1 Samuel 25 19

1 Samuel 25:19 kjv

And she said unto her servants, Go on before me; behold, I come after you. But she told not her husband Nabal.

1 Samuel 25:19 nkjv

And she said to her servants, "Go on before me; see, I am coming after you." But she did not tell her husband Nabal.

1 Samuel 25:19 niv

Then she told her servants, "Go on ahead; I'll follow you." But she did not tell her husband Nabal.

1 Samuel 25:19 esv

And she said to her young men, "Go on before me; behold, I come after you." But she did not tell her husband Nabal.

1 Samuel 25:19 nlt

and said to her servants, "Go on ahead. I will follow you shortly." But she didn't tell her husband Nabal what she was doing.

1 Samuel 25 verses

1 Samuel 25 19 Meaning

This verse describes Abigail's decisive action to mitigate David's wrath by sending provisions ahead with her servants, specifically instructing them that she would follow. Crucially, it highlights her intentional omission to inform her husband, Nabal, about her intervention. Her conduct demonstrates wisdom, foresight, and a profound understanding of the imminent danger, sharply contrasting with Nabal's foolish and destructive behavior. Her action was a strategic move to avert catastrophe for her household.

1 Samuel 25 19 Context

First Samuel Chapter 25 narrates the confrontation between David and Nabal, a wealthy but ill-tempered man. After David and his men had protected Nabal's shepherds, David sent ten young men to request provisions from Nabal during the shearing season, a time of feasting and generosity. Nabal insultingly refused, speaking contemptuously of David as a mere fugitive. Incensed, David gathered 400 armed men, vowing to annihilate Nabal and his entire household. Upon hearing of Nabal's folly and David's impending wrath from one of Nabal's servants, Nabal's wife, Abigail, quickly assembled a large array of food and provisions. This verse, 1 Samuel 25:19, is Abigail's strategic and independent act of sending the peace offering ahead of her without her husband's knowledge, thereby setting in motion the crucial intercession that would avert bloodshed. This reflects a dangerous societal period where grievances could quickly escalate to lethal violence.

1 Samuel 25 19 Word analysis

• But she said (ותאמר - `va-tō’mer`): This opening phrase immediately highlights Abigail's active agency and initiative. Unlike Nabal, who reacts foolishly, Abigail speaks and acts with purpose and wisdom. It signifies her assumption of leadership in a crisis.
• to her young men (לנעריה - `lᵊna‘ărîhā`): Refers to her servants or attendants. The term `na'ar` (youth, servant) indicates that she commanded a retinue of her own, consistent with her status as the wife of a wealthy man. Her authority over them underscores her capability to manage and execute a complex plan independently.
• 'Go on ahead of me; (קִדְמוּ - `qidmu` - "Go before," "Go on ahead"): This is an imperative command showing urgency and a well-devised strategy. Sending the gifts first was a common Near Eastern custom for appeasing someone whose anger was roused, allowing the gift to soften the heart before the intercessor arrives (cf. Jacob with Esau in Gen 32). This creates distance, visually demonstrating the humility of the giver and allowing the recipient time to reconsider.
• behold, I am coming after you.' (הִנֵּה אָנֹכִי בָּאָה אַחֲרֵיכֶם - `hinnēh ’ānōḵî bā’â ’aḥărêḵem`): A statement of intent that assures her servants of her personal commitment and reinforces the seriousness of her mission. She is not merely sending a messenger; she intends to make a personal appeal, which carries more weight and demonstrates greater sincerity.
• But she did not tell (וּלְאִישָׁהּ נָבָל לֹא הִגִּידָה - `ūl’îšāhh Nāvāl lō’ higgîdāh` - lit. "and to her husband Nabal, she did not tell"): This is the critical, pivotal detail of the verse. The Hebrew verb `higgid` means "to make known," "to report," or "to disclose." Abigail intentionally withheld the information from Nabal. This omission is central to understanding her character and the biblical narrative's commendation of her. Given Nabal's name (which means "fool" or "senseless") and his previous actions, it implies that informing him would have either delayed or prevented her vital peace mission, putting her household in further peril.
• her husband Nabal. (אִישָׁהּ נָבָל - `’îšāhh Nāvāl`): The deliberate mention of "her husband Nabal" serves to emphasize the stark contrast between his reckless, destructive folly and her astute, life-saving wisdom. It underscores that her actions were necessitated by his failure to act responsibly, even as the head of the household. In a culture emphasizing patriarchal authority, Abigail’s unilateral decision to circumvent her husband's authority, especially to prevent his annihilation, highlights that extreme circumstances (saving innocent lives) can justify such an action in God's eyes, particularly when the husband is acting contrary to wisdom and righteousness. This is not presented as an act of rebellion against marital authority for personal gain, but an act of righteousness to save lives from an imminent threat caused by her foolish husband.

Words-group Analysis

• 'Go on ahead of me; behold, I am coming after you.': This phrase illustrates Abigail's calculated strategy. It’s a multi-pronged approach where the gifts precede the appeal, a tactical maneuver to calm the angered party before a face-to-face confrontation. This is an ancient diplomatic tactic aimed at disarming hostile intentions and preparing the ground for reconciliation.
• But she did not tell her husband Nabal. This concise statement represents Abigail's profound moral dilemma and strategic brilliance. Her non-disclosure signifies her discernment that Nabal's foolishness was so extreme that consulting him would jeopardize their very survival. The narrative clearly portrays this act not as insubordination against proper authority, but as wise and necessary action against a destructive force (Nabal) to prevent bloodshed, a divinely favored outcome. It’s an instance where a higher good (saving lives and promoting peace) temporarily overrides a social norm (husband's authority).

1 Samuel 25 19 Bonus section

• Abigail's actions in this chapter, initiated by this verse, illustrate a concept known as "wisdom's call," where individuals are moved by divine wisdom to intervene for righteousness and peace. She represents the "worthy woman" or "excellent wife" described in Proverbs 31:10-31, possessing strength, prudence, and foresight, though the context here presents an extreme situation of Nabal's profound wickedness necessitating her unusual direct intervention.
• The specific details of her sending the gifts ahead relate to ancient Near Eastern diplomatic protocols of offering "peace-making gifts" to appease an angered dignitary or foe. This tactic aimed to restore good relations and avoid violent confrontation.
• The story provides a profound theological commentary on human folly versus divine wisdom. Nabal, despite his wealth, epitomizes the "fool" in Proverbs, who despises wisdom and lives contrary to God's ways, leading to self-destruction. Abigail, by contrast, embodies true wisdom that saves and sustains life. Her circumvention of Nabal's authority, though counter-cultural, is implicitly affirmed by David's praise (1 Sam 25:32-33) and the tragic end of Nabal.

1 Samuel 25 19 Commentary

First Samuel 25:19 reveals Abigail as a woman of extraordinary wisdom and initiative, acting decisively in the face of her husband Nabal's dangerous folly. Her instruction to her servants and her decision to withhold information from Nabal are crucial, pragmatic steps to avert David's retaliatory assault. She understands the gravity of the situation and the immediate need for intercession, unlike Nabal who is consumed by pride and meanness. This verse underscores the necessity of discretion and quick action when life hangs in the balance, illustrating how God can work through courageous individuals who, like Abigail, step into difficult situations to promote peace and save lives, even if it requires defying an immediate, lesser human authority (her foolish husband) for a greater, righteous purpose.