Abigail was married to Nabal and later became one of King David’s wives.
The account appears in 1 Samuel 25. Nabal, a wealthy man from Carmel, harshly refused David’s request for provisions after David’s men had protected Nabal’s shepherds and flocks. Abigail, described as intelligent and beautiful, intervened with food and a respectful appeal that persuaded David not to take violent revenge.
After Abigail told Nabal what had happened, he became ill and died about ten days later. David then sent for Abigail and married her. The story presents her as a wise mediator who prevented David from incurring bloodguilt during the period before he became king.
A common mix-up is with Bathsheba, another well-known wife of David. Bathsheba was originally married to Uriah, while Abigail’s first husband was Nabal. Abigail and David had a son named Chileab, also called Daniel in the Septuagint tradition. She is generally described as David’s third wife, after Michal and Ahinoam, though lists can vary depending on how David’s marriages are ordered.