ABIGAIL; Or, The Power of Prudence

ABIGAIL; Or, The Power of Prudence
From Timeless Grace Gems
James Smith, 1856

"David said to Abigail: Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me. May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands!" 1 Samuel 25:32-33

Saving grace always refines and dignifies the human character. Abigail would no doubt have been a fine character under any circumstances — but never the character she was, but for the grace of God. This raised her above her gender in general, and above herself in particular. She now stands out before us to be admired and imitated as an example of prudence.

Her husband, Nabal, was rich, and his riches were a curse to him, rather than a blessing. They were fuel to his lusts, and served to strengthen his evil propensities. They made him PROUD, and pride . . .
hardened his heart,
closed his eyes to danger, and
brought him into imminent peril.

He was FOOLISH; in this he answered to his name, as his wife said, "Nabal is his name, and folly is with him." How can we account for some names? What parent under ordinary circumstances, would call his child "Nabal," or a fool? Yet his parents did so.

His nature was DOGGISH. He was surly, selfish, and snappish. He possessed a canine disposition. Poor wretch, he must be unhappy with all his wealth — for enjoyment flows from the state of our hearts, rather than from our circumstances.

David was poor — but honest. He was anointed to the kingdom by God — but outlawed by Saul. Circumstances sometimes bring us into strange connections. David was Nabal's neighbor, and a good neighbor to him too. His flock was safe; his property was guarded. But ingratitude will incense the kindest heart, and Nabal's ingratitude filled David with anger. In Nabal's house all was joy, feasting, and revelry. He had just sheared his sheep; three thousand fine fleeces added greatly to his wealth. The work was over; the wool was secured; and all was festivity.

How different was David's lot. He had many mouths — and little food. He thought that wealth and wine would make Nabal generous, at least courteous; but how greatly was he mistaken. He sent his servants with a message — only to receive insults. They return, and tell how violently they were treated. David's blood was heated; passion seizes thoughts; and Nabal is doomed to death. Now all was danger; but drunken Nabal was unconscious of it. The news reached his house; fear and alarm were felt; a master-mind was required; without this, destruction will ride in triumph.

Danger brings out those features of character that were concealed; there was one in the house qualified to take the lead, to avert the stroke, to save the man and his household. That one was the thoughtful, the beautiful, the prudent Abigail.

No doubt but she answered to her name also; "Her father's joy." When the fond parent printed the first kiss on her ruby lips, he said, "Call her Abigail, for she is my joy!" What she was — all prudent daughters are. They make their fathers happy in life's meridian, and cheer their spirits in life's decline. Happy is the father whose daughters, if they have not the name — have the nature of prudent Abigail!

But she was badly matched. How strange to see so good a woman — united to so bad a man. Was it Nabal's wealth which induced Abigail's father to give her to that churl, irrespective of his disposition? It is to be feared that many parents make their children unhappy for life, by proposing or sanctioning unions — simply on the ground of wealth. The principal thing to be sought in order to marriage — after saving grace — is suitability of disposition. The man must have a constant cross who marries a woman who cannot understand him, and has not talent or grace to adapt herself to him.

Nor is a woman in a much better situation. A sensible woman married to an imbecile! A wise woman married to a foolish Nabal! What a miserable connection.

Young people should be careful not to match with unsuitable partners. Remember, the union is for life. Not only so, it is the closest of all unions, and without adaptation — it cannot be happy. There is much domestic misery where it is never suspected, and it generally arises from letting passion or pride form the connection. There should be much thought, and more prayer, before young people pledge themselves to each other — than upon any other subject.

How distressing to see a sober, respectable woman — united to a sottish, drunken husband. Abigail must have had much sorrow — much suffering. She could not look upon her husband, or lean upon him, or respect him, as she ought. She was to be greatly pitied, for in those days, parents gave their daughters to whom they would. Many in our country are only to be blamed, because they could have refused the connection if they would. She and her whole household were placed in the greatest danger by her husband's folly, and only some bold — yet prudent step, could save them.

Abigail was almost the opposite of her husband; she foresaw the danger, and sought to ward it off. She was a good wife, and used all the means in her power to save her husband. She acted promptly, and she acted well. She made her preparations, and went forth to meet David. She sees him coming with his armed men. She alights from her donkey; she falls down before him; she pleads with him; she offers her present to him; and she prevails.

Mark her reverence. See her on her knees; hear her plead! If only the soft, mellow, musical tones of her voice, could fall upon your ears as they did on the ears of David! Her voice makes way for her words. Her words are but wings for her feelings.

They are carried unto David's heart. His sympathies are awakened. It is as if a cool refreshing sea breeze passes over him, and his blood grows cool, his passions subside, his resentment dies, and he is changed into another man. He saw a woman approach him; he heard a woman speak to him; but he looks on that prostrate form now, and could believe it to be an angel. What a strange transition! What a wondrous change! Surely his men must look with wonder at their courageous captain, so speedily conquered by a feeble woman — if they were not as much overcome as he was. He admires her person; he admits her plea; he grants her request; he receives her present; and he pours the warmest blessings of his soul upon her.

Happy is the man who has a prudent wife. Well may Solomon say, "A prudent wife is from the Lord." And again, "The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way."

Prudence has prevailed. Abigail is happy, for Nabal and all her household are saved from the sword, and she is blessed by the anointed king of Israel. David is happy, and returns to his place praising God, and commending the prudent wife of Nabal.

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