Topical Bible: Prudence: Abigail

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Topical Encyclopedia

Abigail is a prominent biblical figure known for her prudence and wisdom, as depicted in the First Book of Samuel. Her account is primarily found in 1 Samuel 25, where she is introduced as the wife of Nabal, a wealthy but foolish man from Maon. Abigail's actions in this narrative exemplify prudence, a virtue highly esteemed in biblical literature.

Background and Context

Abigail lived during the time of King Saul and David, a period marked by political instability and conflict. Her husband, Nabal, was a man of great wealth, owning extensive flocks and herds. Despite his material success, Nabal is described as "harsh and evil in his dealings" (1 Samuel 25:3). In contrast, Abigail is characterized as "intelligent and beautiful" (1 Samuel 25:3), highlighting her inner and outer qualities.

The Encounter with David

The narrative unfolds during the shearing season, a time of festivity and abundance. David, who was not yet king but had been anointed by Samuel, was in the wilderness with his men. He sent messengers to Nabal, requesting provisions in return for the protection they had provided to Nabal's shepherds. Nabal's response was dismissive and insulting, saying, "Who is David? And who is the son of Jesse?" (1 Samuel 25:10). This provoked David, who prepared to attack Nabal's household.

Abigail's Prudent Intervention

Upon learning of the impending danger, Abigail acted swiftly and wisely. Without informing her husband, she gathered a generous supply of food and wine and set out to meet David. Her actions demonstrate prudence in several ways:

1. Discernment and Initiative: Abigail recognized the gravity of the situation and took immediate action to prevent bloodshed. Her ability to assess the situation and respond appropriately is a hallmark of prudence.

2. Diplomacy and Humility: When Abigail met David, she approached him with humility and respect, bowing before him and taking responsibility for her husband's folly. She said, "Please, my lord, let the blame be on me alone" (1 Samuel 25:24). Her diplomatic approach defused David's anger and appealed to his sense of justice and mercy.

3. Wisdom in Counsel: Abigail's speech to David is a masterful blend of wisdom and foresight. She reminded David of his divine calling and the importance of avoiding unnecessary bloodshed, saying, "The LORD will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because he fights the LORD’s battles" (1 Samuel 25:28). Her words not only calmed David but also reinforced his commitment to righteousness.

Outcome and Legacy

Abigail's prudent actions averted disaster and earned David's gratitude. He praised her discernment, saying, "Blessed be your discernment, and blessed be you for restraining me from bloodshed" (1 Samuel 25:33). After Nabal's death, which occurred shortly after these events, David took Abigail as his wife, further highlighting her esteemed status.

Abigail's account serves as a powerful example of prudence in action. Her ability to navigate a perilous situation with wisdom and grace underscores the biblical ideal of prudence as a virtue that leads to peace and righteousness. Her legacy is one of intelligence, courage, and faithfulness, qualities that continue to inspire and instruct believers.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 25:23-31
And when Abigail saw David, she hurried, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 15:32-34
And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth on his head:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 17:6-14
And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spoke to him, saying, Ahithophel has spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not; speak you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of
... and he was called Arenon; the second was Daniel, by his wife Abigail; the name ... was
Abner, the general of the host of Saul's son, who, by his prudence, and the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how david reigned.htm

Sermon at the Faribault Celebration of the Centennial of the ...
... of an eternal standard of right, which makes morality prudence or imprudence ... names
in our country's history than Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, Elizabeth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whipple/five sermons/ii sermon at the faribault.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... 2:16; and that Amasa was also his nephew by his other sister Abigail, ver.17. ... Urim;
and that David aimed always to depend, not on his own prudence or abilities ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

Letter Lii. To Nepotian.
... Bathsheba was still living, Abigail was still left, and the remainder of those wives
and concubines whose names ... Have prudence, justice, temperance, fortitude. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lii to nepotian.htm

CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1).
... where Simson's explanation, "David sent and ordered to speak about Abigail," is
set ... comprehends everything which is required for war, viz., the prudence of the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i -ii 3 ii 1.htm

Christian Behavior
... Abigail would not speak a word to her churlish husband till his wine was ... exaltation,
but his; carrying all things so, by thy dexterity and prudence, that not ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
The English Church in the Eighteenth Century. <. ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm