What Can We Learn From Abigail In The Bible

What Can We Learn From Abigail In The Bible? The Old Attestation of the Bible tells us that Abigail was the wife of Nabal of Southern Judea, on whose death she became one of the first wives of David (i Samuel 25), and mother to his son Chileab. Also, the name Abigail was borne by David's sis (one Chronicles 2:xvi), who was the female parent of Amasa, commander of the army of Absalom. We can read the story of Abigail, i of David's wives in ane Samuel 25. We are fabricated to empathise that Abigail is the married woman of a wealthy man named Nabal who was an inhabitant of a town referred to as Maon in the wilderness of Paran, an area shut to the Sinai Peninsula. Every bit we are made to empathise by the Scriptures, Abigail was "an intelligent and beautiful adult female" (ane Samuel 25:3).

Abigail saved her husband and his household, prevented David from doing something rash, and secured an unexpected future for herself. Today, the story of Abigail is i of the most interesting stories in the Bible for a good number of reasons. Nabal, her married man, is rather a bizarre graphic symbol. For no practiced reason, Nabal refuses David'south request for food and shelter. Despite knowing of David'south benignancy to his shepherds, Nabal wickedly refuses to assistance David and his men every bit they tried hard to keep one pace ahead of King Saul. Behold, David's request was reasonable, just Nabal, who is portrayed as "bearish and mean" (1 Samuel 25:3), actually spits in the faces of David'due south servants refusing to aid them.

What Tin can We Learn From Abigail In The Bible?

The Bible tells united states of america that even though Nabal was aware of David's benevolence to his shepherds, he refused to assistance David and his servants, proverb "Who is this David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants are breaking away from their masters these days. Why should I take my bread and water, and the meat I accept slaughtered for my shearers, and give information technology to men coming from who knows where?" (1 Samuel 25:ten-11). However, David did not take this rejection well as he swore to kill every male person associated with Nabal's household (i Samuel 25:22). The Bible tells the states that David has strapped on his sword and was on his fashion with four hundred armed men (ane Samuel 25:13) when Abigail fabricated him on the road. She offered David gifts of wine, prepared meat, grain, and cakes of figs.

Afterwards offer the gifts, Abigail fell down in front of David, pleading with him to evidence mercy to her married man, Nabal (1 Samuel 25:23). In Abigail'due south plea, she shows that she understands Nabal'south character: "Please pay no attending, my lord, to that wicked human Nabal. He is just like his proper noun—his name means Fool, and folly goes with him" (1 Samuel 25:25). In taking up Nabal's cause and request David to spare his life, Abigail proofs herself to be a wise, righteous, and caring woman. In disrespect, she took up the risk of approaching David, an angry homo bent on revenge, and intercedes for her husband, despite his bad behavior. Her request is a picture show of Christ, who offered Himself as a Cede to relieve foolish sinners from the consequences of their own actions and who continues to intercede for us in the presence of God Almighty (Hebrews 7:25).

What The Scriptures Say

We are made to sympathise by the Scriptures that Abigail'southward appeasement saves the day. Courageously, she embraces wisdom and intercedes for her married man'due south household. David later cheers Abigail for staying his hand and repents of his ain foolish and rash conclusion to slaughter Nabal's household (1 Samuel 25:32–34). Equally a affair of fact, David sees Abigail's coming to him as a approval from God and he sends her dwelling in peace (i Samuel 25:35). Meanwhile, Nabal, insensitive to his wrongdoing and the danger that he had dragged his household into, holds a kingly banquet for himself and gets drunk (1 Samuel 25:36). Abigail waits until the next morning time for her husband to sober upward, and and so she tells him everything – how David was on his way to destroy him and his household and how she herself interceded earlier David for mercy.

When Nabal heard all that his wife had washed, he roughshod sick: "His heart failed him and he became similar a rock. About x days later, the LORD struck Nabal and he died" (1 Samuel 25:37–38). When David heard of this, he sent a bulletin to Abigail asking her to become his wife, and Abigail responded affirmatively (1 Samuel 25:forty–42). The Scriptures invite u.s. not to seek vengeance for ourselves. Rather, we should "leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord" (Romans 12:xix; cf. Deuteronomy 32:35). Behold, this is exactly what happened in Abigail'south story. Equally David was prevented from taking revenge, the Lord God Omnipotent took care of the matter in due fourth dimension.

Interesting Lesson from Nabal and David

Interestingly, Nabal and David can be seen as representative of the two responses men have to Christ. Nabal does non repent nor acknowledge his sin; neither does he thanks Abigail for her willingness to adventure her own life on his behalf. On the other hand, David's heart is tender and repentant, and he calls Abigail blessed for her deportment. Nosotros see here that David is spared the consequences of the sin he had conceived, merely Nabal dies in his sin. In the end, Nabal's wealth, married woman, and his ain very life are taken from him. Abigail – a savior full of dazzler, courage, wisdom, and discretion – enters a dearest relationship with David. Worth taking note of in this story is that in Abigail, we have a small picture of the Ultimate Savior, the very Source of Dazzler, Backbone, and Wisdom, who desires a loving relationship with united states of america for all times.

5 Lessons Nosotros Can Learn From The Wisdom And Backbone Of Abigail

1) Don't permit fear concord you back – 1 Samuel 25:18

i Samuel 25:eighteen says "Abigail lost no time…" No matter how threatening or difficult the situation may seem, God's power within us is greater than we can e'er fully embrace or encounter. Behold, the Lord God Omnipotent is capable of using any of u.s.a., even those who feel insignificant or powerless, for His greater practiced. Abigail showed great wisdom in acting quickly, swiftly, and speaking honorably to David. Without wasting time, she took control of the whole situation that was potentially dangerous for both parties. She did not but sit back putting the whole blame on her husband or remain stuck in fear. Abigail sent nutrient and her servants upwardly ahead. She chose wisely to human action solitary, without Nabal knowing. She met David with honor and respect for how he had cared for her people. God was with her and she took control thereby saving her married man's household.

two) Be humble and kind as you seek peace with all – ane Samuel 25:23-24

1 Samuel 25:23-24 says, "When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed down earlier David with her face to the basis. She fell at his feet and said: "My lord, let the blame be on me lone. Please let your servant speak to you, hear what your servant his to say…"This Scripture makes us sympathise that Abigail had the backbone and strength to shoulder the blame for something that she didn't do. With all respect for David, she begged forgiveness on behalf of her entire household, and the Lord God used that very moment to show David how wrong it will be to take revenge in his own way. Although Abigail had no idea of how David would respond, she was courageous enough to practise the right thing regardless of the danger that surrendered her. She acted with much humility and compassion.

3) We should pay attention to our words and actions because they are powerful – one Samuel 25:28-29

1 Samuel 25:28-29 says, "Please forgive your servant's law-breaking, for the Lord will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my main, because he fights the Lord'south battles. Let no wrongdoing be found in you as long as you alive. Even though someone is pursuing y'all to take your life, the life of my master will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the Lord your God. But the lives of your enemies he volition hurl away every bit from the pocket of a sling." Abigail was aware of the power of words and actions. Thus, she carefully chose her words and actions to meet upwardly with her eye desire. She understood that the bigger picture show of this story was much significant, so she humbly reminded David of how of import information technology was that God was building greatness in his life, that the Lord God Himself was fighting for David.

4) A truthful warrior is loyal, true-blue, and thinks of others earlier themselves – 1 Samuel 25:30-31

1 Samuel 25:30-31 says, "When the Lord has done for my chief every good matter he promised concerning him and has appointed him leader over State of israel, my master volition non have on his censor the staggering burden of needless mortality or of having avenged himself. And when the Lord has brought my main success, call back your servant." Regardless of the dangers around, Abigail fought to protect her husband and household. Abigail was not simply thinking of herself but of all those she loved and cherished. She was loyal and honored God and her family through her actions. She chose to show great respect towards David, reminding him of God's favor in his life and the blessings that were to come up his manner. And with wisdom and discernment, she asked David for merely one thing at the stop of her plea, that when God brought him success, he would recall her.

5) E'er call up that God will fight for you and that you are not solitary – i Samuel 25:32-33

1 Samuel 25:32-33 says, "David said to Abigail, "Praise be to the Lord, the God of State of israel, who has sent y'all today to meet me. May y'all be blest for your proficient judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands." Behold, God fought for Abigail, just as He notwithstanding faithfully fights for us today. Remember that God did not go out her solitary in the face up of the prominent danger but made her detect favor in the sight of David. Abigail pleased David and so much so that when he learned that Nabal was dead, he requested her to get married to him and she accepted.

What Tin We Learn From Abigail In The Bible?

i Samuel 25:18-19 – "Then Abigail fabricated haste and took ii 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. And she said to her young men, "Go on before me; behold, I come after you." Only she did not tell her husband Nabal."

1 Chronicles 3:one – "These are the sons of David who were born to him in Hebron: the firstborn, Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelite; the second, Daniel, by Abigail the Carmelite,"

1 Samuel 25:39-42 – "When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, "Blessed exist the Lord who has avenged the insult I received at the manus of Nabal, and has kept back his retainer from wrongdoing. The Lord has returned the evil of Nabal on his own caput." So David sent and spoke to Abigail, to accept her as his wife. When the servants of David came to Abigail at Carmel, they said to her, "David has sent us to you lot to take you to him as his wife." And she rose and bowed with her face to the ground and said, "Behold, your handmaid is a retainer to wash the anxiety of the servants of my lord." And Abigail hurried and rose and mounted a donkey, and her five young women attended her. She followed the messengers of David and became his married woman."

Group one – What Can We Larn From Abigail In The Bible

one Samuel 25:4-42 – David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep. Then David sent ten young men. And David said to the young men, "Go up to Carmel, and go to Nabal and greet him in my name. And thus yous shall greet him: 'Peace exist to you, and peace be to your house, and peace be to all that you take. I hear that you accept shearers. Now your shepherds have been with us, and we did them no harm, and they missed nothing all the fourth dimension they were in Carmel. Ask your young men, and they will tell you lot. Therefore let my immature men find favor in your eyes, for we come up on a feast day. Please give any you accept at hand to your servants and to your son David.'" …

one Samuel 25:32-35 – And David said to Abigail, "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who sent you this twenty-four hour period to come across me! Blessed be your discretion, and blest be yous, who have kept me this day from bloodguilt and from avenging myself with my own hand! For every bit surely as the Lord, the God of State of israel, lives, who has restrained me from pain you lot, unless yous had hurried and come to meet me, truly by morning at that place had non been left to Nabal so much equally 1 male." Then David received from her hand what she had brought him. And he said to her, "Go upwards in peace to your house. See, I accept obeyed your vox, and I have granted your petition."

Group 2 – What Tin Nosotros Learn From Abigail In The Bible

2 Samuel 2:2 – "So David went upward there, and his 2 wives besides, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel."

1 Samuel 25:17-nineteen – "At present therefore know this and consider what you should practise, for harm is determined confronting our main and against all his house, and he is such a worthless human being that one cannot speak to him." Then Abigail made haste and took ii 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. And she said to her young men, "Become on earlier me; behold, I come afterwards you." Merely she did not tell her husband Nabal."

1 Samuel 25:ane-44 – "Now Samuel died. And all Israel assembled and mourned for him, and they buried him in his house at Ramah. Then David rose and went downward to the wilderness of Paran. And there was a man in Maon whose business concern was in Carmel. The man was very rich; he had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. He was shearing his sheep in Carmel. Now the name of the human being was Nabal, and the proper name of his wife Abigail. The woman was discerning and cute, only the homo was harsh and badly behaved; he was a Calebite. David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep. And so David sent x young men. And David said to the young men, "Go up to Carmel, and go to Nabal and greet him in my proper noun. …"

Group 3 – What Tin can We Learn From Abigail In The Bible

ii Samuel three:3 – "And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the girl of Talmai rex of Geshur;"

one Samuel 27:iii – "And David lived with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, and David with his ii wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel, and Abigail of Carmel, Nabal'due south widow."

2 Samuel 2:2-three – "So David went up at that place, and his 2 wives also, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. And David brought up his men who were with him, everyone with his household, and they lived in the towns of Hebron."

one Samuel 25:fourteen-17 – But one of the immature men told Abigail, Nabal'due south wife, "Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to greet our master, and he railed at them. Yet the men were very good to us, and we suffered no impairment, and we did not miss anything when we were in the fields, as long as nosotros went with them. They were a wall to us both by night and by day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep. At present therefore know this and consider what you should do, for impairment is determined against our primary and confronting all his house, and he is such a worthless man that ane cannot speak to him."

Group 4 – What Can We Learn From Abigail In The Bible

1 Samuel 30:1-xviii – "Now when David and his men came to Ziklag on the 3rd day, the Amalekites had made a raid against the Negeb and against Ziklag. They had overcome Ziklag and burned it with fire and taken captive the women and all who were in information technology, both modest and swell. They killed no one, merely carried them off and went their way. And when David and his men came to the city, they found it burned with burn, and their wives and sons and daughters taken convict. Then David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept until they had no more than forcefulness to weep. David's two wives also had been taken captive, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. ..."

1 Samuel 25:27-30 – "And now permit this present that your servant has brought to my lord be given to the immature men who follow my lord. Please forgive the trespass of your servant. For the Lord volition 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 and so long as you live. If men rise upwards to pursue y'all and to seek your life, the life of my lord shall exist bound in the packet of the living in the care of the Lord your God. And the lives of your enemies he shall sling out every bit from the hollow of a sling. And when the Lord has done to my lord according to all the good that he has spoken concerning you and has appointed y'all prince over State of israel,"

Group 5 – What Can We Learn From Abigail In The Bible

ane Chronicles 2:16 – "And their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. The sons of Zeruiah: Abishai, Joab, and Asahel, three."

1 Samuel 25:thirteen – "And David said to his men, "Every homo strap on his sword!" And every human of them strapped on his sword. David also strapped on his sword. And about 4 hundred men went up after David, while two hundred remained with the baggage."

1 Samuel 25:4-eight – David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep. Then David sent ten immature men. And David said to the young men, "Become upwards to Carmel, and become to Nabal and greet him in my proper noun. And thus you lot shall greet him: 'Peace be to you, and peace exist to your firm, and peace exist to all that y'all accept. I hear that you have shearers. Now your shepherds have been with us, and we did them no harm, and they missed nothing all the time they were in Carmel. Inquire your young men, and they will tell you. Therefore let my young men find favor in your eyes, for we come up on a banquet day. Delight requite whatever you have at hand to your servants and to your son David.'"

Group vi – What Can We Learn From Abigail In The Bible

1 Samuel 25:36 – "And Abigail came to Nabal, and behold, he was property a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. And Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunkard. So she told him nothing at all until the morning time light."

1 Chronicles ii:17 – "Abigail bore Amasa, and the male parent of Amasa was Jether the Ishmaelite."

Group 7 – What Can Nosotros Learn From Abigail In The Bible

1 Samuel 30:3-5 – "And when David and his men came to the city, they found information technology burned with burn down, and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. So David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept until they had no more strength to cry. David'due south two wives also had been taken captive, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel."

ane Samuel 25:37-38 – "In the forenoon, when the vino had gone out of Nabal, his wife told him these things, and his heart died within him, and he became equally a stone. And about ten days later the Lord struck Nabal, and he died."