Written
by Uyoyou Charles-Iyoha
Abigail is described as a very beautiful woman. She
was naturally, physically beautiful so she did not need all the extra beauty
aids that women often need to make themselves beautiful. She was a woman of
good understanding, a very wise woman who always resorted to the use of godly
wisdom in resolving contentious issues. She was a generous person. She packed
provisions for David and his men.
Unfortunately, she was married to a man the Bible
describes as harsh and evil in his doings (1st Samuel Chapter 25
verse 3). This man named Nabal (foolishness) was a very rich business man in
Carmel, though a descendant of Caleb. Apart from being harsh and evil in his
doings, Nabal lacked any refinement and this showed in his absolute lack of
divine communication skills. He simply did not know how to talk to people. He
was therefore rude and offensive 91st Samuel Chapter 25 verses 10 to
11). He talked down at people and had absolutely no regard for anyone. After
all, even his servants knew that Nabal was such a scoundrel that no one could
speak to him (1st Samuel Chapter 25 verse 17). Yet, Abigail never
quarreled with Nabal over his character flaws. Rather, she found creative ways
of navigating them using godly wisdom.
Life must have been terrible for Abigail living with
such a man. But I very much doubt it because the Bible describes Abigail as a
woman of good understanding. She had the God given wisdom to manage Nabal and
all of his character flaws; including his great love of wine and feasting. She
could tell when he was drunk and always refrained from discussions with him (1st
Samuel Chapter 25 verses 36 to 37). She was indeed a wise woman who did not
allow Nabal’s foolishness to affect her and impact her life negatively. But
Abigail knew how and when to speak to him.
This is clearly demonstrated in her response to the
servant who reported the incident between Nabal and the servants of David.
Rather than complain or moan or wait for Nabal to arrive, the Bible records
that she made haste to appease David and his men in order to save Nabal,
herself and the entire household. The depth of her good understanding is
revealed when she meets with David. First she bows to the ground in greeting
David and then takes responsibility for Nabal’s offense. She apologizes and
thanks David in advance for not avenging himself. She also tells David that God
would avenge his enemies. She then presented her gift. She also begged David to
remember her when God has avenged all his enemies. David was overwhelmed. What
sane man would continue on the journey to annihilate Nabal and his household
after Abigail’s great performance? None I believe but perhaps a Nabal.
So David thanked Abigail for her advice and received
the gifts. By kind words and actions, Abigail saved her entire household from
destruction because she had great communication skills. She knew when to speak
and how to speak. She was respectful - she spoke respectfully to Nabal in spite
of how bad he was. She also spoke respectfully to David and his men. She could
have threatened or insulted David. But she begged him.
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