Abigail

Abigail (meaning father's joy or leader of joy) is the name of two women in the Old Testament. (1.) The wife of the wealthy but churlish Nabal of Carmel, described as a woman of good understanding and beautiful appearance. When David's men came to Nabal seeking provisions and were rudely refused, Abigail intervened with gifts and a persuasive speech that dissuaded David from a violent reprisal. After Nabal died of shock upon learning of his near-ruin, David took Abigail as his wife. She shared his years of exile and bore him his son Chileab.

(2.) A sister of David who married Jether the Ishmaelite and became the mother of Amasa, the commander whom Absalom appointed over his rebel army (2 Samuel 17:25).