Context No. 3713 of 4322 · 1 Samuel

1 Samuel 25:40-44: in context

40When David’s servants had come to Abigail to Carmel, they spoke to her, saying, “David has sent us to you, to take you to him as wife.” 41She arose and bowed herself with her face to the earth, and said, “Behold, your servant is a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.” 42Abigail hurriedly arose and rode on a donkey with her five maids who followed her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife. 43David also took Ahinoam of Jezreel; and they both became his wives. 44Now Saul had given Michal his daughter, David’s wife, to Palti the son of Laish, who was of Gallim.

After the death of the foolish Nabal, David sends for his widow Abigail, the wise and discerning woman who had earlier turned away David's rash anger and saved lives by her prudence. And Abigail's response is beautiful in its humility: she bows with her face to the ground and says, behold, your servant is a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.

This woman, praised for her wisdom, and now to become a king's wife, casts herself in the lowest role, ready to serve. There is a lovely picture here of humility joined to wisdom. Abigail was intelligent and capable, yet she carried no pride; she was ready to be the lowliest servant. True greatness of character, as Scripture shows again and again, is marked not by self-importance but by a genuine humility that is willing to serve. The wise and honored Abigail, offered a queen's place, answers as a servant.

Do I join wisdom and capability with genuine humility, ready to take the lowly place and serve, rather than letting my gifts feed self-importance?

Sources

1 Samuel 25:41: "She... said, Behold, your servant is a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord."
1 Samuel 25:42: "Abigail hurriedly arose... and became his wife."
Philippians 2:3: "In humility, each counting others better than himself."