David had also married Ahinoam of Jezreel. So she and Abigail were both his wives. David had also marriedThis phrase indicates a continuation of David's marital relationships, suggesting a pattern or practice of polygamy, which was culturally accepted in ancient Israel. The Hebrew root for "married" is "לָקַח" (laqach), meaning "to take" or "to acquire," reflecting the customs of the time where marriage often involved a formal acquisition or agreement. This practice, while common, often led to complex family dynamics, as seen throughout David's life. Ahinoam of Jezreel
Ahinoam's name means "my brother is delight" or "brother of pleasantness," which may reflect her character or family heritage. Jezreel, her place of origin, was a city in the territory of Issachar, known for its fertile land. The mention of her origin provides historical context, indicating alliances and connections through marriage that were politically and socially significant. This marriage likely strengthened David's ties with the northern tribes of Israel. So she and Abigail
The conjunction "so" connects Ahinoam and Abigail, highlighting the simultaneous nature of David's marriages. Abigail, previously introduced in the chapter, is noted for her wisdom and beauty. The pairing of these two women in the narrative underscores the diverse qualities and backgrounds of David's wives, each contributing uniquely to his household and future kingdom. were both his wives
This phrase confirms the polygamous nature of David's household. The Hebrew word for "wives" is "נָשִׁים" (nashim), the plural form of "אִשָּׁה" (ishah), meaning "woman" or "wife." The practice of having multiple wives was not uncommon among leaders and kings in the ancient Near East, often serving to solidify political alliances and ensure a large progeny. However, this practice also foreshadows future familial strife and challenges, as seen in the lives of David's descendants. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, known for his heart after God. At this point in the account, he is on the run from King Saul. 2. AhinoamA woman from Jezreel who becomes one of David's wives. Her marriage to David is mentioned alongside Abigail's, indicating the practice of polygamy during this period. 3. AbigailPreviously introduced in the chapter as the wise and discerning wife of Nabal, who becomes David's wife after Nabal's death. 4. JezreelA city in the territory of Issachar, significant in Israel's history and associated with several biblical events. 5. PolygamyThe practice of having more than one wife, which was culturally accepted in ancient Israel but later addressed in the New Testament teachings on marriage. Teaching Points Understanding Cultural ContextRecognize that polygamy was a common practice in ancient Israel, but it is not the ideal model for marriage as outlined in Scripture. Understanding the cultural context helps us interpret these accounts without endorsing all actions. God's Sovereignty in Imperfect SituationsDespite human failings and cultural practices, God's purposes prevail. David's life, including his marriages, is part of God's unfolding plan for Israel. The Importance of DiscernmentAbigail's earlier actions in the chapter highlight the value of wisdom and discernment in relationships. These qualities are essential in making godly decisions. Marriage as a Reflection of God's CovenantWhile David's marriages reflect cultural norms, the biblical ideal of marriage is a covenant reflecting God's faithful relationship with His people. Learning from Biblical CharactersDavid's life offers lessons in both faithfulness and failure. We can learn from his strengths and weaknesses, seeking to align our lives with God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the cultural practice of polygamy in David's time differ from the biblical ideal of marriage, and what can we learn from this contrast? 2. In what ways does the account of David and his marriages challenge us to seek God's wisdom and discernment in our own relationships? 3. How can we apply the lessons from David's life, both his successes and failures, to our own walk with God? 4. What does the inclusion of Ahinoam and Abigail in David's account teach us about God's sovereignty and grace in imperfect situations? 5. How do the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament about marriage inform our understanding of relationships today, in light of David's example? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 2:24This verse establishes the original design for marriage as a union between one man and one woman, which contrasts with the practice of polygamy seen in David's life. Deuteronomy 17:17This passage warns Israelite kings against taking many wives, which can lead their hearts astray, providing a cautionary backdrop to David's actions. Matthew 19:4-6Jesus reaffirms the Genesis model of marriage, emphasizing the unity and exclusivity of the marital relationship. People Abigail, Ahinoam, Caleb, David, Israelites, Jesse, Jezreel, Laish, Maon, Michal, Nabal, Palti, Paltiel, Phalti, Samuel, SaulPlaces Carmel, Gallim, Hebron, Maon, Paran, RamahTopics Ahinoam, Ahin'o-am, David, Jezreel, Jizreel, Married, Wife, WivesDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 25:40-43 5732 polygamy 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 25:43 NIV1 Samuel 25:43 NLT1 Samuel 25:43 ESV1 Samuel 25:43 NASB1 Samuel 25:43 KJV
1 Samuel 25:43 Commentaries
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