Then David accepted from her hand what she had brought him, and he said to her, "Go home in peace. See, I have heeded your voice and granted your request." Then David received from her handThis phrase highlights the act of acceptance and humility on David's part. The Hebrew root for "received" is "laqach," which often implies taking or accepting something with intention. In the historical context, David's acceptance of Abigail's offering signifies a pivotal moment of reconciliation and wisdom. It reflects the biblical principle of humility and the importance of receiving counsel and gifts with grace, especially from those who act with righteousness and discernment. what she had brought him
Abigail's offering was not just a physical gift but a symbol of peace and intercession. The Hebrew word for "brought" is "bo," which means to come or bring. This act of bringing a gift was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern culture to appease anger or seek favor. Abigail's actions demonstrate her wisdom and understanding of cultural norms, as well as her role as a peacemaker, which is a recurring theme in Scripture. and said to her
David's response to Abigail is crucial. The act of speaking, indicated by the Hebrew "amar," is significant in biblical narratives as it often precedes important declarations or decisions. David's words to Abigail are not only a response to her actions but also a public acknowledgment of her wisdom and the divine intervention through her. This moment underscores the power of words in leadership and reconciliation. Go home in peace
The phrase "in peace" is derived from the Hebrew word "shalom," which encompasses not just the absence of conflict but a sense of completeness and well-being. David's blessing of peace upon Abigail is a testament to the resolution of potential conflict and the restoration of harmony. It reflects the biblical ideal of peace as a divine gift and a state of being that believers are called to pursue. See, I have heeded your voice
The word "heeded" comes from the Hebrew "shama," meaning to hear or listen with attention and obedience. David's acknowledgment of Abigail's voice signifies the importance of listening to wise counsel, regardless of the source. This moment is a powerful reminder of the value of discernment and the humility required to accept guidance, especially when it aligns with God's will. and granted your request
The granting of Abigail's request is a demonstration of David's capacity for mercy and justice. The Hebrew root "nathan," meaning to give or grant, indicates a deliberate decision to act favorably. This act of granting is not just a response to Abigail's plea but also an alignment with God's justice and mercy. It serves as an example of how leaders are called to act with righteousness and compassion, reflecting God's character in their decisions. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, who is currently on the run from King Saul. In this chapter, he is leading a group of men and is about to take vengeance on Nabal for his insult. 2. AbigailThe intelligent and beautiful wife of Nabal, who intervenes to prevent David from committing bloodshed. Her actions demonstrate wisdom and peacemaking. 3. NabalA wealthy but foolish man whose name means "fool." He disrespects David, leading to the conflict that Abigail seeks to resolve. 4. CarmelThe location where Nabal's sheep-shearing takes place, and where Abigail meets David to offer her peace offering. 5. The EventAbigail's intervention to prevent David from taking vengeance on Nabal, which ultimately leads to David blessing her for her wise actions. Teaching Points The Power of PeacemakingAbigail's actions demonstrate the profound impact of peacemaking. Her wisdom and courage in approaching David with humility and respect defuse a potentially violent situation. Listening to Wise CounselDavid's willingness to listen to Abigail's counsel shows the importance of being open to wisdom, even when it comes from unexpected sources. God's Providence in ConflictThis event illustrates how God can use individuals to intervene and prevent sin, highlighting His sovereignty and care in our lives. The Role of HumilityAbigail's humble approach to David is a powerful example of how humility can lead to reconciliation and peace. The Consequences of FoolishnessNabal's folly serves as a warning about the dangers of pride and disrespect, which can lead to unnecessary conflict and strife. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Abigail's approach to David reflect the principles found in Proverbs 15:1, and how can we apply this in our own conflicts? 2. In what ways does David's response to Abigail's plea demonstrate the importance of listening to wise counsel, and how can we cultivate a heart that is open to such guidance? 3. How does this account illustrate the concept of God using individuals to fulfill His purposes, and where have you seen this in your own life? 4. What lessons can we learn from Nabal's actions and their consequences, and how can we avoid similar pitfalls in our relationships? 5. How does the theme of peacemaking in this passage connect with Jesus' teachings in the Beatitudes, and how can we be peacemakers in our communities today? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 15:1This verse speaks about how a gentle answer turns away wrath, which is exemplified by Abigail's approach to David. Matthew 5:9Jesus' teaching on peacemakers being blessed can be seen in Abigail's actions, as she seeks peace and prevents bloodshed. Romans 12:19This verse advises against taking vengeance, aligning with the lesson David learns through Abigail's intervention. People Abigail, Ahinoam, Caleb, David, Israelites, Jesse, Jezreel, Laish, Maon, Michal, Nabal, Palti, Paltiel, Phalti, Samuel, SaulPlaces Carmel, Gallim, Hebron, Maon, Paran, RamahTopics Accept, Accepted, Behold, David, Ear, Face, Granted, Hands, Hearkened, Home, Listened, Offering, Peace, Petition, Received, Receiveth, Request, Respect, Return, VoiceDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 25:35 6604 acceptance, human 1 Samuel 25:2-35 5745 women 1 Samuel 25:4-35 5325 gifts 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 25:35 NIV1 Samuel 25:35 NLT1 Samuel 25:35 ESV1 Samuel 25:35 NASB1 Samuel 25:35 KJV
1 Samuel 25:35 Commentaries
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