~ A Picture of the Church ~
Abigail is one of the most beautiful women in the Bible and is a “type” of the universal Church. A type in the Bible is a picture of something else. The primary Biblical account of Abigail is found in 1 Samuel 25:2-42. Here are some examples of how Abigail pictures the Church:
Her Name ~ Abigail means “gift of the father.” The Church is a gift from the Father to Jesus Christ (John 17:6-8, 18:9). Abigail’s overall life displays how God hides from the proud and mighty but reveals Himself to those who humble themselves before Him (James 4:6).
Her Beauty ~ Abigail possessed a “beautiful countenance” (25:3). The Church will be presented to Christ as His bride “without spot or wrinkle” (Ephesians 5:27). Abigail understood David’s true nature and value before it was widely recognized—long before the wedding.
Her Background ~ Abigail was from Nabal’s house of great abundance (a type of the world). The Church is from the world with all its abundance and treasures. Abigail left behind the riches of Nabal’s household as she joined David in the wilderness (25:18-20). The Church is to forsake earthly treasures (Luke 14:33) and instead to lay up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20). The Church is still in the world but no longer of the world (John 17:14-16).
Her Vision ~ Abigail saw David’s worth and glory when those around her did not, and she acted on faith (Psalm 25:14). She saw David as being the Anointed One and she acted in faith and believed in David. Today entrance into the Church is on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ.
Her Insight ~ Abigail knew that after David suffered there would be glory. We are told that Abigail was a woman of “good understanding”—she had been given divine knowledge! Similarly the Church has spiritual insight and the “mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16) and looks forward to future glory.
Her Response ~ Abigail responded to David with “my lord” (25:24-31). David at the time was a fugitive and outcast from society. Abigail understood David even though the masses did not! Individuals become members of the Church as they respond “my Lord” (i.e., John 20:28) while Jesus Christ is not recognized by the majority (1 Corinthians 1:26).
Her Request ~ Abigail said to David “remember your handmaid” (25:31). The thief on the cross is a good representative of each one who becomes a part of the Church when he said "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom" (Luke 23:42).
His Response ~ David saw Abigail’s ministry and gave her peace and ministered blessings to her in return (25:32-35). Christ is in the business of providing great blessings including peace in the middle of turmoil (Philippians 4:7) and abundant life now to those who serve Him (John 10:10b).
The Initiator ~ David was the initiator of this relationship (25:39). It is Christ who seeks us (Luke 19:10).
Her Blessings ~ Abigail was favored and blessed—the Church is greatly favored and eternally set apart (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
The Process ~ Abigail appeared to suffer loss by leaving her wealthy place. In reality it was nothing compared to her ultimate gain. But note the important parallel—she joined with David while he was still rejected and an outcast. Individuals become members of the Church while He is still widely rejected and scorned (Luke 21:12).
The Bride ~ Abigail was David’s bride and the Church is the Greater David’s bride.
The Bridegroom ~ David (a type of Christ) was despised and rejected prior to the wedding. David spent time in the wilderness (25:14), as did Christ (Luke 4:1-13). David was without a home in the wilderness. The Son of Man had “nowhere to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20). Both were kings yet at the time of courting were without a kingdom.
The Final Results ~ Judgment was slow in coming, but eventually it came: “the Lord smote Nabal and he died” (25:38). After Nabal’s death Abigail is united with David. As the world, the flesh, and the devil are slain, we are united with Christ (1 John 2:16-17). When complete victory arrives, we will be wedded to Christ.
The Wedding ~ Note the sequence. First Abigail was a partner in David’s sorrow after which she became his bride (25:42), and finally she was on the throne with David. The Church is a partner with Christ and His sufferings (Philippians 3:10) but will later become His bride (Ephesians 5:27) and rule with Him—the greater David (Revelation 20:4-6).
Additional Thoughts ~ Abigail’s deepest thoughts were not concerning herself or her personal comforts but towards David. Everything we do should be for His glory not for our own benefit (1 Corinthians 10:31). In summary, while Abigail is a single individual, she is also a representative of many of whom the Bible says “of whom the world was not worthy” (Hebrews 11:38).
ADDITIONAL COMMENT: The book One Precious Pearl (see the OPP tab at the top of the page) presents the Church from another Biblical perspective.
PERSONAL COMMENT: My granddaughter—Abigail—becomes a teenager within a week. Honey, this week’s blog is dedicated to you!
