Notable Sources
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Divine Intervention through Abigail
TANAKH
In the biblical narrative of the book of Samuel, Abigail intervenes to prevent David from committing a murderous act of revenge against her husband. When David recognizes that she is right, he praises God for sending Abigail to avert his own intended action.
Abigail's Prophetic Wisdom
COMMENTARY
The Talmud in tractate Megillah lists Abigail as one of several prophetesses, and expands on biblical verses to identify her prophecy. This contemporary commentary explains the Talmudic discussion.
Abigail's Strategic Foresight
TALMUD
Abigail's interaction with David demonstrate her ability to manage multiple objectives simultaneously. In the Talmud, Rav Naḥman uses folk sayings to illustrate Abigail's strategic foresight in her approach to David, aiming to save her husband while also hinting at a future marriage with David.
Abigail's Wisdom and Atonement
MIDRASH
The Midrash Tehillim, a collection of homiletic teachings on the Book of Psalms, expands on the story of Abigail, praising her actions in relation to David.
Abigail's Night Ride
TALMUD
While discussing the proper way for a woman to sit on an animal, the Talmud raises the verse describing Abigail's ride on the donkey to stop David as a challenge to the conventional wisdom. The Talmud goes on to discusses the particular circumstances of Abigail's ride.
Abigail: Visionary and Guide
COMMENTARY
Abigail is identified among other women who achieved prophecy. The Tze'enah Ure'enah, a late 16th-century Yiddish commentary, explains that it should be no surprise that pious women attain the same spiritual level as pious men.
Abigail's Strategic Intervention
SECOND TEMPLE
Abigail's wisdom and strategic intervention prevented a massacre. Josephus, the first-century Jewish historian, recounts the biblical story of Abigail and Nabal, emphasizing her role in averting David's wrath.
Abigail Kneels Before David, James Tissot, 1896-1902
Abigail Kneels Before David, James Tissot, 1896-1902
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