wife, as he is already married to Ahinoam of Jezreel and Michal, daughter of Saul (via Jewish Women's Archive), The pair have a child, Chileab also known as Daniel who becomes David's second son. After a 40-day exploration of Canaan, the explorers reported, "We . Abigail courageously defended her family and home from danger, never wavering in loyalty to God or those she loved. Josephus, the LXX., and the Arabic and Syriac Versions understand it as derived from kelev, a dog, and render--"and he was a cynical man" (that is, "one of a dog-like character"--anthr?pos keunikos). You try to approach the King/God and like Esther said there is but one law: you die! And Abigail came to Nabal, and behold, he was holding a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. Life can be full of tricky moments that require strong insights to navigate. Hello Pastor, Thank you so much for exposing such truth. Both his servants and Abigail describe him using the phrase son of Belial, often translated into English as wicked or worthless (1 Sam. Great point! Similarly, Jesus intercession on the cross defeated Satan. Therefore let my young men find favor in your eyes, for we come on a feast day. After enumerating Nabal's enormous wealth in flocks (1 Sam 25:2), the narrative introduces her in contrast to him. Learn how your comment data is processed. Does Gods promise to Joshua and Israel in Joshua 1:9 apply to us? Abigail David also strapped on his sword. Ask your young men, and they will tell you. Abigail: Living with the Difficult People in Your Life, Abigails Story: Biblical Wisdom from a Woman of Strength and Faith. She sought to make peace with the very one her own husband had angered. Now therefore know this and consider what you should do, for harm is determined against our master and against all his house, and he is such a worthless man that one cannot speak to him.. If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. and receive a free ebook. The woman was discerning and beautiful, but the man was harsh and badly behaved; he was a Calebite. So Davids young men turned away and came back and told him all this. She is the wife of Nabal of southern Judah, a wealthy, harsh, and badly behaved man. David Was on the Run from Saul So when David sent a word of kindness to Nabal, asking him for a simple act of hospitality for his men (which was common in this culture and time), imagine his anger when this hard-hearted man responded with such rudeness and contempt. ' Yahweh is salvation') [b] [2] [3] or Josue, [4] functioned as Moses ' assistant in the books of Exodus and Numbers, and later succeeded Moses as leader of the Israelite tribes in the Book of Joshua of the Hebrew Bible. When David hears that she has been widowed, he honors her request and remembers her, asking for her hand in marriage (1 Sam. Please forgive the trespass of your servant. The Bible describes Abigail as being "an intelligent and beautiful woman," but sadly, her marriage was hard ( 1 Samuel 25:3 ). Davids band of six hundred men were on the run from a crazed King Saul and had become protectors to local shepherds. And when the Lord has brought my master success, remember your servant.(1 Samuel 25:30-31). I have heard your words and granted(BB) your request.. If you like types, you might consider checking out my book, A Father Offers His Son. David is impressed and says: "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! Keep pressing forward, there is good and blessing still in store. Like her clever ancestor Jacob who anticipated meeting Esaus vengeance, Abigail sent the supplies ahead to appease and distract Davids anger, softening him before they met face-to-face. What is the story of Joshua and Caleb in the Bible? Yet, despite this daunting reality, Abigail showed strength and was instrumental in preventing bloodshed. I also searched on the Internet for information on this subject. The man was very rich; he had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. Then, in a passionate plea, she begged him not to take another life, boldly promising that if he honored this request, God would deliver his enemies into His hands an allusion to Nabals death and perhaps even Sauls. And the lives of your enemies he shall sling out as from the hollow of a sling. 11 Biblical Affirmations to Start Your Day. So David sent ten young men. David and Abigail | Bible Story - JW.ORG Now then, my lord, as the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, because the Lord has restrained you from bloodguilt and from saving with your own hand, now then let your enemies and those who seek to do evil to my lord be as Nabal. (AB) He has paid(AC) me back evil(AD) for good. Abigail.--The famous beautiful woman who afterwards became David's wife seems to have been, as Stanley calls her, "the good angel of the household" of the ill-starred, boorish southern chieftain. Abigail - Wikipedia Should We Declare the United States to be a Christian Nation? (H), 4While David was in the wilderness, he heard that Nabal was shearing sheep. Explaining The Chosen: Season 1, Episode 3: Jesus Loves the Little More . But God is always with us, leading us with His Spirit of wisdom and discernment, pouring out His strength and grace, reminding us that He is the greatest power propelling us onward. She strode fearlessly to meet King David with her head bowed and humbly asked for his pardon on behalf of Nabal despite having done nothing wrong herself. 1 Samuel 25:3 in Other Translations - Bible Study Tools In her plea to David, she graciously asked for only one thing in return should the Lord grant him success, he would remember Abigail as a faithful servant who acted out of love for those under her care. 24). Who Was Abigail in the Bible? - Christianity May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands.(1 Samuel 25:32-33). In the heat of anger, he vowed on oath that no pisser (translations vary) would be left alive against the wall by morning. Only Caleb and Joshua advised the Hebrews to proceed immediately to take the land. Christs future, For the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house, because my lord is fighting the battles of the Lord, and evil shall not be found in you so long as you live. The meaning of the word Abigail is "my father is joy". Many servants are breaking away from their masters these days. Let not my lord regard this worthless fellow, Nabal, for as his name is, so is he. About four hundred men went up with David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies.(1 Samuel 25:13). The servants went to her and told her all that happened, and then they said, Now think it over and see what you can do (v. 17a). Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? Abigail stands out for a number of reasons. (AM) 27And let this gift,(AN) which your servant has brought to my lord, be given to the men who follow you. Instead of wallowing in self-pity and defeat over her circumstance, she acted courageously and used great wisdom when faced with a threatening scenario. What is a Calebite? | GotQuestions.org All rights reserved.Privacy Policy | Terms of ServiceReturns & Refunds, Join CBE in Brazil, July 2022, to Set the Record Straight!, Radio Series: Women in Scripture & Mission, Whos Who? He is faithful to give you grace for each day, and the power to walk through the most difficult of times. For the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house, because my lord is fighting the battles of the Lord, and evil shall not be found in you so long as you live. This is He was described as wealthy in flocks yet hard and evil quite the contrast to his wife! I love this story so much. Her genuine plea demonstrated respect and an admirable willingness to bring peace between them. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! I hear that you have shearers. Thus the word is read in the Hebrew Bible. Who Was Abigail In The Bible? - Rock Solid Faith Birch, "The First and Second Books of Samuel," 1168. The man was very rich; he had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. First, Nabal, a wealthy yet uncouth man who stumbled into controversy when he declined Davids request for provisions near Carmel leading an outraged warrior on the brink of revenge! ABIGAIL IN THE BIBLE - King James Bible Online Likewise, a problem may not always be your fault in life, but you may have to humble yourself to solve it. When they arrived, they reported every word. As God worked through Abigail and spared the lives of her entire household, she used timely wisdom in telling Nabal what had happened. There are affiliate links, so Scott LaPierre will earn a small commission. She is caught between two powerful systems threatening both her life and those of her household. 1 Samuel 25 NIV - David, Nabal and Abigail - Bible Gateway source, of joy ). She chose to show great respect towards David, reminding him that God would bring to his life blessing and every good thing He had already promised. Sister of David, and Mother of Amasa 2Sa 17:25; 1Ch 2:16, 17 Smith's Bible Dictionary Abigail: ( father, i.e. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Oh, how so many of us can relate! She is "of good sense and beautiful in looks," while he is "hard and evil in his deeds" (v. 3). God proved Himself faithful and mighty in Abigails situation from her humble, brave decision to intervene, He provided deliverance, protecting David from a battle he shouldnt have had to take on and rescuing her whole household from Nabals wickedness. 29Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life,(AS) the life of my lord will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the Lord your God, but the lives of your enemies he will hurl(AT) away as from the pocket of a sling. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. Her humility and diplomatic approach make a lasting impact on him - so much so that he marries her. There is, however, an alternative reading--K'libi--with different vowel-points in the written text, which would be read "according to his heart." At the beginning of the story, Abigail is the wife of a wealthy man named Nabal who lived in a town called Maon in the wilderness of Paran, an area near the Sinai Peninsula. Women in Scripture and Mission: Abigail - CBE International Isaiah 32:5-7 The vile person shall be no more called liberal, nor the churl said to be bountiful. Abigail showed us that when we make ourselves approachable, others can be quick to come and provide critical information. For his faith, Caleb was rewarded with the promise that he and his descendants should possess it (Numbers 13-14). No software to install. When Jesus returns, she observes Him and perceives Him as a kind man. What Does the Bible Say About Abigail? - OpenBible.info Come morning light, she revealed what had been done, and his heart became like stone ten days later, death came upon him by the wrath of God. Thankfully her intelligence enabled her to intervene when tragedy loomed. He is fighting for you right now, even when its hard to see the full, big picture. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. Despite being driven by a momentary lapse, David is weighed down with guilt for taking an innocent life without reason or remorse. it was such a common practice for wealthy landowners to pay men who guarded Abigails story reminds us of the importance of acting swiftly. Example 2: Abigail sought to bear Nabals iniquity, Example 4: Abigail provided an offering for Nabals sin, Example 5: Abigail declared the kings house, innocence, and victory over enemies, Example 6: Abigail was accepted as an intercessor, Example 9: Abigail had pleasing character, Example 10: Her actions defeated the devil, Example 11: Abigail washed servants feet, Example 12: She was elevated to a position of honor, God accomplished propitiation through the Sacrifice He provided, posts on types of Christ in the Old Testament, She spoke of Davids house and Hebrews 3:3 says, Jesus [is] counted worthy of glory as the builder of [the] house [of God]., She spoke of Davids innocence and in John 19:6 Pilate said, I find no guilt in him., She poke of Davids victory over his enemies and 1 Corinthians 15:25-26 says, [Jesus] must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. A true warrior is loyal, faithful, and selfless, Woman of Noble Character Affiliate Program. Similarly, 3 Abigail is considered one of the seven female prophets in the Hebrew Bible. per 1 Samuel 25:32. The worlds teachings can easily sway us to get revenge or stand up for ourselves in aggression. 9When Davids men arrived, they gave Nabal this message in Davids name. 33May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed(AZ) this day and from avenging myself with my own hands. Thank you so much for writing this precious article. Abigail: 2. Carmel (Hebrew) - Joshua 12:22 - circumcised lamb; harvest; full of ears of corn. - The whole of this chapter is occupied with the descendants of David: the first nine verses of it with his own sons, classified according to the place of their birth, Hebron or Jerusalem; the remaining verses with the line of kings of his house to Jeconiah and Zedekiah (ver. He was shearing his sheep in Carmel. She quickly understands Davids threat. Who Was Abigail in the Bible? I hope you enjoyed these ten lessons from Abigail in the Bible that can help us live our lives with greater purpose and peace. You can read it in 1 Samuel 25. Nabal answered Davids servants, Who is David? and his men are on the run from Saul, and it was common for them to provide for For further study about Abigail in the Bible, you may enjoy the below video or one of the recommended resources. Abigail Defuses a Crisis Between David and Nabal (1 Samuel 25) Nabal treats David as we treat terrorists, refusing to negotiate, and David takes up the role, marching on his plantation to kill all the men. reveal his selfishness. The wife of the churlish Nabal, who dwelt in the district of Carmel ( 1 Samuel 25:3).She showed great prudence and delicate management at a critical period of her husband's life. away the wrath of an offended individual. This list of biblical girl names brings together Bible names derived from Scriptural words, places, and people, and includes their origin and meaning.
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