Abigail

Abigail sat under a lonely tree at her home in the desert near Carmel. Her stack of scrolls that she was supposed to study lay, unopened, a few feet away. She simply could not focus today. King Saul was away at battle – her two brothers and father with him. Rumors had reported that the Philistines held the upper hand with their unchallenged giant from Gath.

“Giant?” she had questioned. “There are no more giants. They all died with the rest of the Anakim.” That’s what her father said, at least. All accounts seemed to agree, though, that a man nearly as tall as the tree she sat under had the whole Israelite army terrified. Maybe her father was wrong.

That was all quite far away, though. Abigail had to worry about her studies and chores. “It isn’t fair,” she though, “I’m the only girl in the whole Maon region that has to study. Even all the boys, the usual victims of schooling, get a break for the excitement of far away places and legendary giants. Why am I stuck with boring scrolls and chores?”

There was no time to ponder this question; however, because just then her mother called up the hill, “Abigail! Chores!”

Abigail was no ordinary girl. Ever since she was little, it had been evident that she was beautiful, and not only that – she was smart, too. She had long, dark curls that flowed down her back and big, blue eyes that twinkled in the morning sunlight. Born during the rule of Samuel, the last judge, she didn’t seem to fit in with the evil society that was rampant in Israel. She longed for times of glory such as she read about: with Moses and Pharaoh in Egypt.

The house of Abigail’s father was one of the few that had remained faithful to Jehovah, the God of her people. Now, in their desire to become more like the nations around them, the people had chosen a king. At first, he had seemed perfect: tall, handsome, and a strong leader. But when faced with real danger, Saul had proved a coward greatly lacking in faith.

As unusual as it seemed to all of her friends, Abigail’s father had decided that she, too, must study and become wise in the fear of the Lord. “She will make some man a wonderful wife someday,” he said, but that was just what Abigail was afraid of.

When the floor was swept, she took the laundry down to the little brook to wash. She had this terrible sense of foreboding that something, something was happening. Abigail glanced at all of the surrounding hills worriedly. No, it was safe; no raiders were coming, and no messengers had yet appeared over the horizon.

The setting sun cast long shadows all around as Abigail made her way back to the little house where dinner was waiting. The harsh desert wind blew strong in her face. She looked up just in time to see a cloud of dust rolling toward her. There was no more time for thinking. Abigail lifted up her long skirt and bolted for the house. “Dust storm, Mama!” she called, slamming the door behind her. Her mama appeared around the corner, tying on a scarf. “I’m going to get the goats in the barn. You cover the windows.” Mama was always calm. Abigail would rather scream and hide in her room.

After the windows were shut, Abigail sat down at the dinner table. Her sense of foreboding was not gone, but now, at least, she was hopeful. Mama came in, took off her scarf, smoothed back her hair, and dipped her hands in the wash-bowl. They both bowed their heads in silent prayer, pleading for the safe return of their family and thanking the Almighty for the day’s bread.

The desert wind blew so hard, it shook the house so it rattled, but Abigail thought she heard a faint knock on the front door. The three men didn’t wait for the door to open, but burst in quickly. Abigail’s brothers together picked her up and danced and sang around the little room. Her father laughed merrily and his eyes shone.

Later, the two bewildered women got the rest of the family to sit down and tell them what happened.

“We all thought it was just going to be another uneventful day,” Abigail’s father reported. “There had been no word from King Saul, so we all sat down to talk. Maybe there was an extra bit of noise in the next tent, but none of us thought anything of it. Suddenly, the battle trumpets blew. We all sprang up to collect our helmets and swords, then ran out to the lines.

“The giant – yes, he was a real giant – stomped down into the valley between our camps. ‘Where’s he going?’ we all wondered. Just then, a short little boy ran down from our camp yelling and swinging his slingshot. All of us men lined up were asking ourselves what on earth that kid was doing. After all, he was only a little older than you, Abigail.

“Well, the giant took one look at him (turns out his name is David) and roared with laughter. He had barely gotten ten words out, though, when the stone hit him right between the eyes. Speaking of eyes, none of us men could believe our own. That big man: helmet, sword, and all, fell straight to the ground so hard that the little kid running towards him nearly fell over.

“What do you think David did next? He grabbed that big Philistine’s sword and hefting it with both hands, dropped it right down on the giant’s neck!” Abigail closed her eyes and shuddered, trying to block out the gruesome image. “We rushed the Philistines and defeated them with David at the head and King Saul at the rear.”

“Wow!” exclaimed Mama. “Saul has his thousands, but David his ten-thousands!”

“That isn’t all, either,” declared Joshua, smiling at his big brother. “David and Saul are coming through here – this very town – on their way home!”

“What a day you’ve had! Thank the Lord you are safe! Praise Him for sending a little boy to give you victory and teach King Saul a lesson! But you have come a long way. Go to bed, all of you. Get some sleep!”

As Abigail slipped into bed, she silently disagreed with her parents. David was not little if he was older than her; she certainly wasn’t little. She thanked God, all the same, for bringing her father and brothers safely home.


“Wake up, Sunshine!” called her father early the next morning. “David will be here soon!” Abigail rolled over and groaned. The sun wasn’t even up yet! Neither was “Sunshine.” She dressed quickly, though, and right after a quick breakfast, she received the order to “Go pick some flowers!” Fearing to miss David and Saul’s visit, Abigail wasted no time.


Soon, the whole town was out along the main road, dancing, singing, and chanting, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” When King Saul, Abner (the commander of the army), Prince Jonathan, and David approached, music played and flowers flew. Saul did not look up or smile, but just glowered back at David.

After they had passed, and the crowd was thinning, Nabal, the son of a rich, proud man from the country, made his way to Abigail’s father. “A job well done,” he commended the soldiers as if it was his right. (Nabal and his father had not gone to fight, but had sent servants in their places.) “I wanted to speak with you, now that you’re back,” he stated, turning towards Abigail’s father and glancing her way.

As he took her father’s arm and stepped away, Abigail felt her stomach tighten and her head grow light. She knew her parents approved of Nabal and his money, but something in that glance made her cringe.

“Steady, Abigail,” said Joshua, putting out his arm to catch her fall. “A little too much excitement, maybe?” Seeing the look on her face, he changed his mind. With one, meaningful look, he seemed to say, “I understand. Don’t worry. Let’s just get you home.”

Ever since they were little, Abigail and Joshua had been close. They seemed to be on the same caravan of thought. Although Joshua was sometimes a pain and Abigail had seen less of him recently, they always listened to and understood each other. That’s why, right then, on the walk home, Joshua also felt a twinge of fear.

In some of their talks, Joshua and Abigail had agreed that Nabal was an arrogant manipulator with only his own self to care about and look after. He was definitely not their favorite person. Now, Joshua was sure, Nabal would get his way.

“Any better?” he asked. The look on her face said no. “Are you sure that’s what he wanted?”

“What else would he want from Father?” she threw back. “And you know him: always getting what he wants. But… Joshua, I-I couldn’t stand it. What shall I do?”

“You could be very rude to him. I’m sure he wouldn’t want to marry someone who would make his life miserable.”
“Brilliant. Then not only he, but also everyone else would hate me. That’s wrong. Besides, by then it would be too late. It is probably too late already.” Abigail objected.

“Maybe you could run away. Go… to Egypt? The Philistine camps?” She frowned. “I know, King Saul’s palace.”

“By appointment only,” she quoted the king’s decree. “Just give up. There isn’t any other way.”

“But you’d be miserable.”

“I’d have plenty of money.” Abigail seemed to end the conversation. Maybe she was just imagining it.


“Morning!” Mama’s voice betrayed her excitement. “Your father went out early. He should be back soon.” If Mama said one more word…

“I have chores. I’ll be back for lunch,” Abigail called, leaving the house with an armload of laundry brought home from the battle.

Down at the creek, she met Miriam. Their brothers were talking a ways off. Neither girl said anything as Abigail set to work. After a while, she noticed Miriam was watching her. “Anything wrong?” asked Abigail.

“I thought you would tell me. Everyone in town is talking. You see, Nabal told the Levite who will be performing the ceremony, and he told his sons who told my brothers who told me. I think that is what they’re talking about over there. At least they were. You are so lucky!” Miriam could talk sheep up a mountain. “Well, aren’t you excited?”

“Excited? No. Nervous? Yes.” Answered Abigail. It seemed like a reasonable reply. She hoped Miriam wouldn’t ask any more questions. The tears were already threatening to burst out. But she had no such luck.

“Understandable. Mama says every bride gets nervous. How did you accomplish such a thing?” Miriam had pushed it too far.

“Accomplish such a thing?” Abigail burst out crying and screaming. “Accomplish? Me? I didn’t accomplish anything! Just because Nabal is a descendant of Caleb and has lots of money, he thinks he can do whatever he wants.” By now Joshua and Miriam’s brother were there, trying to calm Abigail down. “Now he decided that what he wants is to ruin my life. No problem.” She broke into sobs.

“Umm,” said Joshua, “I think we’ll take a walk.” Then to Abigail, “Come on; it’s going to be ok. You hear Mama and Father talking last night, too?” It wasn’t a question. He already knew. “When Father comes back, you’re going to have to try to be happy and surprised. Do you want to practice?” His forced smile was so terrible; she couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s better,” he laughed. “Since we can’t change it, we might as well laugh at it.”

Joshua and Miriam helped Abigail with the laundry. Everything Joshua folded looked like someone sat on it, but it made Abigail laugh. Abigail carried the pile home. She laughed, talked, and smiled all the way. Joshua seemed to have the magic touch.


Abigail’s father was home for dinner, but he didn’t seem excited or anything. All evening, Abigail watched him, looking for some sign, but it didn’t help. Finally, the time came to go to bed. “See you with the sunrise, Sunshine!” her father called. Everything was the same.

She lay awake in bed, too worried to sleep. Soon, she could hear quiet whispers in her parents’ room. “That’s wonderful,” her mother said. “When shall we tell her?”

“Shhh. You’ll wake them. We will tell her tomorrow after it has been finalized with his father and the elders.”

“She will be so happy. I can hardly wait.”

“I hope so,” came her father’s reply. Abigail didn’t sleep all night.


“Sunshine, I have some news for you,” started her father. Joshua watched her closely from the corner, praying. “You and Nabal the Calebite are to be married!”

No one in such circumstances could have been a better actress. Abigail was excited and eager, her father confident and pleased, her mother joyfully wistful, and her oldest brother calmly happy. Joshua sat apart, still in his corner, looking relieved and laughing at his wild, beloved sister.

In a few months, after making a new dress and informing all of the family, everything was finally ready. Abigail was excited. Maybe he would be better once she got to know him. When everything around her was rejoicing, it was hard not to be happy. Only Joshua looked distressed, but he tried to be cheerful around her. She needed it, even if he was the only one who knew that.

When the evening of the ceremony came, Joshua thought she nearly glowed. Nabal actually smiled at her. Joshua toasted their happiness with all his heart, danced as little as possible, and left for home.

The quiet walk away from the party was almost a relief. Joshua prayed as he walked that God would make her happy and give her the chance to show the greatness and beauty she was born with. His heart told him she would stand out.


Years passed and Nabal’s wealth grew. His home in Maon was one of the finest in Israel or Judah. When his father died, he left him all of his property, including one thousand goats and three thousand sheep. Nabal did not change his ways, however, and he became surly and mean in all his dealings.

To everyone but Joshua, Abigail appeared happy. She hosted banquets and parties without limit. Abigail also grew in beauty and intelligence, often counseling Nabal in the difficulties of the day.


This morning, the event being discussed by everyone from elders to servants was the death of Samuel. She had felt a strange love for the wise old man, and she went with Nabal to mourn his death. David was there in the company of his mighty men, looking very distressed, much older than when she had seen him before. He and Samuel had been close friends.

Soon after their return home, the announcement was made that David and his men, who had protected their borders for some time, were coming to live in Maon. He had been in and out of the gossip often in the years since his victory over Goliath, but Abigail had not seen him before the funeral service since the victory parade.

Nabal began, soon after, the busy task of shearing his many sheep. One morning, a few days into the task, Abigail awoke with a sense of foreboding. She passed it off as worry over the selling price of wool. Abigail went down to visit her mother and spent the better part of the day with her. When Abigail returned, however, the foreboding was stronger, so she asked a servant about the events of the day.

“Yes, Miss Abigail, something rather strange did happen today. David sent messengers from the desert to give our master his greetings, but Nabal hurled insults at them. Yet these men were very good to us. They did not mistreat us, and the whole time we were out in the pastures near them, nothing was missing. Night and day they were a wall around us all the time we were herding our sheep. Now think it over and see what you can do, because disaster is hanging over our master and his whole household. He is such a wicked man that no one can talk to him.”

Though Abigail knew her servant was right, she scolded him for his disrespect. After he had gone, she sighed, wondering what to do. When Nabal was angry, it was true: no one could talk to him. So, without speaking to him, she gathered a great supply of fine food from her pantry and sent it with her personal servants to David. Then she quickly changed into a fresh dress and followed them on her donkey.

She reached David’s men in a narrow mountain ravine. They were armed and headed for a night raid on Nabal’s home. “Stop! Who are you?” they demanded, drawing their swords. “What brings you here?” Her thoughts at that moment almost made her laugh. She realized that she had rather expected them to be raising slings and loading them with rocks.

When Abigail had picked out David from among the troops, she dismounted, stepped forward into the light of his torches, and bowed before David with her face to the ground. For a breathless moment she wondered if they would even listen to her, a stray woman in the wilderness at night.

David was a just man. He heard her story and accepted her gift. Nabal was forgiven, and all David’s men praised her bravery. Then the famous warrior told her to go home in peace. Abigail and her servants rode home quietly and without fear.

She rejoiced in David’s kindness. Through her years with Nabal, she had come to doubt whether anyone was good, or if all men, deep inside, were like Nabal. This had hardened her and made her almost bitter, but David’s mercy had begun to soften her heart.

With this newfound hope, Abigail thought she could face anything – almost anything, that is. Returning home, she found Nabal in the middle of a drunken banquet. Disgusted, she left the dining room and fled for privacy.


The bright desert sun shone through the window onto the bed. Nabal groaned and pressed his eyes tighter shut. What a headache! Presently, he heard Abigail’s sweet voice singing and her footsteps flitting around the room.

He opened one eye, then another. What happened to his room? It was so clean and, “Ouch!” so bright. Abigail seemed happy like he’d never seen her before.

“You’re awake,” she declared,” but are you sober?” Abigail smiled reproachfully. “Drinking all night again?” she teased. Nabal wondered what was going on. Abigail was always angry when he got drunk.

“What happened to you?” he questioned. The calm little Abigail suddenly disappeared.

“I saved your life; that’s what!” she yelled. Nabal looked confused. He couldn’t remember anything life-threatening that had taken place. Abigail went on, telling the story from the beginning. “You risked all of us by your – your arrogance! What were you thinking?” She asked, but she was never to receive a reply.

Nabal’s heart failed him at that moment, but he was still alive. Abigail’s parents came to help, but she sat with him all day long. Joshua didn’t come.

Those were the worst ten days of her life. Abigail feared Nabal would continue like this forever, trapping her in a marriage that meant nothing. Would the elders and priests take pity on her and let her leave Nabal to his miserable fate? Gifts were sent from neighbors. Rumors were started. Nabal? He just lay there, not doing anything.

Her fears were finally ended when after ten days Nabal finally died. Abigail went into mourning. A faint, unheard sigh went through the land as the news spread. “Nabal the Calebite has passed away. Not to speak ill of the dead…” So it went.

When the news reached David, he sent his condolences. A startling message was sent along with his sympathy, though. He asked Nabal’s widow to marry him! Abigail was amazed and thrilled to the depths of her soul. Could she have made such an impression in so short a time? She knew she had stuttered, terrified for her life and the lives of her servants when she met David. Yet this – he wanted to marry her?


After the days of mourning, Abigail put up her hair, dressed in her favorite dress, and with five of her maids, rode out to meet David. She left a steward in charge of Nabal’s land and property.

Joshua appeared for her wedding with David, smiling happily. Abigail truly shone this time – and continued to shine for the rest of her life. When she gave birth to their son, Daniel; when David was crowned king; and when the Ark of the Covenant returned to its rightful place, Abigail was there, smiling adoringly at David.

“God blessed Abigail. She was born for such greatness,” thought Joshua. “Now she is the queen of the greatest nation on earth!” He recorded this and many other stories of the first kings of Israel. Joshua became David’s chief historian, who carefully left a record of Israel for all people, for all time.

To God be all glory.