Oh, how she had grown to hate him. Ten thousand offenses, both small and large, had accumulated over the years since their arranged marriage.
Practical and traditional, Father had seen a prosperous match: “Abigail, you will marry a descendant of Caleb,” he had exulted. Abigail had found no delight, no dignity in the homeland of this husband whose given name would be forever lost beneath the wreckage of his character: Nabal –“The Fool.”
Playing hostess to his drunken friends and enduring his loutish company, the loneliness was excruciating. Even so, she thanked Yahweh every day that there were, as yet, no children from this unfortunate match. “I am your servant,” she prayed each day at sunrise and found, over time, that the God of Israel had become her comfort in this desert-life.
When hope for love has left a marriage, what remains?
. . . unless the rattling husk becomes a place for something new to grow. Slowly, Abigail began to notice the workings of Nabal’s household. Her quick mind took in the details of the livestock business, the buying and selling, the shearing and marketing of fine wool. She had long ago stopped hoping for love, but one day, she realized that the respect and confidence of the family servants had become her consolation, a gift from Yahweh.
The season of shearing was upon them with its steady hum of activity, but Abigail welcomed the challenge and the stimulation, planning meals for the shearers, managing the bountiful output, and arranging for its transport. During a lull in the chaos, she was catching a breeze in the doorway when Othniel, her faithful steward, appeared, wild-eyed, breathing like a frightened creature.
“What is it, Othniel?” she asked.
“You know that David, the chosen of God, and his men have been protecting our flocks and our shepherds for some time.”
Abigail nodded. “Go on.”
“They have been like a city wall to us and to our herds, and so David sent his messengers to request protection money and provisions, a part in our feasting . . . They were taken to the master.”
Abigail dropped her face into her hands and listened, knowing that what followed could only be bad news.
And it was:
Disrespect.
Greed.
A refusal to provide reasonable compensation for services rendered.
When Othniel’s words confirmed her fears, she asked, “Have they gone?”
Perhaps it was not too late to undo The Fool’s damage.
“The master has sent them away empty-handed. They promise revenge, that everyone in the household will feel their anger. . . I have said nothing to the master.”
“That is well,” she replied, flying into action. “We must move quickly.”
From shearing season’s full larder, Abigail rattled off a hurried and portable menu and directed Othniel to load it onto donkeys and to lead the way to David and his men.
“I will follow close behind,” she assured him.
Hurriedly, she changed out of her work clothes, mounted her own donkey, and followed. But suddenly there they were, rounding a corner with strapped-on swords like a military detachment – headed toward her home. David was in the lead, but he stopped in his tracks when Abigail dismounted and fell on her face at his feet.
Her words tumbled out:
“Do not listen to my husband, The Fool;
As his name is, so is he;
If your men had only come to me,
they would have found a welcome and feasting.”
Abigail lifted her eyes in time to see surprise register on David’s tanned face.
“Therefore, I have brought the feast to you.” She gestured toward the loaded caravan. Was it just her imagination, or did David’s eyes move reluctantly away from hers?
Emboldened by his attention, she continued with words that she scarcely recognized as her own:
“Please do not let your name be associated with revenge and bloodshed, but accept these gifts. Because you have fought Yahweh’s battles, He will wrap up your life with His treasure and will certainly make for you an enduring kingdom. He will cast aside your enemies like a stone hurled from a sling. When Yahweh has brought these words to pass, remember me His servant.
Then, tearing her gaze from his, she turned to leave.
With one hand, David stopped her, for the other hand was raised in blessing – a blessing over Abigail.
//
She did not recall mounting the donkey. She did not recall the journey home, for her ears and her heart were full of David’s words:
“Blessed is your advice, your good sense.
Blessed are you for keeping me from murder, for looking out for my reputation.
I hear you.
I respect you.”
Not since coming to the House of Nabal had she heard such words, and they carried her into the house. They sustained her through the night as The Fool slept off his evening’s wine.
At first light, Abigail approached Nabal, eyes on the floor, reporting mechanically: “You recall that David’s men were sent away from your presence yesterday . . .”
Describing David’s promise of revenge and her own actions, Abigail was startled to hear choking sounds from Nabal’s throat, but she continued with her report until a thud and sounds of alarm from the servants caused her to her lift her eyes.
There lay The Fool, on the floor.
//
The ten days between his fall and his death passed quietly, and Abigail wondered how the demise of her own husband could affect her so slightly. She had been aware of the shriveled condition of her heart, but marveled at the cool poise with which she had wrapped up the end of shearing season and notified Nabal’s near kinsmen. They would be arriving soon to take over his property.
And what was to become of his widow? The memory of David’s blessing fanned a small hope that perhaps one day she would find a place of love and respect, but she did not know how that could be. She only knew that she must flee before The Fool’s family arrived and engulfed her as if she, too, were a possession. Gathering a small packet of provisions, she made ready to depart.
Hearing footsteps, she whirled, ready to bolt from the room, but instead she froze.
Othniel stood in the doorway, announcing the servants of David:
“David has sent us to you – to ask you to become his wife.”
Rising, Abigail bowed, and her words to David’s men were also a prayer to Yahweh:
“I am your servant.”
//
And such is the glory of unexpected love.
Each of us in our turn has been married, in some way, to foolishness —
but then redeemed by an unexpected love so strong and so wild
that all we must do is rise and follow,
placing our hand in His
and trusting for a better future.
“Behold, what manner of love the Father has given unto us . . .” (I John 3:1)
//
Be sure to check out the context for this Old Testament love story!
Photo credit: Tiago Muraro
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Michele, this is absolutely brilliant. I’m reposting to Kyria.
Thanks so much for exposing the heart, courage, determination, wisdom and independence of this woman of God whose husband was not worthy of her.
VEry powerful indeed. Many women will draw hope from this.
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Bev, thank you so much, and it is my prayer that women WILL draw hope from Abigail’s story.
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What a beautiful retelling of this story of Abigail and David, Michele! Powerful stuff for us to trust the Lord in our everyday happenings this week, knowing that HE is in charge and can see what’s around the corner, even when we cannot. Blessings on your week, friend.
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This is a great story and I love the way you told it! Thanks Michele!
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Thanks for reading!
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You tell the story like you were therecapturing all the tiny details. You are a wonderful writer Michelle.
God bless friend.
I still owe you the mail. Overtaken by life events and movements
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Ifeoma, no worries. Take all the time you need and know that there is grace. 🙂 We all depend on it!
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Michele, you gave a familiar story fresh breath from your retelling. Simply beautiful, friend. : )
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Thanks, Crystal. I really enjoyed living for a while with Abigail and her broken heart that dared to believe for hope.
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It is by stories He taught those who needed to hear, and by stories we still feed the creative soul in each other as we share. You have a beautiful way of sharing grace in your storytelling, Michele.
Blessings,
Dawn
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Dawn, what an encouraging comment. Thanks so much for reading.
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looks like a compelling read, Michele …
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It is my first visit to your site. I’m glad I took the time to read. Thank you for the message of this story.
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Welcome! I’m glad you took time as well — and really glad to hear from you!
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Michele,
Your words bring this OT story to life!
I think it’s time for a novel from you! You have a gift with words!
I’ll enjoy sharing this one with my friends and readers!
Blessings,
Melanie
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Thanks, Melanie!
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michele, this story is truly beautiful isn’t it? i remember the first time i read it in the bible. i couldn’t believe it! it is an amazing story isn’t it?
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Amazing. And I love the grace of God, his choosing of David, his rescuing Abigail.
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I’ve always been fascinated by this account in Scripture. You tell it so beautifully. What a courageous woman of God. I love it. Blessings to you my friend!
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Me too, Deb, and I felt as if I got to know her better through writing about her. Thanks for all your encouragement.
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Thank you Michele, I so appreciate fictionalized versions of biblical accounts.
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I so enjoy writing them. Thanks for reading!
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‘all we must do is rise and follow…’Michele, this was take-my-breath-away beautiful! Thank you. The ending swept me off my feet. What a surprise application.
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Thanks so much for reading. You’re always so positive and encouraging.
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A story like no other. Old Testament stories have been fascinating to me. AT times, I have trouble understanding their message without having to read it over and over again. I love the twist you have on this. Thanks for sharing today on Tuesday Talk Michele.
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The truth of the Old Testament is definitely worth the effort — how wonderful that you are willing to read and re-read. I have to do that as well, and am always glad that I did.
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What a marvelous retelling of the beautiful story of Abigail and David! Thanks so much for such a good read tonight! Blessings on your week!
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Pam, I love it when you come to visit because you are always such an encouragement. Thank you.
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Sure thing!
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Beautiful, Michele. I have loved the story of Abigail since hearing Chuck Swindoll do a teaching on his radio program on her years ago. It is one that has stayed with me. Your post so reminded me of this wise woman & all we can learn from her. Blessings!
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I’m going to have to see if I can find that message by Chuck Swindoll. He’s so gifted!
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Such a beautiful way to share the story. Thank you.
Thank you for linking with Woman to Woman’s Word Filled Wednesday. God bless.
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Jenifer, so nice to hear from you. Thanks for your the warm welcome!
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Oh, you have a beautiful way with words!! This was a delight to read and a wonderful application of the way our savior’s love rushes into our foolish lives!
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Ren, what a delightful way of describing our Savior’s love. We do need to be rescued from our foolishness!
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Great retelling of Abigail and David’s story, Michelle! You did a wonderful job of letting us into what surely must have been Abigail’s thoughts. Thanks for sharing it here today at The Loft.
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Thanks for reading, Jerralea. I’ve loved this story — and also been saddened by it for a long time, so was glad to have the opportunity to explore it in detail.
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I am speechless, Michele. This is amazing and so beautiful. God rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Abigail’s story assures us of it. Thank you SO, SO much for linking this up at The Loft.
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So happy to find a welcome at The Loft each week. Thanks for reading and for your encouragement.
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Beautiful… simply beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing this. I am going to reread and revel in His unexpected love for me… blessings!
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There is no higher compliment than a re-read. Thanks, DeAnna.
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I was eager for more Michele!! What a beautiful way to tell this story and you had me captured from the first sentence. I felt right there in the middle of it. Love your writing 🙂
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Thank you, Crystal!
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This is a story that was interesting to me when I studied Abigail. I like how you related this to our own association with foolishness.
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Yes, we are all “married to foolishness” in some way. Thanks for reading.
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What a beautiful retelling, Michele! It’s amazing how important both love AND respect are to a healthy marriage.
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Yes, and I’d like to believe that she found both with David, the scoundrel and philanderer who somehow managed to be called a man after God’s own heart . . .
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What a lovely retelling of this story! When I first read it, I was surprised at the ending but oh so happy for Abigail! I probably say this repeatedly, but I’ll mention again: you have a gift for story telling! Blessings!
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What an encouragement your words are, Carrie! Thanks for sharing your heart as well!
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This is so good. I love how you brought the story to life- and your point at the end about how we have all been “married to foolishness” but are redeemed by unexpected love.
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The life of Abigail is one of my favorites. The writing of this story is beautiful, Michele. Thank you for sharing it with Thankful Thursdays.
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What a wonderful paraphrase of such a well know story of the bible. Thank you for sharing with #TheCozyReadingSpot
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Be still, my heart. One of my favorites and you did what I adore doing. You went between those glorious lines of scripture and gave us a story we will never forget. Well done,my friend, well done. (((♥))) Happy heart day to you as well!
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There’s just so much going on between those sparse details — and I try to be careful not to overstep, but isn’t Abigail just the best? Thanks, Susan, for your encouragement!
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What a wonderful storyteller you are, Michele! I love the way you retold this Bible story, and the symbolic twist at the end is amazing! Great job! 🙂
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This perspective of Abigail really encouraged my heart his morning. Happy Monday, from the Inspire Me Monday link up!
Megs
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So happy to hear that, Megs!
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I remember reading this before and I’m glad you’ve shared it again. Your words really bring the story to life.
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I love thinking about this story for Valentine’s Day. Thanks for having your eyes on it again!
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Thanks for freshening this story, Michele, by telling from a different perspective. Made me smile today!
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“Freshening”
I like that word!
Thanks, and know that you are in my prayers.
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Oh my, what a gifted storyteller you are, Michele …
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Thanks, Linda, for reading and encouraging! You’re always a blessing!
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Oh likewise, my friend! Very much so!
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How delightful and inspiring!
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Wow! You brought this story to life in an incredible way. Thank you Michele.
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Thanks, Laura. I do love to look between the lines of these wonderful OT stories!
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Oh, Michele. I’ve read and loved Abigail’s story, but you made it three-dimensional for me! LOVED this post. And I’m grateful for the reminder that we’ve all been married to foolishness at one time or another in our lives. But God. His redemption, His love take us to new and amazing places. Loved this!
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Yes, your words remind me of our friend Holly and her regular reminders to have our eyes open for God’s work of redemption, active and present in our lives. Thanks so much for your input and encouragement today, Jeanne!
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I love the way you tell this story. Blessed to be your neighbor at Tell His Story.
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Michele – this is absolutely, breathtakingly beautiful! What a fabulous storyteller you are! Thank you for sharing this today – it was a worship song in my heart.
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Thank you, Carol. I appreciate your words of encouragement!
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Beautiful and powerful! Thank you for sharing!
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You have certainly brought to life this beautiful story of a brave woman and the sparks romance even as she approached David. Thank you for sharing your thrilling rendition of this old testament love story with us here at Tell me a Story.
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Glad to connect with you there, Hazel!
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That gave me goosebumps. It could rival any romance novel on the market.
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We do forget that the stories of the Bible have been lived by real people who had real feelings, suffered real hardships and disappointments, and experienced real love!
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Beautiful reminder of what love is. Your ability to inspire through retelling a Bible story is beautiful!
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I love this Old Testament glimpse into a relationship — and a double rescue!
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I love how her proper fear of God, brought her such blessing. The beautiful writing makes it so crystal clear to all of us. Thank you.
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Thank you so much! Blessings to you!
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Beautiful! I”m so glad you brought this back for me to read! I love how you connected this love story to us. We’ve all been married to foolishness “but then redeemed by an unexpected love so strong and so wild that all we must do is rise and follow.”
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Thankful for that redemption and for the wild and wonderful love of God.
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What a lovely retelling! I love this: “Each of us in our turn has been married, in some way, to foolishness — but then redeemed by an unexpected love so strong and so wild
that all we must do is rise and follow.” Thank you!
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Thanks, Charlie!
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AH! You are so gifted! I love this!! It was playing a motion picture movie in my head! And I love that she brought up the stone in the sling….wow – I never caught that before??!
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Meg, you are such an encourager! Thanks for rolling out the welcome mat each week!
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