In 1 Samuel 25, we see Abigail live out her calling to be an Ezer, or an essential counterpart, who comes alongside both David and her husband, Nabal, to bring strength and security.  She partners with both men as she shields Nabal, her fool of a husband, and owns the cause of David, the man who wanted to kill him.

In David’s moment of weakness, Abigail aligns herself with what God is doing in his life. She redirects his actions and mindset towards divine justice and God’s sovereignty. She becomes a mouthpiece for the Lord, reminding David of God’s hand and favor in his life, and then warns him of the staggering weight and consequences of his sin. In his weakness, she ennobles him, gives him an opportunity to repent, and partners with him in the work that God is going to do through him.

Meanwhile, Abigail positions herself under the weight of her husband’s foolishness and insulates him from certain death. Because a woman sees his foolishness more than anyone else, she can be tempted to withhold favor, to despise, to stand in judgment of, to be self-protective or self-promoting, to not serve, to act proudly, or to not come alongside. It would be easy for her to feel vindicated and justified in these actions because she is most affected. However, Abigail carries the responsibility of Nabal’s sin and owns his cause.

Although Abigail is caught between a fool and a weak man, she does not turn either man over to despair. Rather, she brings her strength to bear in such a way that the fool is protected and the weak man finds strength. Abigail becomes a shield and provides shade under which both men find respite.

As women, we are called to live out our Ezer calling in our day-to-day lives, illustrated by Abigail’s ability to partner with both men and act as a resource of wisdom and strength. Although we might be tempted to be autonomous or try to control those around us, we can instead unleash our core capacity to partner with them and own their cause.

Visit our website for more information about our Ezer ministry and resources  on living out your core calling as a woman. Fill out this form if you are interested in participating in our next Biblical Femininity study at your campus.