1 Samuel 25:18

KJV

¶ Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched [corn], and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid [them] on asses.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Abigail {H26} made haste {H4116}, and took {H3947} two hundred {H3967} loaves {H3899}, and two {H8147} bottles {H5035} of wine {H3196}, and five {H2568} sheep {H6629} ready dressed {H6213}, and five {H2568} measures {H5429} of parched {H7039} corn, and an hundred {H3967} clusters of raisins {H6778}, and two hundred {H3967} cakes {H1690} of figs, and laid {H7760} them on asses {H2543}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avigayil wasted no time in taking 200 loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five sheep already prepared, six quarts of roasted grain, a hundred clusters of raisins and 200 fig cakes, and having them loaded on donkeys.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five butchered sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs. She loaded them on donkeys

American Standard Version

Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched grain, and a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 25:18 vividly portrays Abigail's swift and strategic actions as she prepares a substantial peace offering to avert David's impending wrath against her household. Upon being informed of her husband Nabal's grave insult to David and the imminent threat of retribution, Abigail immediately and independently assembled an extensive array of provisions—including loaves, wine, dressed sheep, parched grain, raisins, and fig cakes—and had them loaded onto donkeys. This decisive and generous act underscores her exceptional wisdom, foresight, and courage, setting the critical stage for her pivotal intercession that ultimately prevented bloodshed and starkly contrasted with Nabal's profound foolishness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial narrative pivot within [1 Samuel chapter 25](/1_samuel/25 "1 Samuel 25 - Nabal, Abigail, and David"). The chapter opens with the significant event of Samuel's death, marking a transition in Israel's spiritual and political landscape, while David continues his life as a fugitive. David, having provided protection for Nabal's shepherds in the wilderness, sends a respectful request for provisions during the customary sheep-shearing feast, a time traditionally marked by generosity. Nabal, whose very name means "fool," responds with contempt and insults David's legitimacy, refusing any aid and dismissing his men ([1 Samuel 25:10-11](/1_samuel/25-10-11 "1 Samuel 25:10-11 - Nabal's Insult to David")). This egregious insult ignites David's fury, leading him to vow the utter destruction of Nabal and his entire household ([1 Samuel 25:22](/1_samuel/25-22 "1 Samuel 25:22 - David's Oath of Vengeance")). Verse 18 marks Abigail's immediate and unauthorized intervention, acting without her husband's knowledge or consent, thereby demonstrating her extraordinary discernment and proactive initiative in the face of impending disaster. Her actions here directly precede her eloquent and persuasive plea to David, which ultimately prevents him from shedding innocent blood and incurring guilt.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative is set in the wilderness of Paran, a rugged and often lawless region where David and his 600 men operated as a protective force, effectively functioning as a private militia for local landowners like Nabal. Sheep-shearing was a major annual event, akin to a harvest festival, signifying prosperity and often accompanied by feasting and expected generosity, especially towards those who had provided security. Nabal's refusal was not merely a social faux pas but a profound insult and a flagrant breach of customary hospitality, particularly egregious given David's established reputation and the tangible protection he had afforded. In this patriarchal society, women typically held limited independent agency, making Abigail's decisive and unauthorized action all the more remarkable and daring. Her ability to command servants and gather such a vast quantity of provisions highlights her elevated status as the mistress of a wealthy household, yet her humility in personally approaching David on her own initiative profoundly subverts typical social expectations to save her family from certain destruction.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 25](/1_samuel/25 "1 Samuel 25 - Nabal, Abigail, and David") is replete with thematic contrasts, primarily between **folly and wisdom**, powerfully embodied by Nabal and Abigail, respectively. Abigail's proactive peacemaking and intercession are central to the narrative, demonstrating the transformative power of **humble initiative** to avert both human wrath and potential divine judgment. The narrative also profoundly explores themes of **divine providence**, as Abigail's timely intervention prevents David, God's anointed future king, from committing a rash act of vengeance that would have stained his character and future reign ([1 Samuel 25:32-34](/1_samuel/25-32-34 "1 Samuel 25:32-34 - David Blesses Abigail and Averts Sin")). Furthermore, it highlights the critical importance of **discernment** in leadership, as Abigail recognizes David's true character and his divinely appointed destiny, even when her own husband remains blind to it. Her lavish gift also underscores the theme of **generosity as reconciliation**, serving as a stark counterpoint to Nabal's miserliness, and foreshadows the ultimate reconciliation found through a greater, more profound sacrifice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Haste (Hebrew, _mâhar'_):** The Hebrew verb "מָהַר" (H4116, _mâhar'_), translated as "made haste," signifies immediate, urgent, and decisive action. It implies not merely speed but a profound sense of urgency driven by keen insight and an understanding of dire necessity. In Abigail's context, her "haste" contrasts sharply with Nabal's sluggishness, foolish indifference, and utter lack of awareness regarding the impending danger. Her swift action is a testament to her quick comprehension of the gravity of the situation and her proactive, strategic response, indicating both her exceptional intelligence and her courage to act independently to save her household from certain destruction.
* **Loaves (Hebrew, _lechem'_):** The term "לֶחֶם" (H3899, _lechem'_), typically translated as "bread" or "loaves," represents a fundamental staple food, essential for sustenance. The quantity of "two hundred loaves" signifies a truly substantial provision, far exceeding a casual offering. This abundance not only speaks to Nabal's immense wealth but also to Abigail's astute understanding of David's men's hunger and the critical need to fully appease their leader and his large company. The sheer volume underscores the seriousness and generosity of her peace overture and her profound commitment to providing for David's approximately 600 men.
* **Asses (Hebrew, _chămôwr'_):** The mention of "חֲמֹר" (H2543, _chămôwr'_), or "asses," is highly significant in the context of ancient Israelite transport. These animals were the primary means of conveying goods, especially large quantities, across rugged terrain. Loading such a vast array of provisions onto multiple asses (the plural is implied by the scale of the offering) emphasizes the considerable logistical effort and the sheer bulk of the gift. It highlights the practical, tangible nature of Abigail's immediate response and the immense resources she mobilized to avert the impending catastrophe, demonstrating her thoroughness and determination.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Then Abigail made haste,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes Abigail's character and the critical urgency of the situation. The adverbial phrase "made haste" (Hebrew: _vattemaher_) emphatically highlights her swift, decisive, and proactive response, which stands in stark contrast to Nabal's foolish inaction and profound ignorance. She does not hesitate, nor does she consult Nabal, but acts independently based on her superior discernment and understanding of the peril.
* **"and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine,"**: This begins the detailed inventory of her comprehensive peace offering. Two hundred loaves and two "bottles" (likely large animal skin containers) of wine represent a substantial provision, indicative of both Nabal's considerable wealth and Abigail's extraordinary generosity. These items are fundamental sustenance, directly addressing the immediate hunger of David's large company of men.
* **"and five sheep ready dressed,"**: The inclusion of five "ready dressed" (meaning slaughtered, butchered, and prepared for consumption) sheep signifies a valuable and immediate source of protein. This is a costly and highly practical component of the offering, designed to provide a hearty and satisfying meal for a large group, further demonstrating the lavishness and practical intent of her gift to appease David and his men.
* **"and five measures of parched [corn],"**: "Measures" (Hebrew: _se'ah_, H5429) of parched grain (likely roasted wheat or barley) were a common, easily transportable, and highly nutritious food source in the ancient Near East. Five measures would constitute a considerable amount, providing quick energy and sustained sustenance for men on the move, reinforcing the practical and generous nature of the offering.
* **"and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs,"**: These items are dried fruits, naturally rich in sugar and calories, providing both energy and a pleasant taste. They were often pressed into compact cakes for easy storage and transport, making them ideal provisions for travelers. The substantial quantities—one hundred clusters of raisins and two hundred fig cakes—further underscore the immense scale and thoughtful variety of Abigail's provisions, designed to fully satisfy and impress David and his men.
* **"and laid [them] on asses."**: This final clause describes the practical and logistical execution of her plan. The act of loading such a vast array of provisions onto donkeys indicates the significant physical effort involved and the immediate readiness for transport. It signifies the tangible commitment and practical steps Abigail took to implement her strategy of appeasement, demonstrating her thoroughness and determination to avert disaster.

#### Literary Devices
1 Samuel 25:18 employs several potent literary devices to amplify its narrative impact and thematic significance. A prominent device is **Catalogue** or **List**, evident in the detailed enumeration of the provisions Abigail gathers. This extensive list emphasizes the sheer quantity, variety, and immense value of her offering, serving multiple purposes: it highlights Nabal's considerable wealth, underscores Abigail's extraordinary resourcefulness, and demonstrates the magnitude of her sacrifice to appease David. This abundance implicitly creates a powerful **Contrast** between Nabal's foolish stinginess and Abigail's lavish generosity, a central theme of the chapter. Furthermore, the phrase "made haste" functions as a direct form of **Characterization**, immediately establishing Abigail as a woman of decisive action, keen discernment, and courageous initiative, sharply setting her apart from her slow-witted and morally obtuse husband. The entire act of gathering and dispatching these provisions also serves as potent **Foreshadowing**, preparing the reader for the dramatic and pivotal encounter between Abigail and David, where her wisdom and intercession will ultimately save her household and prevent David from committing a grievous sin. The sheer scale of the offering can also be interpreted as a form of **Hyperbole** or extreme generosity, underscoring the profound gravity of the situation and Abigail's desperate yet calculated attempt to avert a catastrophic outcome.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Abigail's decisive actions in 1 Samuel 25:18 are a powerful illustration of proactive peacemaking and intercession, reflecting a profound understanding of wisdom that transcends mere human prudence. Her willingness to humble herself and offer a lavish gift to avert wrath echoes the divine principle of reconciliation and the turning away of anger through a "soft answer" or a generous spirit. Theologically, her timely intervention can be seen as a clear example of God's providential care, using an unexpected agent to guide David, His anointed future king, away from a path of sin and vengeance. Her role as an intercessor for an undeserving household powerfully foreshadows the ultimate intercession of Christ, who stands in the gap for humanity.

* [Proverbs 15:1](/proverbs/15-1 "Proverbs 15:1 - A Soft Answer Turns Away Wrath")
* [Proverbs 21:14](/proverbs/21-14 "Proverbs 21:14 - A Gift in Secret Pacifies Anger")
* [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Live Peaceably with All")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abigail's immediate, decisive, and lavish response in 1 Samuel 25:18 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary life, particularly in navigating conflict and demonstrating Christ-like character. Her "haste" is not born of panic or recklessness, but of discerning wisdom and courageous resolve. She understood the gravity of the situation and acted decisively to prevent bloodshed, embodying a proactive peacemaking that prioritizes reconciliation over pride, retribution, or passive resignation. In a world often characterized by escalating conflict, reactive responses, and an unwillingness to concede, Abigail's example calls us to cultivate a spirit of profound humility and radical generosity. It challenges us to actively seek opportunities for de-escalation, to be willing to make significant personal sacrifices for the sake of peace, and to take the initiative in mending broken relationships. Her actions remind us that true wisdom often lies in stepping outside conventional roles and taking bold, Spirit-led initiatives to protect others and uphold righteousness, even when it means challenging established norms or confronting potential danger. We are challenged to prayerfully consider how we can use our resources, our influence, and our discernment to intercede for others and to bring about reconciliation in our families, communities, and workplaces, rather than waiting for disaster to strike or for others to take the first step.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to "make haste" in peacemaking or reconciliation, rather than delaying or avoiding conflict?**
* **What "provisions" (whether material resources, time, humility, or a sincere apology) am I willing to offer to de-escalate conflict or restore a broken relationship?**
* **How can I cultivate Abigail's discernment to recognize impending spiritual or relational dangers and act proactively to avert them?**
* **When have I witnessed someone act as a courageous "intercessor" like Abigail, preventing a worse outcome? How can I emulate that courage and wisdom in my own life?**

### FAQ

**Why did Abigail act without Nabal's knowledge or permission?**

Answer: Abigail acted without Nabal's knowledge or permission because his profound foolishness, stubbornness, and contempt for David had placed the entire household in mortal danger. A servant, recognizing Nabal's unreasonableness, had already informed Abigail of Nabal's egregious insult to David and David's subsequent vow of vengeance ([1 Samuel 25:14-17](/1_samuel/25-14-17 "1 Samuel 25:14-17 - Servant Warns Abigail")). The servant explicitly stated that Nabal was so "ill-tempered" and "worthless" that it was impossible to speak with him ([1 Samuel 25:17](/1_samuel/25-17 "1 Samuel 25:17 - Nabal's Worthlessness")). Recognizing Nabal's complete inability to comprehend the severity of the situation or act rationally, Abigail took immediate, decisive action to save her family. In a life-threatening scenario, her superior wisdom and discernment superseded the traditional expectation of spousal submission, as the very survival of her household depended on her independent and swift intervention.

**What was the significance of the specific items Abigail gathered for her offering?**

Answer: The specific items Abigail gathered—two hundred loaves, two bottles of wine, five dressed sheep, five measures of parched corn, one hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs—were significant for several profound reasons. Firstly, they represented a lavish and abundant gift, demonstrating both the immense wealth of Nabal's household and Abigail's extraordinary generosity. This was not a token offering but a substantial provision designed to feed David's 600 hungry men and fully appease their wrath, acknowledging the magnitude of Nabal's offense. Secondly, the items were highly practical and nourishing: bread, wine, and meat for immediate sustenance, and dried fruits and parched grain for portable, long-lasting energy. The sheer quantity and variety underscored the sincerity and seriousness of her peace offering, aiming to fully satisfy David's men and effectively turn his righteous anger into goodwill and reconciliation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abigail's proactive intercession and the lavish, sacrificial offering she brings in [1 Samuel 25:18](/1_samuel/25-18 "1 Samuel 25:18 - Abigail's Peace Offering") powerfully foreshadow the ultimate redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Abigail stood in the gap for an undeserving Nabal and his household, preventing David's righteous wrath from consuming them, so Christ, our divine Intercessor, stands between a holy God and a sinful humanity. Humanity, like Nabal, is often foolish, rebellious, and justly deserving of divine judgment ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Yet, Christ, in His infinite wisdom and boundless love, "made haste" to the cross, offering Himself as the perfect, complete, and ultimate sacrifice—a "lavish gift" far exceeding any material provisions or human attempts at appeasement ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Fragrant Offering")). His shed blood and broken body constitute the ultimate "peace offering," reconciling us to God and effectively turning away the divine wrath we justly deserved ([Romans 5:8-10](/romans/5-8-10 "Romans 5:8-10 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Death")). Through His one, perfect act of intercession, Christ not only averted eternal judgment but secured eternal life and perfect peace for all who believe, embodying the greatest act of wisdom, generosity, and reconciliation the world has ever known ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 16:1

¶ And when David was a little past the top [of the hill], behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred [loaves] of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.

Proverbs 18:16

¶ A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

Matthew 5:25

Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

2 Samuel 17:28

Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched [corn], and beans, and lentiles, and parched [pulse],

2 Samuel 17:29

And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that [were] with him, to eat: for they said, The people [is] hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.

Proverbs 21:14

¶ A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

Genesis 32:13

¶ And he lodged there that same night; and took of that which came to his hand a present for Esau his brother;