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'A Father's Joy and her Husband Folly'
Elysabath Simon, Newyork
Vol 2/ No.6/Sep 2001

In 1 Samuel 25, you will see a young woman with a beautiful countenance seated in the epitome of wisdom. Despite the fact that she was married to a prosperous business man of Maon, whose name and character symbolized folly, she was wise, kind and humble. She prayed respect to whom it is due. She was a cheerful giver and was swift in action, maintained reasonable silence as the situations demanded and opened to speak the words of wisdom. Those words spoken at the right time prevented a great king from shedding blood. Moreover, she gained the adoration and the amiable Partnership of the greatest King of Israel. Her words and deeds brought her to decorate the most desirable office a woman could achieve in the kingdom of Israel. What was her qualification? Who was she? Of course she qualified and tested according to the standards of Proverbs 31. She was Abigail which meant a 'father's joy'. This portrait of Abigail throws light into the life of a noble woman who possessed godly nature. A Christ like nature is absolutely necessary for a human being especially for one who is created as a female!

The word of God says about Abigail, "she was a woman of good understanding and of beautiful countenance. But the man was churlish and evil in his doings" (1 Samuel 25:3). What a disparity. God allowed this marriage to take place and to continue. it highlights Abigail's glory in the midst of despair. She was not a complainer or as an accuser of her husband but an action packed woman fervently interceding for the deliverance of her family from the king. It is obvious that Nabal, Abigail's husband refused to provide for David's men's sustenance out of his bounty. David's men had always helped Nabal's servants and Nabal returned evil for good. Naturally David came for revenge. As informed by her servants. Abigail took swift and wise action, which saves the entire family. It is not desirable to describe the demanners of Nabal but it will be blessing to list Abigail's nature which helped her to climb to pedestal of wisdom.

Abigail did not lose her identity:

She was rich and famous, but Abigail did not lose her identity as a woman of God's nature and her integrity in the shadow of an evil and rich husband. Abigail made a wise choice to lead a life according God's standards rather than her notorious husband's standards. She neither ran out of this marriage even though they were entirely different, nor she provoked him to perform more folly. Without forsaking God ordained authority of her husband she maintained her God given independence to plan and act wisely.

Abigail was available:

Abigail was available to the young men in times of need. There was a little time left but the young men did not have any difficulty to find this woman of great fortune. She was right there at home to tend the needs of her family.

She was approachable:

Anybody in need could come and approach her without hesitation. Abigail did not set rules preventing anybody approaching her anytime.

Abigail was a good listener:

She paid attention to her servants talking about David's men. The same servants could not utter even a single word to her husband even though they were right in front of him. They had to run to a great listener, a lady of wisdom to pour out their hearts. She listened without any grudge, judgments, or any comments even when the servants uttered harsh words against her own husband. (1Samuel 25:17).

Abigail was swift in action:

"She looketh well to the ways of our household and eateth not the bread o idleness". (Proverbs 31:14) Abigail's comely body with a wise brain was full of energy and she hasted to act right. She gave clear crystal direction to her servants. There was no confusion under her leadership. Abigail made haste. (1 Samuel 18:23). She worked with her own hands. She was determined and highly motivated to achieve peace before calamity........through her wise move.

Abigail was a cheerful giver:

"She is like a merchant's ship; she bringeth her food from afar. (Proverbs 31:14) Abigail gathered right food, meat and goodies for David and his men to fulfill their hunger and to cheer up their hearts. Abigail possessed the properties of a good women. She stretch out her to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy (proverbs 31:20).

Abigail restrained her tongue:

When Abigail heard what has happened she did not say anything to her husband, Nabal (19:36) she maintained serenity and silence when circumstances demanded and utilized that time to think and act as needed. A time to keep silence and a time to speak (Eccl 3:7).

Abigail was humble:

(V.23: 24,41) her humility is seen throughout the chapter but it reaches its zenith in these verses. She showed obeisance to David to whom she is bringing provision. A wife of a rich businessmen fell before David who literally owned nothing at that time. Later she addressed herself as a servant and was ready to wash the feet of his servants. How desirable was her humility!

Abigail spoke the words of wisdom: (V 25,26)

"She opened her mouth wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness" (proverbs 31:26) Abigail's words of wisdom cooled down the minds and hands of revenge seeking young men. Abigail verbalized great understanding she had about David and the Lord God of Israel's spoken words concerning the future king. Abigail's words were well planned and structured. She asked David indirectly to stop seeking revenge and shedding blood. She reminded David about God's plans and promises about him. (v 29,28) These words hit the target and bought peace and harmony. A word fifty spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver (prov 25:11).

Abigail intercedes for her family:

Abigail did not try to twist the truth to defend her husband's position. She admitted and accepted the truth (v. 24-25). She requested David to blame her for what has happened. Abigail stood before David's men to plead for her family. David was moved by her action and blessed her. The list of her qualities could be longer but it was a pure God-given heart and willing hands which made the difference. Abigail was a good example of what is described in Proverbs 31:29. "Many daughters virtuously but thou excellent them all."

Dear sister's surely Abigail had a nature of God's own heart. Jesus was available and approachable to the public and everybody could reach out to touch Him. Jesus listened with compassion to the stories and moved top act without judging them. He spoke as needed and kept silent when he had to. His words produced life, peace, deliverance and pardon. Jesus was humble to come in a form of man to give every thing even his own life in the prime o His youth. He still intercedes for us, He stands between man and the most sovereign God. Abigail had many qualities of Jesus. How much more a Christian women in this era can possess. Christ's nature with the help of Holy Spirit preparing us for purity. "Favor is deceitful and beauty is vain." But a woman that feareth the Lord, shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of the hand and left her own works praise her in the gates (proverbs 31:30-31).