1 Samuel 25 42

1 Samuel 25:42 kjv

And Abigail hasted, and arose and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife.

1 Samuel 25:42 nkjv

So Abigail rose in haste and rode on a donkey, attended by five of her maidens; and she followed the messengers of David, and became his wife.

1 Samuel 25:42 niv

Abigail quickly got on a donkey and, attended by her five female servants, went with David's messengers and became his wife.

1 Samuel 25:42 esv

And Abigail hurried and rose and mounted a donkey, and her five young women attended her. She followed the messengers of David and became his wife.

1 Samuel 25:42 nlt

Quickly getting ready, she took along five of her servant girls as attendants, mounted her donkey, and went with David's messengers. And so she became his wife.

1 Samuel 25 verses

1 Samuel 25 42 Meaning

The verse details Abigail's immediate, decisive response to David's proposal. Upon receiving the message, she wasted no time, demonstrating eager acceptance and humble obedience. She swiftly prepared herself and her attendants for travel, mounted her donkey, and followed David's messengers, thereby formalizing her union with him as his wife. This act marks the culmination of the preceding events, establishing a key alliance and reflecting divine providence in David's life and ascent to kingship.

1 Samuel 25 42 Context

This verse concludes the narrative of David, Nabal, and Abigail in 1 Samuel chapter 25. Before this, David and his men, having protected Nabal's shepherds, requested provisions from Nabal during his sheep-shearing feast. Nabal, a wealthy but surly man, rudely rejected David's request, insulting him. In response, David, deeply offended, vowed to destroy Nabal and his entire household. Abigail, Nabal's discerning wife, heard of her husband's folly and, without his knowledge, gathered lavish provisions and hastened to meet David. She humbled herself, wisely interceded for Nabal, and appealed to David's character as God's anointed, preventing him from shedding innocent blood. David acknowledged her wisdom and blessed her. Subsequently, the Lord struck Nabal, and he died. Upon hearing of Nabal's death, David saw the hand of the Lord in bringing justice and sent for Abigail, asking her to be his wife. Thus, 1 Samuel 25:42 describes Abigail's immediate and full acceptance of David's proposal, bringing her into the lineage and life of the future king.

1 Samuel 25 42 Word analysis

• And Abigail (וְאֲבִיגַ֙יִל֙ - vəʾăḇîḡayiyl): The woman of discernment and beauty from 1 Sam 25:3. Her name means "My Father is Joy" or "Father of Joy," contrasting sharply with her foolish late husband, Nabal ("Fool"). She represents divine provision and wisdom to David.
• made haste (וַתְּמַהֵר֙ - vattəmahēr): From the Hebrew root mahar (to be quick, hasten). This term signifies swift, immediate, and eager action. It reflects her prompt obedience and enthusiastic acceptance of David's proposal, contrasting with Nabal's sloth and arrogance. This haste emphasizes her resolve and submission to God's apparent will.
• and arose (וַתָּ֙קָם֙ - vattāqām): From the Hebrew root qum (to rise, stand up). This is a common biblical idiom denoting preparation for a journey or significant action. It underscores her active rather than passive acceptance.
• and rode on a donkey: A common and practical mode of transport for journeys. While horses were for warfare or kingly processions, a donkey signifies humility, speed, and suitability for the long journey from Carmel to Ziklag or wherever David's encampment was.
• with her five young women following her: "Young women" (na‘arôṯeihā) refers to her personal attendants or maidservants. The number "five" implies a retinue appropriate for a woman of her standing, demonstrating she did not arrive without status or assistance. This retinue would be essential for establishing her new household.
• and she followed the messengers of David: This action symbolizes her transition of loyalty and belonging. By physically following them, she demonstrated her acceptance of David's authority and her commitment to becoming part of his household. It shows initiative while respecting proper protocol.
• and became his wife (וַתְּהִי־ל֖וֹ לְאִשָּׁ֑ה - vattəhî-lō lə’iššâ): This is a formal declaration of marital union in Hebrew, denoting a legally and socially recognized marriage. It signifies her new status and David's acquisition of a wise and discerning partner, brought to him through God's providence, not through his own forceful means as he nearly had with Nabal. This also brings valuable resources from her past position into David's burgeoning domain.

1 Samuel 25 42 Bonus section

• Abigail's immediate acceptance and journey directly contrasts with Saul's prolonged resistance and rebellion against divine will. Her proactive choice embodies humility and an immediate submission to what she discerns as God's plan for David.
• Her wisdom is presented as a counter-narrative to David's impetuous anger, showcasing God's means of restraining His anointed through human agency, not through supernatural intervention alone.
• This marriage solidifies David's connections and resources without bloodshed, underscoring God's provision for His chosen one outside of his own wrath. Abigail brought not just her person but also her wealth and strategic insight into David's sphere.
• Abigail, as David's wife, stands distinct from Michal (Saul's daughter), whose loyalty would eventually waver, and Ahinoam, of whom little is said regarding her character. Abigail represents a significant spiritual and practical asset to David's future kingship, contrasting positively with the marital troubles and complications that arose from David's later marriages (e.g., Bathsheba).

1 Samuel 25 42 Commentary

This verse culminates a crucial episode in David's life, highlighting divine providence, the character of David, and the invaluable contribution of Abigail. Her swift response isn't just about accepting a marriage proposal; it demonstrates her discerning wisdom and immediate obedience to what she recognizes as God's will. She had already proven herself to be a person of spiritual insight, preventing David from committing a grave sin, and now she dedicates herself entirely to him, solidifying a divinely orchestrated union. Her "haste" signals both eagerness and a deep spiritual perception that aligns her with the swiftness required for divine purposes. God provides for David not just by removing Nabal but by giving him a wife who embodies wisdom and character, which would be essential as he continued his tumultuous journey toward the throne. This narrative offers an example of how God can use wise, courageous individuals to direct the course of events toward His sovereign plan, providing a faithful and capable partner for David.