Abigail Submits to Her King
The Humility and Submission of Abigail Save her Household from Destruction
Near the end of the book of 1 Samuel, a story emerges, a beautiful one of submission and deliverance. Abigail is a lesser-known heroin in the Bible, a humble woman who was married to a wealthy scoundrel. Abigail combined her wisdom with her wealth to appear before an approaching enemy to plead for the safety of her husband's household. But the story of Abigail started long before her brave encounter with David. It began with the death of Samuel, the prophet of God.
Samuel's death had a grave impact on the life of David. David had been anointed by Samuel as king of Israel, elected to replace King Saul who had proven to be a disobedient and rebellious king. Saul knew his kingdom would be given to David, and he was intensely jealous of David. It was Samuel that had stood as a mediator between David and King Saul. Now that Samuel was dead, David feared for his life. So he took his men with him to the wilderness.
During this time, David became aware that Nabal, a wealthy and influential man from Maon, who was in Carmel for a sheep-shearing festival. At one time, David and his men had helped Nabal's shepherds, and so David sought food for his men in exchange for the protection they had provided. But Nabal' response to David would have been more fitting for a runaway slave than the future king of Israel. He was too prideful to acknowledge David, believing his goods were too valuable to give away, regardless of who was asking for them. David became angry and summoned his men to strap on their swords and prepare for vengeance.
Nabal had violated both cultural and Mosaic expectations, boldly insulted the upcoming king of Israel, and endangered his life and the well-being of his entire household. David and 400 of his men were on their way to seek vengeance for Nabal's foolish response. But one of Nabal's servants informed Abigail of her husband's lack of social graces, and what David's intentions were upon his arrival. Abigail's response was in stark contrast to that of her husband. She knew who David was and the One that he served. Without hesitation, and without telling her husband, Abigail gathered together food supplies and loaded them on donkeys. Then she headed out to meet the future king of Israel.
When Abigail saw David, without a word, she fell on her face before him, bowing herself to the ground. Falling at his feet, Abigail delivered the most humble, heartfelt plea for David to spare her husband's household. But her request was not made from a heart of fear, nor was it from a heart of anger toward her husband. Rather, while she admitted that her husband was a man of bad character, she reminded David that his life was in the hands of God. His enemies would be destroyed because of God's justice, and his own house would endure. She only asked in return that, when God had fulfilled everything He had promised, that David remember her.
Abigail's humble response turned David's heart. He saw the error he was about to make. He himself had just recently spared the life of King Saul, who sought to kill David. Yet David had been quick to exterminate the household of a man who had merely insulted him. His life of exile had angered him, and this anger had nearly driven him to seek vengeance against a man who was not the real enemy.
David heeded Abigail's wise words. He respected her for the great respect she showed her husband's household, despite his faulty character. He sent her away with a blessing, promising her safe return home and the preservation of the men of Nabal.
Upon returning home, Nabal was throwing a huge feast in his house. He was incredibly drunk. Abigail waited until morning to tell him what she had done and how David had chosen to spare his life. Her report to him caused his heart to fail. Only 10 days later, Nabal died.
When David had learned that Nabal was dead, he remembered Abigail and sent for her to become his wife. She willingly accepted his offer, bowing her face to the ground. She regarded herself as a servant to wash the feet of David's servant. It was Abigail's humility and her heart of respect and love that David recognized and desired in the woman who became his wife.
Abigail's name is mentioned in Scripture only one more time, as the mother of David's second-born son. But her story echoes in the hearts of all women as an example of true submission and courage, even in the face of danger. Abigail truly is one of the unsung heroes of the Bible.
Written by: Amy Miller
Searched the Internet for fellow Sabbath Keepers and found these very informative sites. If you have questions concerning the Sabbath Day, you can find your answers at either of the websites. Just click on any one of the following links:
Found this great website, Olive Tree Bible Software.
Malina
ShareFaith.com
Malina
Spiritual & Religious Blogs
The Internet Cafe Devotions is a very inspirational blog!
Just click and read for yourself.
Faith Imagined 
Christians to spread the word of God.
Malina
1. The act, quality, or power of withstanding hardship or stress: A marathon tests a runner's endurance.
2. The state or fact of persevering: Through hard work and endurance, we will complete this project.
3. Continuing existence; duration.
Or is your endurance long term to where you can run a marathon? You can go on for as long as it takes because your faith is so strong nothing can hold you back. Others try to knock you down but you have the Armor of God on they don’t even phase you!
10 A wife of noble character who can find?
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
