1 Samuel 25:40

KJV

And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spake unto her, saying, David sent us unto thee, to take thee to him to wife.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when the servants {H5650} of David {H1732} were come {H935} to Abigail {H26} to Carmel {H3760}, they spake {H1696} unto her, saying {H559}, David {H1732} sent {H7971} us unto thee, to take {H3947} thee to him to wife {H802}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When David's servants reached Avigayil in Karmel, they said to her, "David has sent us to you to bring you to him to be his wife."

Berean Standard Bible

When his servants came to Abigail at Carmel, they said, “David has sent us to take you as his wife.”

American Standard Version

And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spake unto her, saying, David hath sent us unto thee, to take thee to him to wife.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 25:40 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of David and Abigail, signifying the formal culmination of the dramatic events that unfolded in the preceding verses. Following the divinely orchestrated death of Nabal, Abigail's foolish and churlish husband, David dispatches his servants to Carmel to formally propose marriage to Abigail. This verse highlights David's recognition of Abigail's profound wisdom, spiritual discernment, and courageous intervention, which had not only saved her household but also prevented David from shedding innocent blood and incurring guilt. It represents a divine reward for Abigail's virtuous character and a significant step in David's journey toward kingship, acquiring a wise and discerning partner.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the death of Nabal, Abigail's husband, recounted in [1 Samuel 25:37-38](/1_samuel/25-37 "1 Samuel 25:37-38 - Nabal's Death"). David, upon hearing of Nabal's demise, praises God for executing justice and preventing him from taking vengeance into his own hands, thus sparing him from a grievous sin ([1 Samuel 25:39](/1_samuel/25-39 "1 Samuel 25:39 - David's Praise for God's Justice")). The narrative arc of [1 Samuel 25](/1_samuel/25 "1 Samuel 25 - David, Nabal, and Abigail") is a masterpiece of tension and resolution: David's righteous anger at Nabal's insult, his resolve to destroy Nabal's household, Abigail's wise and humble intercession, and finally, God's direct intervention in Nabal's death. Verse 40 serves as the denouement, solidifying the positive outcome for Abigail and demonstrating David's discernment in recognizing and rewarding her exceptional character. It transitions David's story from conflict resolution to the expansion of his household and influence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, marriage was often a strategic alliance, particularly for figures of David's stature. Proposals were typically initiated by the man or his family, often through emissaries, as seen here. The concept of "taking a wife" (Hebrew: _lakach lo l'ishshah_) was a formal and binding act, signifying the woman's transfer from her father's (or deceased husband's) household to her new husband's. A widow, especially one from a wealthy household like Nabal's, would have been highly sought after. David's swift action to marry Abigail not only secured a wise companion but also potentially absorbed Nabal's considerable wealth and influence in Carmel, a strategic location. This reflects the patriarchal nature of society where women, even those of great wisdom, relied on male protection and provision, yet Abigail's agency and wisdom within these confines are remarkably highlighted.

* **Key Themes:** The narrative of [1 Samuel 25](/1_samuel/25 "1 Samuel 25 - David, Nabal, and Abigail") powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, **Divine Providence and Justice** are paramount, as God intervenes directly to judge Nabal's wickedness and protect David from sin, showcasing His active involvement in human affairs ([Psalm 37:28](/psalms/37-28 "Psalm 37:28 - God Loves Justice")). Secondly, the theme of **Wisdom vs. Folly** is starkly contrasted through Abigail's discerning actions and Nabal's foolish arrogance. Abigail's proactive peacemaking and humble appeal demonstrate the power of wisdom ([Proverbs 15:1](/proverbs/15-1 "Proverbs 15:1 - A Gentle Answer")). Thirdly, **David's Character** is further developed; his initial rashness is checked by Abigail's wisdom, and his subsequent decision to marry her underscores his ability to recognize and value virtue, even in unexpected circumstances, which is crucial for a future king who must discern good counsel ([Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Wisdom in Counsel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Servants (Hebrew, _ne'arim_):** Refers to David's young men or attendants. The sending of servants was a customary and formal way for a prominent individual to initiate important communications, especially a marriage proposal. It signifies the official and serious nature of David's intent, lending authority and weight to the message conveyed to Abigail. This was not a casual inquiry but a formal embassy.
* **Carmel (Hebrew, _karmel_):** A specific geographical location, known for its fertility and wealth. It was Nabal's primary residence and the center of his vast sheep-shearing operations. The mention of Carmel grounds the story in a real place and emphasizes the distance David's servants traveled, underscoring the urgency and importance of their mission to Abigail.
* **To take thee to him to wife (Hebrew, _lakach lo l'ishshah_):** This phrase is a common biblical idiom for marriage, literally meaning "to take for himself a woman." It denotes a formal, legally recognized, and binding union, not merely a cohabitation. It emphasizes the husband's initiative in the marriage process and the woman's integration into his household, establishing her new status and identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel":** This opening clause establishes the setting and the agents of David's will. The arrival of David's servants signifies the immediate follow-through on David's part after Nabal's death. Their journey to Carmel underscores the deliberate and formal nature of the mission, highlighting David's earnestness in seeking Abigail.
* **"they spake unto her, saying, David sent us unto thee":** This reveals the directness and authority of the message. The servants are not merely messengers but representatives bearing David's personal command. Their words carry the weight of David's authority, making it clear that this is a direct proposition from him, not a suggestion or an informal inquiry.
* **"to take thee to him to wife":** This is the explicit purpose of their visit and the core of the verse. It is a clear, unambiguous marriage proposal. The phrasing emphasizes the formal act of 'taking' a wife, which in ancient Near Eastern culture involved a series of customs and legalities that would establish a binding marital covenant. It signifies Abigail's elevation to a position of honor and security as David's wife.

#### Literary Devices
The verse, though brief, employs several subtle literary devices. There is a strong sense of **Resolution** as the narrative tension built throughout [1 Samuel 25](/1_samuel/25 "1 Samuel 25 - David, Nabal, and Abigail") finds its peaceful and positive conclusion for Abigail. The immediate action of David sending his servants provides **Pacing**, demonstrating the swiftness of divine justice and David's discernment. The contrast between Nabal's fate and Abigail's elevation creates a powerful **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the consequences of folly versus wisdom. Furthermore, the formal nature of the proposal, conveyed through the "servants" and the specific phrasing "to take thee to him to wife," adds a layer of **Symbolism** to Abigail's new status, moving her from a household of foolishness and impending doom to one of divine favor and future royalty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 25:40 beautifully illustrates God's providential care and His commitment to justice, often working through human agents. Abigail's elevation is not merely a romantic development but a divine reward for her wisdom, humility, and peacemaking, demonstrating that God honors those who act righteously and seek to prevent sin. It underscores the biblical principle that while humans may devise their plans, the Lord directs their steps, often turning seemingly negative circumstances into opportunities for blessing and advancement. This narrative encourages believers to trust in God's timing for justice and to cultivate virtues like wisdom and discernment, knowing that such character is valued by God and often leads to unexpected favor.

* [Proverbs 3:13-18](/proverbs/3-13 "Proverbs 3:13-18 - The Blessings of Wisdom") - "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding... She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her."
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts the Humble") - "For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another."
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking for Wisdom") - "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Abigail, culminating in David's proposal in 1 Samuel 25:40, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of wisdom and discernment, especially when faced with conflict or injustice. Abigail's proactive and humble intervention, which averted bloodshed and prevented David from sinning, serves as a powerful model for peacemaking and reconciliation in our own lives, urging us to seek solutions that honor God rather than succumbing to anger or vengeance. Furthermore, this narrative reminds us that God is actively involved in our circumstances, bringing justice in His perfect timing and often rewarding faithfulness and integrity in unexpected ways. It encourages us to trust in His providence, even when situations seem dire, and to prioritize character and spiritual discernment in our relationships and life choices, just as David recognized these qualities in Abigail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abigail's proactive wisdom and humble approach to conflict challenge my own tendencies to react in anger or seek personal vengeance?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to take matters into my own hands, rather than trusting God's timing and method for justice?**
* **What qualities do I truly value in others, and how does Abigail's character influence my understanding of what makes a virtuous and desirable partner or friend?**

### FAQ
**Why did David marry Abigail so quickly after Nabal's death?**

Answer: David's swift action to marry Abigail after Nabal's death was multifaceted, reflecting both divine providence and practical considerations. Theologically, it was a clear sign of God's justice and reward. God had struck Nabal, removing the obstacle, and David recognized this as divine intervention, preventing him from sinning by taking vengeance into his own hands ([1 Samuel 25:39](/1_samuel/25-39 "1 Samuel 25:39 - David's Response to Nabal's Death")). Practically, David was deeply impressed by Abigail's profound wisdom, courage, and spiritual discernment, qualities essential for a future queen. Marrying her would bring a wise counselor into his household, securing a valuable ally and potentially incorporating Nabal's considerable wealth and influence into his growing retinue, which was strategically beneficial for a man on the path to kingship. It demonstrated David's ability to discern and value true character over mere status or wealth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Abigail's elevation to become David's wife in 1 Samuel 25:40 beautifully foreshadows the greater story of Christ and His Church. Abigail, a woman of profound wisdom and intercession, steps in to avert David's wrath and bring peace, much like Christ, our ultimate Peacemaker, intercedes on our behalf to reconcile us to God ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Christ's Reconciliation")). Her humble and wise appeal prevents David from sin, mirroring how Christ's perfect sacrifice and intercession prevent God's just wrath from falling upon us, His chosen ones ([Romans 5:8-9](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8-9 - Christ Died for Us")). Furthermore, Abigail, a widow from a household marked by folly and death, is elevated to become the wife of the future king, symbolizing the Church, the Bride of Christ, redeemed from spiritual death and foolishness to be united with the King of Kings ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church")). Just as David recognized and valued Abigail's wisdom, so too does Christ embody all wisdom ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")), and He graciously extends His hand in covenant to those who respond to His call, transforming them into His glorious bride ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

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 24:51

Behold, Rebekah [is] before thee, take [her], and go, and let her be thy master's son's wife, as the LORD hath spoken.

Genesis 24:37

And my master made me swear, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell:

Genesis 24:38

But thou shalt go unto my father's house, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son.