1 Samuel 25 20

1 Samuel 25:20 kjv

And it was so, as she rode on the ass, that she came down by the covert on the hill, and, behold, David and his men came down against her; and she met them.

1 Samuel 25:20 nkjv

So it was, as she rode on the donkey, that she went down under cover of the hill; and there were David and his men, coming down toward her, and she met them.

1 Samuel 25:20 niv

As she came riding her donkey into a mountain ravine, there were David and his men descending toward her, and she met them.

1 Samuel 25:20 esv

And as she rode on the donkey and came down under cover of the mountain, behold, David and his men came down toward her, and she met them.

1 Samuel 25:20 nlt

As she was riding her donkey into a mountain ravine, she saw David and his men coming toward her.

1 Samuel 25 verses

1 Samuel 25 20 Meaning

1 Samuel 25:20 describes Abigail's swift and intentional movement towards David to prevent bloodshed. She rode her donkey down a concealed path on the mountain when, providentially, she encountered David and his men approaching her. This verse captures the moment just before her pivotal intervention to avert disaster, showcasing her immediate and strategic action.

1 Samuel 25 20 Context

1 Samuel chapter 25 details the interaction between David, Nabal, and Abigail. After the death of Samuel (1 Sam 25:1), David, then living as a fugitive from Saul, sent messengers to Nabal, a wealthy but churlish sheep owner, requesting provisions in exchange for the protection David's men had provided. Nabal insultingly rejected David's request (1 Sam 25:10-11), provoking David to vow vengeance and set out with 400 armed men to destroy Nabal and his entire household (1 Sam 25:13, 22). Abigail, Nabal's wise wife, learned of her husband's folly and David's impending arrival from one of her servants (1 Sam 25:14-17). Without telling Nabal, she quickly gathered substantial provisions and set out to meet David, seeking to avert the impending catastrophe. Verse 20 describes the precise moment of her decisive action and providential encounter with David, just as she was arriving at a crucial point on her journey.

1 Samuel 25 20 Word analysis

• As she rode: Indicates active, purposeful movement. Abigail is not waiting idly; she is taking immediate, personal initiative.
• on the donkey: Ḥămôr (חֲמוֹר). A common means of travel in that era, often associated with carrying burdens, fitting as she was bringing gifts. This detail also subtly emphasizes her humble posture, despite her significant status, as she approached David.
• down by the covert of the mountain:
  • covert: Seter (סֵתֶר), Hebrew for 'hiding place', 'secret place', 'shelter'. This implies a secluded or naturally concealed spot, perhaps a winding path through a ravine or a sheltered valley. This specific geographic detail suggests a strategic point of encounter, where David and his men might have been less visible, and where the tension of their approach would have been felt. It could also suggest a point of ambush or a difficult passage.
  • of the mountain: Indicates a rugged, potentially dangerous, and isolated landscape, typical of the wilderness areas David inhabited while fleeing Saul. It underscores the physical journey and the potentially hazardous environment.
• behold, David and his men: Hinnēh (הִנֵּה), an interjection meaning 'behold' or 'lo'. It draws attention to the sudden, perhaps unexpected, but divinely orchestrated encounter. It highlights the dramatic timing. The presence of "his men" emphasizes the formidable force Abigail was about to confront.
• were coming down toward her: Implies David's steady and resolute movement towards his vengeful goal. The "down" likely refers to the topography, moving down a slope or into a valley, converging with Abigail's descent.
• and she met them: Nāgaš (נָגַשׁ), Hebrew for 'to draw near', 'approach', 'come nigh'. This signifies a direct, immediate, and deliberate confrontation. Abigail's active meeting, rather than being overtaken, emphasizes her control and resolve in the face of armed men.
• Word-groups analysis:
  • "As she rode on the donkey down by the covert of the mountain": This phrase paints a vivid picture of Abigail's solitary, yet determined journey. The "covert of the mountain" hints at the rough, secluded terrain, reinforcing her boldness in venturing into such a place, possibly where David's men might also be concealing themselves or simply traversing unseen. Her humble mode of transport underscores the disparity in power and presence between her single figure and David's approaching armed band.
  • "behold, David and his men were coming down toward her, and she met them": This entire clause emphasizes the dramatic, almost pre-ordained, intersection of paths. The "behold" underlines the striking immediacy and providential timing of their meeting. David's descent signifies his relentless progression toward his violent objective, while Abigail's active "met them" portrays her courage and quick decisive action to intercede before he could fully carry out his vengeance. It sets the stage for a critical dialogue that changes the course of events.

1 Samuel 25 20 Bonus section

The speed and independence of Abigail's actions are striking. She didn't wait for David's full arrival or Nabal's consent. This demonstrates a deep conviction and leadership within her household, contrary to the typical patriarchal structure of the time, emphasizing her exceptional wisdom and authority. The "covert of the mountain" can also be interpreted as a place where David's intentions were still concealed, or where his full rage had not yet been unleashed, giving Abigail a window of opportunity to intervene before it was too late. Her encountering David "coming down" implies he was already set on his destructive path, making her appearance an interruption, possibly an annoyance, but ultimately a divine redirection. This pivotal encounter showcases a clash between impulsive human anger and wise, Spirit-led diplomacy.

1 Samuel 25 20 Commentary

1 Samuel 25:20 marks the convergence of Abigail's wise intervention with David's vengeful advance. Her act of riding out to meet him demonstrates profound courage, strategic foresight, and a spirit of intercession. Knowing Nabal's stubborn pride and David's passionate nature, Abigail acted with urgency to prevent a rash and sinful act of revenge. This verse is concise, yet it carries the weight of a turning point. Her personal risk in riding alone to face David and his armed men in a potentially perilous landscape highlights her dedication to saving her household. This swift, intentional convergence is often seen as a divinely orchestrated moment, showcasing God's work through Abigail to restrain David and prevent him from shedding innocent blood, an act he later acknowledged would have brought guilt upon him. Abigail's preparedness, humility, and determination underscore her character as a true peace-maker.Examples: A church member, realizing a dispute between two families is escalating, takes immediate steps to mediate before irreversible damage occurs. A peacemaker interposing themselves between parties in conflict, bringing a word of wisdom and a spirit of humility to de-escalate tension.