And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spake unto her, saying, David sent us unto thee, to take thee to him to wife. And she rose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord. And Abigail hasted, and rose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her, and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife. 1 Samuel 25:40-42

In these last few verses, David sent his servants to fetch Abigail, to let her know that David wanted her as his wife. (Can you imagine what kind of thoughts went through her head during that time?) Abigail was a proper hostess, yet humbled herself by washing the servants’ feet. They had of course come on a very important mission. So, with tasks completed, and five maidens with her, she rode off to meet David and became his wife.

Abigail went from being the wife of a boorish rancher, underwent a task that could have caused her, her life, to becoming the wife of the future king of Israel.

Now these were the sons of David, which were born unto him in Hebron; the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess. 1 Chronicles 3:1 And the second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite... 2 Samuel 3:3

David obviously had more than one wife. Also, the name of David's second son from Abigail, was named Daniel in Chronicles, and Chileab in second Samuel. Some babies went by two names instead of one, as is the possibility in this case.

Comparing Abigail's life with your own...How do you fit in?

• She used her wisdom in giving good counsel
• She showed intelligence in her actions
• She showed generosity in providing for others
• She exercised her faith in God's ultimate plan
• She was loyal to her family while being constant in her faith

Thoughts to dwell upon...

• How do you use good counsel?
• Do you apply reason and thought (intelligence) into your actions?
• Are there more ways to provide for others in need?
• Where do you stand in your faith in God's ultimate plan?
• How can you stay constant in your faith?

Question for the Group:
Discuss how God provided an opportunity to help another.

Challenge:
Tell about a time when you where in need.
How did God provide for you?

Question for the Group:
Discuss Abigail's character traits: Wisdom, courage, intelligence, great insight

Challenge:
How can you use these traits in your own life?

Question for the Group:
Abigail was able to turn David from his anger. Discuss some of the things she said to make that possible.

Challenge:
Tell of a time when God used you to bring peace to a tense situation.

Final Review Abigail, whose life, though rich in possessions, was filled with strife. Her husband valued what he had more, than the people who were around him. God used Abigail's wisdom and intelligence to defuse a very hostile situation. She showed her courage in providing for David's men when her husband had refused. In working towards God's will, in His plan for David, Abigail became the wife of David and later gave him a son.