Topical Bible: Servant: Good of Abigail

◄ Servant: Good of Abigail ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Abigail, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is best known for her wisdom, humility, and decisive action as a servant of God. Her account is primarily found in 1 Samuel 25, where she is introduced as the wife of Nabal, a wealthy but foolish man. Abigail's actions in this narrative exemplify the qualities of a good servant, demonstrating discernment, courage, and faithfulness.

Background and Context

Abigail lived during the time of King Saul, in the region of Carmel. She was married to Nabal, a man described as "harsh and evil in his dealings" (1 Samuel 25:3). Despite her husband's shortcomings, Abigail is portrayed as "intelligent and beautiful" (1 Samuel 25:3), indicating her inner and outer virtues.

Intervention and Peacemaking

The narrative unfolds when David, not yet king, sends his men to request provisions from Nabal during the shearing season, a time of festivity and abundance. Nabal's refusal and insult to David's men provoke David to prepare for a retaliatory attack. Abigail, upon learning of the impending danger from one of her servants, acts swiftly and wisely.

Abigail's response is a testament to her servant heart. She gathers a generous offering of food and rides out to meet David, demonstrating humility and initiative. Her actions align with the biblical principle of peacemaking, as she seeks to avert bloodshed and maintain harmony.

Wisdom and Discernment

Abigail's encounter with David is marked by her eloquent and respectful appeal. She falls at David's feet and takes responsibility for her husband's folly, saying, "Please, my lord, let the blame be on me alone" (1 Samuel 25:24). Her words are filled with wisdom, as she acknowledges David's future as the leader of Israel and urges him to refrain from shedding innocent blood.

Her discernment is evident as she reminds David of God's promises and encourages him to act in accordance with God's will. Abigail's speech reflects her deep understanding of God's purposes and her role as a servant in fulfilling them.

Impact and Legacy

Abigail's intervention has a profound impact on David. He recognizes her wisdom and praises God for sending her to prevent him from committing a grave sin. David says to Abigail, "Blessed be your discernment, and blessed be you for restraining me this day from bloodshed and from avenging myself with my own hands" (1 Samuel 25:33).

Abigail's actions not only save her household but also solidify her reputation as a wise and faithful servant of God. After Nabal's death, David takes Abigail as his wife, further highlighting her esteemed position and the favor she found in the eyes of God and man.

Lessons from Abigail's Servanthood

Abigail's account offers valuable lessons on servanthood. Her life exemplifies the virtues of humility, courage, and wisdom. She serves as a model for believers, demonstrating how to act with integrity and faithfulness in challenging circumstances. Her ability to discern God's will and act accordingly underscores the importance of aligning one's actions with divine purposes.

In summary, Abigail's role as a good servant is characterized by her proactive peacemaking, wise counsel, and unwavering faith. Her account continues to inspire and instruct those who seek to serve God and others with a heart of humility and discernment.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 25:14-17
But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Abigail's Sensible Advice
... When Abigail saw David, she dismounted quickly from her ass ... has done for you all
the good that he ... gives prosperity to my lord, then too remember your servant.". ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/abigails sensible advice.htm

The History of Saul
... that he was dead, he said: Blessed be the good Lord that ... hand of Nabal, and hath
kept me his servant from harm ... Then David sent to Abigail for to have her to his ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of saul.htm

How David, when He had Twice the Opportunity of Killing Saul did ...
... in the course of his behavior, but still had obtained for his wife a woman of a
good character, wise and ... When the servant had said this, Abigail, for that ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 how david when.htm

Letter Lii. To Nepotian.
... Bathsheba was still living, Abigail was still left, and ... to please men when he became
Christ's servant. Christ's soldier marches on through good report and evil ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lii to nepotian.htm

The Evidence of Scripture on Changes of Determination.
... the morning a single male." And presently when Abigail his wife ... be ready to follow
the call of good counsel in ... city for thy sake and for my servant David's sake ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xxv the evidence of.htm

Hooker -- the Activity of Faith; Or, Abraham's Imitators
... would use him, but is like a trusty servant that waiteth ... painful and tedious to you;
yet, what Abigail said to ... to my lord according to all the good that he ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/hooker the activity of.htm

Christian Behavior
... heed thou carry not thyself to thy servant as he of ... for his conviction, concerning
anything, either good or evil ... Abigail would not speak a word to her churlish ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Christ the Believer's Husband
... As Abigail was an honor to Nubal, and by her sweet ... able to send me the same message
as a good woman in ... then will I bow my head, as Abraham's servant did, and ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/christ the believers husband.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... this great mistake of Saul and his servant, as if ... we may perceive how Josephus, nay,
how Abigail herself, would ... executed, and all at length for the good of the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

The Greatness of the Soul,
... WITH THE CAUSES OF THE LOSING IT. FIRST PREACHED AT PINNER'S HALL and now ENLARGED
AND PUBLISHED FOR GOOD. ... 6. The soul is called the good man's darling. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the greatness of the soul.htm