Abital (Hebrew: ‘Ăḇīṭāl), a name meaning “my father is dew” or “father of dew,” is a female figure recorded in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible as one of the wives of King David.
Her name appears in the genealogical lists of David’s family, confirming her position in the royal household during the formative years of his kingdom.
Abital: A Wife in Hebron
Abital is one of the six wives listed who bore sons to David during his seven-and-a-half-year reign in Hebron, before he captured Jerusalem and established it as his capital.
She is mentioned in two primary passages which record the names of David’s children born during this pivotal time:
“And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;…” (2 Samuel 3:4, KJV).
“The fifth, Shephatiah of Abital: the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife:” (1 Chronicles 3:3, KJV).
Key Family Relationship
- Husband: King David
- Son: Shephatiah, who is listed as David’s fifth son born in Hebron.
The Significance of Abital’s Mention
Like Abishur before her, Abital has no personal narrative or recorded actions in the Bible. Her importance is purely genealogical, yet profound in the context of the Davidic covenant and the Lord’s Return:
- Confirmation of Royal Lineage: Her inclusion in both the books of Samuel and Chronicles underscores her undeniable position as a mother within the Davidic dynasty. In the ancient world, especially for a king, recording the mother of each son was crucial for establishing the legitimacy of potential heirs.
- The Tapestry of God’s Providence: The very briefness of her mention serves as a reminder that God uses even the most obscure figures to weave the fabric of His redemptive plan. She is one more faithful link in the long chain of the descendants of Judah that led directly to the promised Messiah.
- The Name’s Imagery: The meaning of her name, “my father is dew,” is a beautiful poetic image. In a dry climate, dew symbolizes refreshment, blessing, and the quiet, life-giving power of God. She stands as a quiet testimony to the gentle provision and growth within the royal house, even amid the political complexities of polygamy.