The Bible tells us in I Kings 1 that Abishag was chosen simply for her beauty from all the women of Israel as a companion for King David in his last days. Evidently, those who were in charge of the selection hoped that the physical attraction of a beautiful young virgin would be enough to keep the king warm.  That was not at all the result of the relationship between Abishag and King David.

In my book, “To Comfort a King,” Bathsheba puts a further requirement on the position:  She must be able to play the harp.  King David belittles the girl’s asset of beauty – “What have I to do with beauty at my age?” he asks.  After he hears Abishag play his harp, however, he acknowledges that she does have comfort to offer him.

Would he have given a homely woman the same opportunity to comfort him?  Was it Abishag’s outer beauty that endeared her to the king?  Hardly!  By that time in his life, King David had gained an appreciation for inner beauty.  Abishag’s gift of playing the harp formed an immediate bond between them.  It was a joy they could and would share, regardless of how beautiful – or homely — Abishag might have been.

Abishag wisely took no credit for her beauty.  She perhaps even considered it a hindrance.  It had, after all, interrupted her life and postponed her marriage.  She did not want to be valued simply for her appearance.  She longed for someone to love her for all the reasons no eyes could see.  Would that need be fulfilled by anyone at the palace?