What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 25:18? Then Abigail hurried The moment Abigail hears of her husband’s offense toward David (1 Samuel 25:14–17), she moves without delay. Scripture often commends swift obedience: Genesis 18:6; 2 Kings 4:24; Proverbs 10:4; Romans 12:11; James 2:17. Abigail’s urgency reveals: • faith that acts immediately, not merely talks (James 2:22) • a heart eager to prevent sin and bloodshed (1 Samuel 25:33) • the wisdom of Proverbs 31:27—watchfulness over her household Two hundred loaves of bread Bread is the basic sustenance of life (Isaiah 55:2; Matthew 6:11). Offering so much bread displays lavish generosity and a desire to meet practical needs—much like Abraham in Genesis 18:5–8 or the boy whose loaves Jesus multiplied in John 6:9–13. Abigail’s bread anticipates the peace-making feast she hopes to share with David (Psalm 23:5). Two skins of wine Wine was a customary gift for refreshment (Genesis 14:18; Judges 19:19; Psalm 104:15). Abigail’s provision shows hospitality fit for a king (1 Samuel 16:13). By bringing wine herself, she preempts any temptation for David’s men to seize it by force (Proverbs 21:14). Five butchered sheep Prepared meat is costly and signals honor (Genesis 43:1, 16; 2 Samuel 12:4). Abigail sacrifices from her own flock—contrasting Nabal’s stinginess (1 Samuel 25:11). This mirrors David’s later words: “I will not offer…that which costs me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24). Five seahs of roasted grain Roasted grain is ready-to-eat travel food (Ruth 2:14; 1 Samuel 17:17). Abigail supplies enough (about sixty quarts) to satisfy a hungry company, echoing God’s provision of manna—food accessible and sustaining (Exodus 16:13-18). A hundred clusters of raisins Raisins provided quick energy for soldiers (1 Samuel 30:11-12; 2 Samuel 16:1). Abigail thinks ahead to the physical well-being of David’s band, not only to appeasing his wrath. Her care fulfills Proverbs 25:21: “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.” Two hundred cakes of figs Figs symbolize healing and prosperity (2 Kings 20:7; Jeremiah 24:5-7). Abigail’s abundant gift foreshadows the reconciliation she seeks—restoring wholeness between David and her household (Romans 12:18). She loaded them on donkeys Donkeys were reliable pack animals (Genesis 45:23; 1 Samuel 16:20). By personally overseeing the loading, Abigail guarantees safe, orderly delivery, reflecting diligence (Proverbs 31:13) and stewardship (Luke 19:13). Her logistical care underscores that peacemaking involves thoughtful action, not mere sentiment (James 3:18). summary Every item Abigail hurriedly assembles in 1 Samuel 25:18 serves a dual purpose: practical provision for David’s men and a tangible plea for peace. Her swift, generous, and costly response contrasts sharply with Nabal’s selfishness and exemplifies godly wisdom in crisis. Acting decisively, giving abundantly, and planning carefully, she models how faith expresses itself through concrete deeds that avert sin, satisfy need, and foster reconciliation. |
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