Abigail takes a much more humble place than Jonathan did, and one which, even at the time, acknowledged David much more fully. It is not a friend like Jonathan, but a submissive soul, taking her own place before him, which in spirit gives David his place according to God. It is exactly that which should distinguish the spirit of the assembly, and of the Christian. In Jonathan we see the remnant under the Jewish aspect. But Abigail enters into the spirit of God’s purposes respecting David, although he was now in distress. David, while thoroughly submissive to these adverse circumstances, can act according to the faith that owns him as the rightful king; he hears her voice and accepts her person.
Let us mark the features of Abigail’s faith. All rests upon her appreciation of David; his title as owned of God; his personal perfection; and that which belonged to him according to the counsels of God. It is this which forms a Christian’s judgment; in everything he appreciates Christ. Abigail thinks of him according to all the good which God has spoken of him. She sees him fighting God’s battles, where others only see a rebel against Saul; and all this from her heart. She judges Nabal, and looks upon him as already judged of God on account of this, for with her everything is judged according to its connection with David. God accomplishes this judgment ten days later, although Nabal was at peace in his own house, and David an exile and outcast. Nevertheless the relation of Abigail to Nabal is recognized until God executes judgment. She judges Saul: he is but “a man,” because her faith regards David as king. All her desire is that David may remember her. Jonathan says, when he goes out to David, “I shall be next unto thee;” and David abides in the wood, while Jonathan returns to his house. God had judged Saul’s family; Jonathan remains with them and shares their ruin.
This is important to a Christian. For example, he respects official Christianity, in so far as it is based on God’s authority (which in the world is the religion of God, while God bears with it), and does not stand up against it. As to faith and personal walk, this is not at all true Christianity, just as Saul was only “a man” to Abigail’s faith.
J. N. Darby (adapted)