Abigail

ABIGAIL, was first of all Wife to Nabal of Carmel, and after his Death was married to David, which Particular happened after this Manner: David flying from the Persecution of Saul, continued for a long Time in the Mountains where Nabal kept his Flocks, South of Palestine, towards Carmel of the Tribe of Judah, very different from another Carmel in the Tribe of Issachar, situated on the Mediterranean. David’s Troops did no Prejudice to Nabal’s People or his Flocks, but were rather a great Assistance to them in protecting them from Robbers; so that during all the Time of their Abode there, he lost none of his 1 Sam. xxv. 15, 16, 21.Cattle. Upon a certain Day, when Nabal was come to Carmel to the sheering of his Sheep, David sent some of his People to him, desiring some Present from him in consideration of that happy Circumstance (for the Time of Sheering was a Festival, and Time of great Rejoicing) and as a Reward for the many Services which his Shepherds had received from him, and those under his Command. Nabal not only refused to make David any Present, but treated him as a Servant, a Fugitive, and Rebel to his Prince, and so dismiss’d his Soldiers: This being reported to him, so inrag’d him, that he swore he would destroy Nabal and all his Family. Abigail being informed what kind of Answer her Husband had returned to David’s Messengers, made all the Haste she could to repair this Fault: Some of her Asses she loaded with Provisions, and went herself to meet him, attended with several of her Domesticks: She offer’d him her Presents, and so won upon him by her discreet Conversation, that David conceived a great Esteem for her, accepted her Presents, and returned. Nabal, having understood the Danger he had run, fell sick, and died ten Days after. As soon as this was known to David, he sent to demand Abigail for his Wife: She received this Honour with great Acknowledgments, and when the Days of Mourning for her Husband were over, she went to David’s Camp, and was married to him. The Issue of this Marriage was two Sons, Chileab and Daniel.

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