David’s proposal

Hearing Nabal had died, David praised the Lord. The Lord himself had judged Nabal and David was prevented from having to resort to revenge. (1) After a suitable period, David sent messengers to propose marriage to Abigail. He sent messengers to avoid embarrassment in case she refused. She was a wealthy widow at the time, while David was still living as a fugitive. (2) Another reason David sent messengers was to ensure that Abigail did not feel coerced. Whether she accepted or declined, David wanted her to make the decision of her own free will. This action also reflects David’s gentlemanly character. (3) David’s first wife was Saul’s daughter Michal, but Saul had given her away to a man named Palti. Saul deliberately thrusted his own daughter into a sinful life. From today’s perspective, the concept of polygamy is intolerable. However, according to the customs of the time, David’s proposal to Abigail was entirely acceptable (Deut. 17:17 does state, “He must not acquire many wives,” but this is to prevent the king from marrying foreign wives who might lead him into idolatry. King Solomon would later fail in this respect).

Abigail’s response

(1) Abigail acted promptly. She quickly made preparations and followed David’s messengers with five of her maidservants. (2) Her attitude was one of servitude. She said, “Behold, your slave is a servant to wash the feet of my Lord’s servants.” In other words, she was willing to become a servant to David’s servants. (3) David’s first wife was Michal, the second was Ahinoam, and Abigail became his third wife. Abigail chose to suffer alongside David for the glory that lay ahead. Similarly, we too choose to suffer with Christ, believing in the future blessings. Do you believe that Christ will return to earth as the King of Kings?