Abigail of Carmel
Wife of Nabal then David. She was discerning and beautiful.
- Husband: Nabal, King David
- Children: Chileab of Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel (2 Samuel 3:2-5)
She is freed of Nabal and marries David
One of her young men informed her that David had sent messengers to greet Nabal, but he railed at them unfairly, for they took nothing and were like a wall for them. Now they will bring harm against Nabal, but no one could get through to him. Abigail took 200 loaves, 2 skins of wine, 5 sheep already prepared, 5 seahs of parched grain, 100 clusters of raisins, and 200 cakes of figs on donkeys. When she met David, she bowed, took the guilt, affirmed his house, and asked him wait for the LORD so he has no bloodguilt. When the LORD deals well with him, remember her. David blessed her, took her gift, and sent her in peace. Abigail returned to Nabal feasting and drunk, so she told him in the morning. His heart died within in, he became as a stone, and 10 days later, he died. David sent for Abigail as a wife, and also Ahinoam of Jezreel. (1 Samuel 25)
Abigail flees with David to Achish
David feared Saul would kill him, so he took Ahinoam of Jezreel, Abigail, and his 600 men to live with Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath, in Philistia, where Saul would surely no longer pursue him. After living in the royal city, Achish gave David Ziklag to live in. They lived in Philistia for a year and 4 months, raiding the enemies of Israel under the pretense of raiding Israel, and gained Achish's trust. (1 Samuel 27)
Abigail is kidnapped from Ziklag
While David and his men were serving in the Philistinian army against the Israelites, a band of Amalekites overwhelmed Ziklag, burned it with fire, and took captive everyone small and great, including Abigail of Carmel. (1 Samuel 30)
Abigail moves with David to Hebron
When David learned of Saul's death, he inquired of the LORD and went to live in the towns of Hebron with his wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel, and his men. He was anointed there. (2 Samuel 2)
As the house of David grows stronger, he has many sons, including Chileab by Abigail. (2 Samuel 3)