A talented and courageous woman on a critical mission

By John S. QUAISIE

World history has stories of some outstanding women, who have played a pivotal role in solving serious problems which confronted their families, communities and nations.

In the eighteenth century, many women in France responded with public outcry, when French households were hit by high prices of goods and food shortages.  The women cried in desperation to the French king; and together with other protestors, caused King Louis XVI, the royal family and the privileged class to move from their comfort zone in Versailles, the political capital, to Paris, to witness the suffering of the general population.  The women’s action played a major role in the French Revolution of 1789.

In Africa, Yaa Asantewaa, a brave woman of the Gold Coast (Ghana), demonstrated great courage, at a time men were afraid to act. In 1900, she led the Asantes to fight against the British colonialists, who attempted to conquer the Asante Kingdom.

The Bible highlights the accomplishments of women who have made a difference in their family, community and their nation.  One of the Old Testament characters, who stands out with unique and admirable qualities, is Abigail, the beautiful wife of Nabal, a wealthy livestock owner.

Abigail’s talents came to the spotlight at a time young David was facing challenges in Israel, under King Saul. David’s military prowess, especially his killing of the famous Philistine giant, Goliath, had attracted great admiration from the populace. Unfortunately, David’s popularity rather made King Saul very jealous, and he planned to kill the young talented man.  In his attempt to escape from King Saul, David, accompanied by a private army of about six hundred men, had to go into hiding from place to place.

Those challenging times brought David to the territory of Carmel, close to the estate of Nabal, a wealthy businessman who owned several thousands of sheep and goats. While in the territory, David and his men offered to provide security for Nabal’s shepherds and livestock.

At harvest time, when Nabal was enjoying the abundance of his investment, David sent messengers to the businessman, to humbly request for some food provision for himself and his soldiers.

Unfortunately, David’s humble request for assistance met with great disappointment. Nabal looked down on him, and insultingly remarked,

“Who is David?  Who is this son of Jesse?

…Why should I take my bread and water, and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men coming from who knows where?” (1 Samuel 25:10-11 NIV).

When the messengers reported Nabal’s response to David, their master was infuriated, considering the services he and his men had provided for Nabal’s shepherds and livestock.  In response, David prepared his men to launch a serious attack on Nabal and his household.  It was going to be a complete devastation for the Nabal family!

A Servant Alerts Abigail

Sensing danger, one of the servants approached Abigail, and narrated the whole incident to her.  He mentioned the acts of kindness which David and his men had shown Nabal’s workers in the field.

Swift Action

Upon hearing the disturbing news, Abigail acted swiftly.  She quickly mobilized some of the servants and prepared a good package of food provision and sent it ahead, to David and his men, while she followed behind.

In preparing for this critical mission, Abigail did not inform her husband.  Judging from Nabal’s characteristic behaviour and negative utterances, and his active engagement with his guests that day, she thought it would be unwise to reason with her husband at that time.

Abigail’s Encounter with David

On meeting David, Abigail fell face down before him in great humility and with deep respect, and pleaded for mercy,

“Please pay no attention, my lord, to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name—his name means Fool, and folly goes with him (1 Samuel 25:25 NIV).

In pleading with David, Abigail exhibits great wisdom and tact.  She even sounds prophetic in her acknowledgement of David as a man with God’s anointing,

 “The Lord your God will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my lord…” (1 Samuel 25:28).

Abigail pleaded with David to refrain from any act which could mar his reputation, on his journey towards the royal throne.

After listening to Abigail’s wise counsel, David decided to abandon his military campaign against Nabal and his household.  In the end, Abigail’s foresight, strategic and diplomatic move, coupled with her strong faith in God, saved her family from the impending disaster.

Wisdom and Patience at Work

On her return home, Abigail needed to have a serious talk with her husband.  However, Nabal’s active engagement with his guests, who were at the feast he had organized, and his state of drunkenness would make it extremely difficult to engage him in any constructive conversation.  She therefore decided to shelve the discussion on the subject until the next day.  This thoughtful act of Abigail portrays her as a wise and mature woman.

The Reality Dawns on Nabal

In the morning, Abigail confronted her husband Nabal, when he was in a sober mood, and informed him of the possible catastrophe which his irrational and wicked behaviour would have brought upon their entire family, had it not been for God’s merciful intervention. Upon learning of the possible disaster which could have destroyed his household, Nabal fell into a state of fear and shock; and he died ten days later.  Abigail’s advice to David to leave vengeance to God has worked!

Lesson for Married Couples

Married couples have an important lesson to learn from Abigail’s act of wisdom and diplomacy.  A French saying, ‘la nuit porte conseil’ (literally meaning ‘the night gives advice’) points to the need to avoid hasty decisions and rather reflect on serious matters before making a decision.  Abigail slept over the matter and waited for the right time to act.

A New Chapter Opens

With the death of Nabal, a new chapter opened for Abigail.  Her encounter with David had revealed a beautiful picture of a virtuous and talented woman of faith.  It was therefore no surprise that, after the death of Nabal, David married Abigail, who later played a significant role in Israel’s royal history.

Happy Ending

The intervention of Abigail, the beautiful and talented woman of remarkable faith, wisdom and foresight, saved her family from disaster and transformed her own life for a brighter future.

The writer is HR/Management Practitioner. Phone/WhatsApp No. 0244599628. E-Mail: [email protected]

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