# David and Abigail [View the canonical artwork record]() ## Artwork - Artist: [POURBUS, Frans the Elder]() - Date: 1551-1600 - Technique: Oak wood, 158 x 208 cm ## Commentary This biblical narrative, recounted in 1 Samuel 25:2-42, describes an episode during David's exile in the wilderness in southern Judah. David, in need of provisions, sent some of his men to request aid from a wealthy sheep farmer named Nabal, whose herd David had let graze unmolested all winter. The sheep farmer curtly refused their request. Infuriated, David set out with 400 armed men to seek revenge. Nabal's wife, Abigail, having learned of David's impending attack, quickly packed generous provisions - including bread, wine, meat, and fruit - on the backs of donkeys, and set out to intercept David and his soldiers. She pleaded with David to forego his punitive action, reminding him that he was fighting the Lord's battles and should not allow evil into his life. Abigail returned home and her joyous news caused her husband's heart to die "within him, and he became as a stone." Upon hearing of Nabal's death, David assumed that God had acted to support his cause and rejoiced, after which he promptly sent servants to ask Abigail to marry him. She consented and became David's second wife. Formerly the painting was attributed to Marten de Vos. ## Related artworks - [Christ among the Doctors]() - [Crucifixion with the Virgin Mary, St John the Evangelist and Mary Magdalene]() - [Portrait of a Knight of the Order of Calatrava]() - [Portrait of a Man]() - [Portrait of a Man]() - [Portrait of a Woman]() - [Portrait of a Young Woman]() - [Presumed Self-Portrait]() - [The Prodigal Son Among Courtesans]() ## Attribution [Web Gallery of Art]()