Abigail

Abigail was married to Nabal, a wealthy but harsh man whose name means "fool." When David and his men had protected Nabal's shepherds in the wilderness, David sent messengers requesting provisions. Nabal responded with contempt: "Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse?" David armed 400 men and swore to kill every male in Nabal's household.

One of Nabal's servants warned Abigail, describing David's kindness to them and Nabal's rudeness. Abigail immediately gathered abundant provisions and rode to meet David without telling her husband. When she saw David, she dismounted and bowed to the ground.

Abigail's speech is a masterpiece of wisdom. She took the blame upon herself, acknowledged Nabal's foolishness, and appealed to David's future as king: "When the Lord shall have dealt well with my lord, then remember thine handmaid." She urged David not to have bloodshed on his conscience when God established his throne.

David blessed God for sending Abigail and blessed her wisdom for keeping him from violence. When Abigail returned home, Nabal was feasting drunk. In the morning, she told him what had happened, and his heart "died within him, and he became as a stone." He died ten days later. David then sent for Abigail and made her his wife.