Abigail

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew ’Ăvîgāyil (“my father is joy” / “father of rejoicing”), suggesting honor within a household line.
• Period/Era: United Monarchy
• Main References: 1 Samuel 25; 2 Samuel 2:2; 3:3
• Key Connections: Nabal (first husband, a Calebite); David (husband); Ahinoam of Jezreel (David’s other wife); Chileab/Daniel (son of David)

Who was Abigail?

Abigail was the wife of Nabal, a wealthy Calebite in the region of Carmel, and she is described as discerning and beautiful.
During David’s period as a fugitive, she intervened to prevent David from avenging himself on Nabal’s household.
After Nabal’s death, Abigail became one of David’s wives and later appears among David’s household in Hebron.

Key Events & Achievements

• Intervention with David: She brought provisions and persuaded David to refrain from bloodshed after Nabal refused David’s request (1 Samuel 25).
• Transition after Nabal’s death: Following Nabal’s death, she accepted David’s marriage proposal and joined his household (1 Samuel 25:38–42).
• Place in David’s family: She is listed as David’s wife in Hebron and as the mother of Chileab (also called Daniel) (2 Samuel 2:2; 3:3).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Abigail’s account highlights how prudent speech and timely action could preserve life and restrain violence during Israel’s United Monarchy.

Key Verse

"When Abigail saw David, she hurried and got down from the donkey and fell before David on her face and bowed to the ground." — 1 Samuel 25:23, ESV