~Abigail~

David, the young hero who had slain Goliath
the Philistine giant, was respected and honored
by the Israelites. Overcome by jealousy, King
Saul, who had previously favored David, now sought
to kill him. Aware of this, David fled with a band
of comrades to the wilderness, where they lived
as outcasts.

At Carmel lived Nabal, a rich landowner with many
thousands of sheep and goats. During shearing time
David, dependent on the help of friendly neighbors
for survival, sent ten of his men to Nabal asking
for provisions. Nabal, a mean and boorish man,
angrily rejected the request. Thereupon David's men
left and reported what had happened to their leader.
Incensed by this news, David girded on his sword and
set out with four hundred men to punish Nabal for his
refusal.

Meanwhile Abigail, Nabal's prudent and lovely wife,
learned of her husband's inhospitable behavior towards
David, and of David's resolve to take revenge. Immediately
she had several hundred loaves of bread packed, a number of
sheep dressed, measures of grain parched, and other gifts
prepared. These stores were loaded on asses and Abigail
set out for David's camp. As she approached, David went
to meet her and Abigail dismounted and prostrated herself
at his feet. With great courage and tact she apologized
for her husband's rudeness; then she begged David to accept
the food she had brought and forgive them.

When Abigail returned home she told her husband of her
mission and of how close he had come to perishing by David's
sword. Overcome by fright, Nabal sickened and died within
ten days. As soon as David learned of his death he recalled
Abigail's wisdom and beauty. He sent for her, therefore,
and made her his wife.

The Bible tells us that Abigail was a beautiful woman. But
she is remembered for her qualities of mind, not her beauty.
To use the Bible's phrase, she was a woman "of good
understanding." She was thoughtful and prudent, tactful
and resourceful. Those wives are wise who strive to be
women "of good understanding.

Midi ~ God's Will