Abigail and Amasa

Abigail, in the Old Testament, the wife of Nabal of southern Judah, on whose death she became one of the first wives of David (1 Samuel 25) and the mother of his son Chileab. The name Abigail was also borne by David’s sister (1 Chronicles 2:16), who was the mother of Amasa, commander of the army of Absalom. In 1 Samuel 25, a beautiful story emerges, one of submission and deliverance. Abigail is a lesser-known heroine in the Bible, a humble woman who was married to a wealthy scoundrel. Abigail combined her wisdom with her wealth to appear before an approaching enemy to plead for the safety of her husband’s household. Abigail, the wife of Nabal of Carmel, is the only woman in the Hebrew Bible who is described as both intelligent and beautiful. After enumerating Nabal’s enormous wealth in flocks (1 Sam 25:2), the narrative introduces her in contrast to him. The lesson of Abigail- Be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” And in the account of Abigail, we witness a woman who remained in an attitude of true humility before her enemies — even before someone who had the power to destroy family members, servants, her home, and her life as she’d known it. Whether David married her because he was attracted to her, or as an astute political move, or both is unclear. Abigail and David’s second wife, Ahinoam the Jezreelite, accompany David and his war band as they seek refuge in Philistine territory. The name comes from the Biblical Hebrew name Hebrew: אֲבִיגַיִל / אֲבִיגָיִל ʾĂvî-Ghayil, meaning “my father’s joy” (alternatively “my father is exulted” or “my father is joyful”, among others). Abigail is known for her wisdom, courage, and humility. Her name means “Father’s Joy.” Abigail was the widow of Nabal and the wife of David. Although she had no idea where her journey was taking her, Abigail stepped out in faith and acted to save her people. Amasa (עמשא) or Amessai is a person mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. His mother was Abigail (2 Samuel 17:25), a sister of King David (1 Chronicles 2:16,17). Hence, Amasa was a nephew of David, and cousin of Joab, David’s military commander, as well as a cousin of Absalom, David’s son. But Joab had the political sense to tell the king to declare it a victory, to hide his feelings, and to reassert his power. David followed Joab’s grim advice. Tired of his hatchet man who had polished off his beloved son, David demoted Joab and appointed one Amasa as the new commander of the army. Then the king said to Amasa, “Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself.” Amasa (עמשא) or Amessai is a person mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. His mother was Abigail (2 Samuel 17:25), a sister of King David (1 Chronicles 2:16,17). Hence, Amasa was a nephew of David, and cousin of Joab, David’s military commander, as well as a cousin of Absalom, David’s son. Joab, who was with Abishai and the mighty men, approached Amasa and killed him. Joab’s murder of Amasa is very similar to the way in which he’d killed Abner, the former commander of the army of Israel, as well as his murder of Absalom. Joab then assumed his prior position as commander of the army, and pursued Sheba. Amasa was David’s nephew, the son of Abigail, who was David’s sister (1 Chr. 2:17). He was also a cousin to Joab, the commander of David’s army. Absalom appointed Amasa as commander of his rebel army, when he rebelled against David. Google Inc

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Laura Zukerman

Owner and Founder At The Goddess Bibles

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