Now let this gift your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow you. Now let this giftThe Hebrew word for "gift" here is "בְּרָכָה" (berakah), which can also mean "blessing." This indicates that the offering is not merely a material transaction but a gesture imbued with goodwill and divine favor. In the ancient Near Eastern context, gifts were often used to appease or honor someone, reflecting a deep-seated cultural practice of hospitality and reconciliation. Abigail's offering to David is a strategic and heartfelt attempt to avert disaster and bring peace. your servant
The term "servant" in Hebrew is "עֶבֶד" (eved), which denotes humility and submission. Abigail refers to herself as David's servant, demonstrating her respect and acknowledgment of his future kingship. This reflects the biblical principle of humility before those whom God has anointed, a recurring theme throughout Scripture that underscores the importance of recognizing God's chosen leaders. has brought to my lord
The phrase "my lord" is "אֲדֹנִי" (adoni) in Hebrew, a term of respect and acknowledgment of authority. Abigail's use of this term for David signifies her recognition of his God-given authority and future role as king. It is a prophetic acknowledgment of David's destiny, aligning with the biblical narrative of God's sovereign choice of leaders. be given to the young men
The "young men" refers to David's followers, his loyal warriors who have been with him during his time of fleeing from Saul. In the historical context, these men were not just soldiers but part of a community bound by loyalty and shared hardship. Abigail's provision for them is an act of kindness and support for David's cause, reflecting the biblical value of community and mutual support among God's people. who follow you
The phrase "who follow you" highlights the loyalty and dedication of David's men. In Hebrew, the word "follow" is "הָלַךְ" (halak), which means to walk or go after. This implies a committed journey alongside David, both physically and spiritually. It reflects the biblical theme of discipleship and following God's anointed leaders, as well as the importance of steadfastness in the face of adversity. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbigailA wise and discerning woman, the wife of Nabal, who intervenes to prevent David from taking vengeance on her household. 2. DavidThe future king of Israel, who is on the run from King Saul and is leading a group of men. 3. NabalA wealthy but foolish man, husband to Abigail, who insults David and refuses to provide for him and his men. 4. The Young MenDavid's followers, who are in need of provisions and are the intended recipients of Abigail's gift. 5. CarmelThe region where Nabal's estate is located and where the events of this chapter take place. Teaching Points The Power of a GiftAbigail's gift to David is a tangible expression of peace and goodwill. In our lives, offering gifts or acts of kindness can defuse tension and build bridges. Wisdom in ActionAbigail's discernment and quick action prevent bloodshed. We are called to seek wisdom and act decisively in situations that require intervention. Peacemaking as a VirtueAbigail's role as a peacemaker aligns with biblical teachings on the blessedness of those who pursue peace. We should strive to be peacemakers in our communities. Humility and ServiceAbigail refers to herself as David's servant, demonstrating humility. Serving others selflessly is a key Christian virtue. God's ProvidenceThe account illustrates how God can use individuals to accomplish His purposes and protect His people. Trust in God's providence in our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Abigail's approach to David demonstrate the biblical principle of peacemaking, and how can we apply this in our own conflicts? 2. In what ways does Abigail's gift serve as a model for using resources to bless others and promote reconciliation? 3. How can we cultivate the kind of wisdom and discernment that Abigail displayed in our daily decision-making? 4. What are some practical ways we can serve others with humility, as Abigail did, in our families, workplaces, and communities? 5. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced God's providence in a challenging situation. How did it shape your faith and understanding of His sovereignty? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 15:1This verse highlights the power of a gentle answer to turn away wrath, similar to how Abigail's approach to David diffuses his anger. Matthew 5:9Jesus' teaching on peacemakers being blessed connects to Abigail's role as a peacemaker in this account. Romans 12:20Paul's instruction to feed your enemy and overcome evil with good reflects Abigail's actions towards David. James 1:19-20The call to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger is exemplified in Abigail's wise and measured response to the crisis. People Abigail, Ahinoam, Caleb, David, Israelites, Jesse, Jezreel, Laish, Maon, Michal, Nabal, Palti, Paltiel, Phalti, Samuel, SaulPlaces Carmel, Gallim, Hebron, Maon, Paran, RamahTopics Accompany, Blessing, Bondmaid, Follow, Gift, Gives, Handmaid, Maidservant, Maid-servant, Master, Offering, Present, ServantDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 25:2-35 5745 women 1 Samuel 25:4-35 5325 gifts 1 Samuel 25:14-28 6206 offence 1 Samuel 25:14-31 8458 peacemakers 1 Samuel 25:14-35 5744 wife
5922 prudence Library If Then to Sin, that Others May not Commit a Worse Sin...
21. If then to sin, that others may not commit a worse sin, either against us or against any, without doubt we ought not; it is to be considered in that which Lot did, whether it be an example which we ought to imitate, or rather one which we ought to avoid. For it seems meet to be more looked into and noted, that, when so horrible an evil from the most flagitious impiety of the Sodomites was impending over his guests, which he wished to ward off and was not able, to such a degree may even that just …
St. Augustine—Against LyingJeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed.
"Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord."--Jeremiah i. 8. The Prophets were ever ungratefully treated by the Israelites, they were resisted, their warnings neglected, their good services forgotten. But there was this difference between the earlier and the later Prophets; the earlier lived and died in honour among their people,--in outward honour; though hated and thwarted by the wicked, they were exalted to high places, and ruled in the congregation. …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII How the Meek and the Passionate are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 17.) Differently to be admonished are the meek and the passionate. For sometimes the meek, when they are in authority, suffer from the torpor of sloth, which is a kindred disposition, and as it were placed hard by. And for the most part from the laxity of too great gentleness they soften the force of strictness beyond need. But on the other hand the passionate, in that they are swept on into frenzy of mind by the impulse of anger, break up the calm of quietness, and so throw into …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and the New Testament
THE Parables of the Ten Virgins' and of the Unfaithful Servant' close with a Discourse on the Last Things,' the final Judgment, and the fate of those Christ's Righ Hand and at His Left (St. Matt. xxv. 31-46). This final Judgment by our Lord forms a fundamental article in the Creed of the Church. It is the Christ Who comes, accompanied by the Angelic Host, and sits down on the throne of His Glory, when all nations are gathered before Him. Then the final separation is made, and joy or sorrow awarded …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Letters of St. Bernard
I To Malachy. 1141.[924] (Epistle 341.) To the venerable lord and most blessed father, Malachy, by the grace of God archbishop of the Irish, legate of the Apostolic See, Brother Bernard called to be abbot of Clairvaux, [desiring] to find grace with the Lord. 1. Amid the manifold anxieties and cares of my heart,[925] by the multitude of which my soul is sore vexed,[926] the brothers coming from a far country[927] that they may serve the Lord,[928] thy letter, and thy staff, they comfort …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh The Exile Continued.
"So David fled, and escaped and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done unto him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth" (1 Sam. xix. 18)--or, as the word probably means, in the collection of students' dwellings, inhabited by the sons of the prophets, where possibly there may have been some kind of right of sanctuary. Driven thence by Saul's following him, and having had one last sorrowful hour of Jonathan's companionship--the last but one on earth--he fled to Nob, whither …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David Barzillai
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. "There is nothing," says Socrates to Cephalus in the Republic, "I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom it is right to learn the character of the way, whether it is rugged or difficult, or smooth and easy" (p. 328 E.). It is to such an aged traveller that we are introduced in the person of Barzillai the Gileadite. And though he is one of the lesser-known characters …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Promise in 2 Samuel, Chap. vii.
The Messianic prophecy, as we have seen, began at a time long anterior to that of David. Even in Genesis, we perceived [Pg 131] it, increasing more and more in distinctness. There is at first only the general promise that the seed of the woman should obtain the victory over the kingdom of the evil one;--then, that the salvation should come through the descendants of Shem;--then, from among them Abraham is marked out,--of his sons, Isaac,--from among his sons, Jacob,--and from among the twelve sons …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 25:27 NIV1 Samuel 25:27 NLT1 Samuel 25:27 ESV1 Samuel 25:27 NASB1 Samuel 25:27 KJV
1 Samuel 25:27 Commentaries
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