Abigal

From Association of Independent Readers and Rootworkers

Donated by Jeremy Abigail Scott Duniway (October 22, 1834 – October 11, 1915) was an American women's rights advocate, newspaper editor and writer, whose efforts were instrumental in gaining voting rights for women. You should know her (particularly right now when women’s rights are under attack). But let’s move on to Abigail of the Bible.

The seven Jewish biblical prophetesses

Abigail is one of the seven prophetesses of the Bible, according to Jewish tradition. Along with Sarah, Miriam, Deborah, Hannah, Huldah, and Esther, Abigail is one of the intercessors I use for bibliomantic divination with my book, Sefer ha-Sheilat Sefer. Today, I will focus on Abigail’s story and her mystical associations!

Abigail the hottie

According to the Talmud (Meg. 15a) Abigail, who eventually became the wife of King David, was also one of the four most beautiful women in history (the other three being Sarah, Rahab, and Esther). The mere thought of Abigail, even if you had never seen her, was said to inspire lust.

Abigail the smartie

In 1 Samuel 25, the savvy and intelligent Abigail is introduced as the wife of Nabal, a rich, foolish, and surly Carmelite whose disrespect angered young David prior to his becoming king. Alerted to David’s threat to Nabal, Abigail intervened. Not only did she successfully placate David, but intellectually bested him in an argument demonstrating her mental prowess. In doing so, she averted bloodshed and Nabal’s death.

Upon her return, Nabal was found drunk at a banquet and Abigail decided to wait until the following day to tell him what she had done.

Abigail marries, becomes a prophetess as a side hustle

However, before she could tell him on the following day, Nabal was struck down by G-d and passed away ten days later. Upon hearing of Nabal’s death, David, who was genuinely in love with Abigail, asked her to marry him. She accepted his proposal and became his third wife as well as one of the mothers of his children. She became a prophetess when she told David, “There shall be no grief unto thee” (1 Samuel 35:31).

Abigail the moral

For centuries rabbis have told the story that Abigail’s thigh was revealed to David and inspired such lust in him that he proposed adultery. The moral Abigail responded to David, “Do not let this be a cause of stumbling”—essentially telling him not succumb to Yetzer Ha-Ra, the evil inclination.

Abigail the parallel processor who can walk and chew gum

Abigail is the inspiration for the Jewish proverb “While a woman talks she spins,” which praises woman’s ability to engage in two activities simultaneously.

Abigail and her mystical associations

Hebrew name: אביגיל

Planet: Mercury

Astrological association: Gemini, Virgo

Gematria: 56

Stone: Agate

Developmental stage: Royal bloodline

Day: Thursday

Sefirot: Hod (majesty, glory, humility)

Sacred species: Pomegranate

Body association: Left leg

Rituals: Peacemaking

Holidays: Lag B’Omer, Shavuot

Symbols: Wedding chuppah, palace of the king in Hebron, Jerusalem

Prayers: Modeh Ani

Corresponding archangel: Raphael