1 Samuel 25:35

KJV

So David received of her hand [that] which she had brought him, and said unto her, Go up in peace to thine house; see, I have hearkened to thy voice, and have accepted thy person.

KJV (with Strong's)

So David {H1732} received {H3947} of her hand {H3027} that which she had brought {H935} him, and said {H559} unto her, Go up {H5927} in peace {H7965} to thine house {H1004}; see {H7200}, I have hearkened {H8085} to thy voice {H6963}, and have accepted {H5375} thy person {H6440}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So David received from her what she had brought him, then said to her, "Go up in peace to your home. I have listened to what you said and granted your request."

Berean Standard Bible

Then David accepted from her hand what she had brought him, and he said to her, “Go home in peace. See, I have heeded your voice and granted your request.”

American Standard Version

So David received of her hand that which she had brought him: and he said unto her, Go up in peace to thy house; see, I have hearkened to thy voice, and have accepted thy person.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 25:35 marks the peaceful culmination of a tense confrontation, depicting David's gracious reception of Abigail's offerings and his public declaration of peace and acceptance towards her. This pivotal moment showcases David's capacity for restraint and wisdom, as he acknowledges Abigail's divinely inspired intervention, choosing to abandon his vengeful intentions against Nabal and his household. The verse underscores the power of discerning counsel in averting bloodshed and highlights God's providential hand in guiding events and shaping the character of His chosen leader.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The immediate literary context of [1 Samuel 25](/1_samuel/25 "1 Samuel 25 - David, Nabal, and Abigail") is crucial for understanding David's words in verse 35. Following Nabal's egregious insult and refusal to provide provisions for David's men, David, in a fit of righteous indignation and personal offense, vowed to destroy Nabal and every male in his household by morning ([1 Samuel 25:22](/1_samuel/25-22 "1 Samuel 25:22 - David's Vow of Vengeance")). Abigail, Nabal's discerning wife, acted swiftly and decisively, intercepting David with a generous offering of food and a humble, eloquent plea. Her speech, rich in theological insight, appealed to David's future as king and urged him to avoid the guilt of shedding innocent blood, reminding him that the Lord would establish his house ([1 Samuel 25:28-31](/1_samuel/25-28-31 "1 Samuel 25:28-31 - Abigail's Wise Plea")). David, recognizing the Lord's hand in her timely intervention, blessed Abigail and acknowledged God's restraint through her ([1 Samuel 25:32-33](/1_samuel/25-32-33 "1 Samuel 25:32-33 - David Blesses Abigail")). Verse 35, therefore, serves as the formal declaration of David's change of heart and the peaceful resolution of the crisis, setting the stage for Nabal's divine judgment and Abigail's subsequent marriage to David.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically and culturally, David was operating as a fugitive leader, having fled from King Saul and gathered a growing band of 600 men ([1 Samuel 22:2](/1_samuel/22-2 "1 Samuel 22:2 - David Gathers Men")). These men, living in the wilderness of Paran, often served as protectors for local shepherds and farmers from raiders, in exchange for provisions and hospitality. Nabal, a wealthy Calebite sheep owner in Carmel, was expected by custom to show hospitality and generosity, especially to those who had protected his flocks. His refusal was not merely an insult but a grave breach of customary law and a direct challenge to David's authority and the well-being of his men. David's initial reaction, though extreme, was rooted in the prevailing honor-shame culture where such an affront demanded a strong response to maintain reputation and authority. Abigail's actions, however, transcended these norms, demonstrating a superior wisdom that prioritized peace and divine will over cultural expectations of vengeance.

* **Key Themes:** Several key themes converge in [1 Samuel 25](/1_samuel/25 "1 Samuel 25 - David, Nabal, and Abigail"), and verse 35 is a crucial expression of them. **Divine Providence** is paramount, as David explicitly acknowledges that God sent Abigail to prevent him from taking vengeance ([1 Samuel 25:33](/1_samuel/25-33 "1 Samuel 25:33 - David Acknowledges God's Hand")). This highlights God's active involvement in human affairs, even in moments of intense personal conflict, guiding His chosen instruments. The stark **Contrast Between Wisdom and Folly** is central, with Abigail's discerning and humble intervention ([Proverbs 14:1](/proverbs/14-1 "Proverbs 14:1 - The Wise Woman Builds Her House")) standing in sharp opposition to Nabal's foolishness and insolence ([Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")). Furthermore, the theme of **Restraint and Righteous Leadership** is powerfully illustrated by David's willingness to turn from a path of rash vengeance, demonstrating a crucial characteristic for a future king who would rule justly and mercifully. His decision to 'hearken to thy voice' and 'accept thy person' signifies a profound capacity for self-control and a recognition of a higher moral and spiritual imperative, foreshadowing the kind of king God desires ([Psalm 72:12-14](/psalm/72-12-14 "Psalm 72:12-14 - A King Who Delivers the Needy")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** The Hebrew word שָׁלוֹם (*shâlôwm*) is far more profound than merely the absence of conflict. Derived from a root meaning "to be safe," it signifies wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, security, and harmony. When David says, "Go up in peace to thine house," he is not just granting safe passage but is bestowing a comprehensive blessing of flourishing and reconciliation. It implies a state of restored order and a cessation of all hostile intent, reflecting a divine blessing upon Abigail and her future.
* **Hearkened (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** The verb שָׁמַע (*shâmaʻ*) means 'to hear,' 'to listen,' but often carries the deeper connotation of 'to obey' or 'to give heed to' intelligently. David's declaration, 'I have hearkened to thy voice,' signifies more than just passively hearing Abigail's words; it means he has listened intently, understood the wisdom and divine counsel embedded in her plea, and has chosen to act in accordance with it. This demonstrates his teachability and responsiveness to God's leading through another person.
* **Accepted thy person (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ pânîym'_):** The phrase 'accepted thy person' translates the Hebrew idiom נָשָׂא פָּנִים (*nâsâʼ pânîym*), literally 'to lift up the face.' This idiom denotes showing favor, granting a request, or receiving someone favorably. It implies a change in disposition from anger or rejection to acceptance and approval. In this context, David is not merely accepting Abigail's gifts but is fully embracing her plea, acknowledging her character, wisdom, and the validity of her intervention. It signifies his complete reversal of judgment and a full reception of her, moving from a position of hostility to one of favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So David received of her hand [that] which she had brought him,"**: This clause establishes the physical act of acceptance, signifying David's immediate and tangible reception of Abigail's generous provisions. By taking the gifts, David formally acknowledges the cessation of hostilities and the acceptance of her peace offering, which was crucial in the ancient Near East as a sign of reconciliation and goodwill. This act is the outward manifestation of his internal change of heart.
* **"and said unto her, Go up in peace to thine house;"**: This is David's verbal declaration of peace and safe conduct. The phrase 'Go up in peace' (לְשָׁלוֹם, *l'shalom*) is a profound blessing, assuring Abigail not only of her physical safety but also of her well-being and the restoration of harmony in her life. It explicitly revokes any threat against her or her household, granting her permission to return home without fear of reprisal from David or his men.
* **"see, I have hearkened to thy voice,"**: Here, David explicitly states the reason for his change of heart: he has listened attentively and responded positively to Abigail's wise counsel. This highlights David's humility and his capacity to be persuaded by reason and divine insight, even when initially consumed by rage. It underscores the power of Abigail's eloquent and Spirit-led intervention.
* **"and have accepted thy person."**: This final clause confirms David's full acceptance of Abigail herself, not just her words or gifts. The idiom 'accepted thy person' indicates that David has shown her favor, granted her petition, and received her with approval. This signifies a complete reversal of his previous intent to destroy her household, demonstrating his recognition of her wisdom and the divine hand at work through her, ultimately leading to a profound respect for her.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [1 Samuel 25](/1_samuel/25 "1 Samuel 25 - David, Nabal, and Abigail") is rich with literary devices, and verse 35 serves as the turning point. **Contrast** is a dominant feature, most notably between Nabal's foolishness (his name literally means 'fool') and Abigail's profound wisdom and discernment. This dramatic opposition highlights the consequences of each character's choices. The entire episode functions as a form of **Divine Intervention** or **Providence**, where God uses Abigail as His instrument to prevent David from committing a rash and sinful act of vengeance, thus preserving David's moral purity for his future kingship. David's acknowledgment of this divine hand in verse 33 and his subsequent acceptance of Abigail's plea in verse 35 underscore this theme. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as David's capacity for restraint, humility, and responsiveness to divine counsel, as displayed here, anticipates the qualities necessary for his eventual righteous rule as king of Israel. The resolution in verse 35, marked by peace and acceptance, stands in stark **Irony** to David's earlier vengeful vow, emphasizing the transformative power of Abigail's intervention and God's guiding hand.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological significance of 1 Samuel 25:35 extends beyond the immediate narrative, offering profound insights into divine providence, the nature of true leadership, and the power of wise counsel. David's acceptance of Abigail's plea underscores the principle that God often uses human agents to accomplish His purposes, even to restrain His chosen servants from sin. This divine intervention prevents David from incurring bloodguilt, a crucial aspect for a future king. Furthermore, the verse highlights the moral imperative for restraint and self-control, especially in moments of anger, demonstrating that true strength lies not in unchecked vengeance but in the capacity to heed wisdom and choose peace. Abigail's role exemplifies the impact of discernment and humility in averting disaster, serving as a model for intercession and peacemaking within a community.

* [Proverbs 15:1](/proverbs/15-1 "Proverbs 15:1 - A Soft Answer Turns Away Wrath")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to God")
* [Psalm 37:8](/psalm/37-8 "Psalm 37:8 - Refrain from Anger")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative culminating in 1 Samuel 25:35 offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers. Abigail's courageous and wise intervention serves as a powerful model for how to de-escalate conflict and speak truth in love, even to those in positions of power or consumed by anger. Her example challenges us to consider how we might act as agents of peace and reconciliation in our own relationships and communities, prioritizing discernment and humility over pride or passivity. David's response, marked by his willingness to listen and turn from vengeance, provides a vital illustration of spiritual maturity. It reminds us that even when we feel justified in our anger, God often provides counsel through unexpected channels to prevent us from acting rashly and incurring sin. This passage encourages us to cultivate a spirit of teachability, to seek and heed wise counsel, and to trust in God's perfect justice rather than relying on our own retribution, thereby preserving our integrity and honoring God's sovereignty in all circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what situations are you most tempted to act out of anger or seek personal vengeance, and how can Abigail's example guide your response?**
* **How open are you to receiving wise counsel, especially when it challenges your initial impulses or deeply held convictions?**
* **What practical steps can you take to be an agent of peace and reconciliation in a conflict-ridden situation, following David's ultimate choice for peace?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of David's change of heart in this passage?**

Answer: David's change of heart, culminating in [1 Samuel 25:35](/1_samuel/25-35 "1 Samuel 25:35 - David Accepts Abigail's Plea"), was profoundly significant for several reasons. Primarily, it demonstrated his capacity for self-control and his responsiveness to divine guidance, even when fueled by intense personal offense. By heeding Abigail's wise counsel, David avoided committing a rash act of vengeance that would have stained his character and future kingship with innocent blood. This episode served as a crucial test of his leadership, revealing his humility and willingness to submit to God's providential hand, which preserved him from sin and affirmed his suitability to rule Israel righteously. It also highlighted the power of intercession and the importance of choosing peace over personal retribution.

**How did Abigail's actions influence David's decision?**

Answer: Abigail's actions were instrumental in influencing David's decision. Her swift and decisive intervention, coupled with her profound wisdom and humility, disarmed David's rage. She approached him not with defiance but with a generous offering and a respectful, yet firm, theological appeal. She reminded him of his future as king, urged him not to incur the guilt of shedding innocent blood, and implicitly pointed to God's sovereignty in establishing his kingdom ([1 Samuel 25:28-31](/1_samuel/25-28-31 "1 Samuel 25:28-31 - Abigail's Wise Plea")). David explicitly acknowledged that God had sent her to prevent him from sinning ([1 Samuel 25:32-33](/1_samuel/25-32-33 "1 Samuel 25:32-33 - David Blesses Abigail")). Thus, her actions were seen by David as divinely orchestrated, leading him to 'hearken to her voice' and 'accept her person,' thereby turning him from his vengeful path.

**What happened to Nabal after this event?**

Answer: After Abigail returned home and informed Nabal of her encounter with David, Nabal suffered a stroke and became like a stone. About ten days later, the Lord struck Nabal, and he died ([1 Samuel 25:37-38](/1_samuel/25-37-38 "1 Samuel 25:37-38 - Nabal's Death")). This outcome is presented as divine judgment for his foolishness, arrogance, and refusal to show hospitality to David's men. David, upon hearing of Nabal's death, praised the Lord for vindicating him and for preventing him from taking vengeance himself ([1 Samuel 25:39](/1_samuel/25-39 "1 Samuel 25:39 - David Praises God for Nabal's Death")). Subsequently, David sent for Abigail and took her as his wife ([1 Samuel 25:40-42](/1_samuel/25-40-42 "1 Samuel 25:40-42 - David Takes Abigail as His Wife")), further demonstrating the providential unfolding of events.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David and Abigail, culminating in David's choice for peace in [1 Samuel 25:35](/1_samuel/25-35 "1 Samuel 25:35 - David Accepts Abigail's Plea"), beautifully foreshadows the ultimate peacemaking work of Jesus Christ. Just as Abigail intervened to avert David's wrath and bring about reconciliation, so Christ, our ultimate mediator, intervened to reconcile sinful humanity to a holy God. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose sacrifice on the cross absorbed the divine wrath that we deserved ([Romans 5:8-9](/romans/5-8-9 "Romans 5:8-9 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Jesus embodies the perfect wisdom that Abigail displayed, always speaking and acting in accordance with the Father's will, even to the point of suffering and death ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")). Unlike David, who was prone to anger, Jesus perfectly exemplified divine restraint and mercy, teaching us to [love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies"). Through His atoning work, He speaks peace to our souls, inviting us to 'go up in peace' to our eternal home, having [accepted our person](/ephesians/1-6 "Ephesians 1:6 - Accepted in the Beloved") and made us righteous in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). He is our true *shalom*, the one who [breaks down the dividing wall of hostility](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace") and brings us into fellowship with God.

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

Genesis 19:21

And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken.

2 Kings 5:19

And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way.

1 Samuel 20:42

And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.

Luke 7:50

And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

Job 34:19

[How much less to him] that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all [are] the work of his hands.

2 Samuel 15:9

And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron.

Luke 8:48

And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.