1 Samuel 25:30
When the LORD has done for my lord all the good He promised, and when He has appointed you ruler over Israel,
When the LORD
The phrase begins with a direct reference to Yahweh, the covenant name of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and faithfulness. In the Hebrew text, "Yahweh" is a reminder of God's eternal presence and His role as the ultimate authority in the unfolding events. This sets the stage for understanding that the actions and promises to follow are divinely orchestrated.

has done
This phrase indicates the completion of an action, suggesting certainty and fulfillment. In the Hebrew context, the verb used here often conveys the idea of God bringing His plans to fruition. It reassures the reader of God's active involvement in history and His ability to accomplish His purposes.

for my lord
Here, "my lord" refers to David, acknowledging his future role and the respect he commands. The term "lord" in Hebrew, "adon," is often used to denote authority and leadership. This reflects the recognition of David's God-given destiny and the respect he garners from those around him, including Abigail, the speaker in this passage.

every good thing
This phrase encompasses the totality of God's blessings and promises. The Hebrew word for "good," "tov," implies not just moral goodness but also prosperity, well-being, and divine favor. It highlights the comprehensive nature of God's promises to David, ensuring that all aspects of his life and reign will be blessed.

He promised
The act of promising in the biblical context is a solemn commitment by God, often accompanied by covenants. The Hebrew root "dabar" implies not just spoken words but a binding declaration. This underscores the reliability and unchangeable nature of God's word, providing assurance that what He has spoken will indeed come to pass.

concerning him
This phrase personalizes the promise, indicating that God's plans are specifically tailored for David. It reflects the intimate relationship between God and His chosen servant, emphasizing that God's promises are not generic but are directed towards individuals with a purpose.

and has appointed him
The concept of appointment here is significant, as it denotes divine selection and ordination. The Hebrew root "paqad" often implies a careful and intentional choosing. This highlights the idea that David's future role as ruler is not by chance but by God's deliberate choice and preparation.

ruler over Israel
This final phrase confirms David's destiny as the king of Israel. The term "ruler" in Hebrew, "nagid," suggests leadership and governance under God's authority. It points to the fulfillment of God's promise to establish David's kingdom, aligning with the broader biblical narrative of God's plan for Israel through David's lineage, ultimately leading to the Messiah.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The future king of Israel, anointed by God, who is currently on the run from King Saul. In this chapter, he is interacting with Abigail, the wife of Nabal.

2. Abigail
A wise and discerning woman who intervenes to prevent David from taking vengeance on her foolish husband, Nabal. She acknowledges David's future as king.

3. Nabal
A wealthy but foolish man whose name means "fool." His actions nearly bring disaster upon his household.

4. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who has promised to establish David as king over Israel.

5. Israel
The nation over which David is prophesied to rule, fulfilling God's promise to him.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's Promises
Abigail's words remind us that God's promises are sure and will come to pass in His timing. We should trust in His faithfulness and not take matters into our own hands.

Wisdom in Conflict
Abigail's intervention shows the power of wisdom and discernment in resolving conflicts. We should seek to be peacemakers and use wisdom to prevent unnecessary strife.

God's Sovereignty
The passage highlights God's sovereign plan in establishing David as king. We can rest in the knowledge that God is in control and His plans will prevail.

The Role of Prophetic Encouragement
Abigail's words serve as a prophetic encouragement to David, reminding him of his calling. We should encourage others by reminding them of God's promises and purposes for their lives.

The Importance of Character
David's restraint in this situation reflects his character and trust in God. Our character is tested in moments of potential conflict, and we should strive to act in ways that honor God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Abigail's recognition of David's future kingship demonstrate her faith and understanding of God's promises?

2. In what ways can we apply Abigail's wisdom and discernment in our own lives when dealing with difficult people or situations?

3. How does David's response to Abigail's intervention reflect his trust in God's timing and sovereignty?

4. What are some promises from God that you are currently waiting to see fulfilled in your life, and how can you remain faithful during the waiting period?

5. How can we encourage others in their faith journey by reminding them of God's promises and purposes for their lives, as Abigail did for David?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 16
This chapter details the anointing of David by Samuel, establishing the divine promise that Abigail refers to in her speech.

2 Samuel 5
This chapter describes the fulfillment of God's promise as David becomes king over Israel, connecting to Abigail's prophetic words.

Psalm 37:34
This verse encourages waiting on the Lord and His timing, similar to Abigail's counsel to David to trust in God's promise.
David's Activity and AdvancementB. Dale 1 Samuel 25:1-44
The Prosperous FoolB. Dale 1 Samuel 25:2-39
AbigailB. Dale 1 Samuel 25:14-42
People
Abigail, Ahinoam, Caleb, David, Israelites, Jesse, Jezreel, Laish, Maon, Michal, Nabal, Palti, Paltiel, Phalti, Samuel, Saul
Places
Carmel, Gallim, Hebron, Maon, Paran, Ramah
Topics
Appoint, Appointed, Appoints, Leader, Pass, Prince, Promised, Ruler, Spoken
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 25:2-35

     5745   women

1 Samuel 25:4-35

     5325   gifts

1 Samuel 25:14-31

     8458   peacemakers

1 Samuel 25:14-35

     5744   wife
     5922   prudence

1 Samuel 25:30-34

     5033   knowledge, of good and evil

Library
If Then to Sin, that Others May not Commit a Worse Sin...
21. If then to sin, that others may not commit a worse sin, either against us or against any, without doubt we ought not; it is to be considered in that which Lot did, whether it be an example which we ought to imitate, or rather one which we ought to avoid. For it seems meet to be more looked into and noted, that, when so horrible an evil from the most flagitious impiety of the Sodomites was impending over his guests, which he wished to ward off and was not able, to such a degree may even that just
St. Augustine—Against Lying

Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed.
"Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord."--Jeremiah i. 8. The Prophets were ever ungratefully treated by the Israelites, they were resisted, their warnings neglected, their good services forgotten. But there was this difference between the earlier and the later Prophets; the earlier lived and died in honour among their people,--in outward honour; though hated and thwarted by the wicked, they were exalted to high places, and ruled in the congregation.
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

How the Meek and the Passionate are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 17.) Differently to be admonished are the meek and the passionate. For sometimes the meek, when they are in authority, suffer from the torpor of sloth, which is a kindred disposition, and as it were placed hard by. And for the most part from the laxity of too great gentleness they soften the force of strictness beyond need. But on the other hand the passionate, in that they are swept on into frenzy of mind by the impulse of anger, break up the calm of quietness, and so throw into
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and the New Testament
THE Parables of the Ten Virgins' and of the Unfaithful Servant' close with a Discourse on the Last Things,' the final Judgment, and the fate of those Christ's Righ Hand and at His Left (St. Matt. xxv. 31-46). This final Judgment by our Lord forms a fundamental article in the Creed of the Church. It is the Christ Who comes, accompanied by the Angelic Host, and sits down on the throne of His Glory, when all nations are gathered before Him. Then the final separation is made, and joy or sorrow awarded
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Letters of St. Bernard
I To Malachy. 1141.[924] (Epistle 341.) To the venerable lord and most blessed father, Malachy, by the grace of God archbishop of the Irish, legate of the Apostolic See, Brother Bernard called to be abbot of Clairvaux, [desiring] to find grace with the Lord. 1. Amid the manifold anxieties and cares of my heart,[925] by the multitude of which my soul is sore vexed,[926] the brothers coming from a far country[927] that they may serve the Lord,[928] thy letter, and thy staff, they comfort
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

The Exile Continued.
"So David fled, and escaped and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done unto him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth" (1 Sam. xix. 18)--or, as the word probably means, in the collection of students' dwellings, inhabited by the sons of the prophets, where possibly there may have been some kind of right of sanctuary. Driven thence by Saul's following him, and having had one last sorrowful hour of Jonathan's companionship--the last but one on earth--he fled to Nob, whither
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

Barzillai
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. "There is nothing," says Socrates to Cephalus in the Republic, "I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom it is right to learn the character of the way, whether it is rugged or difficult, or smooth and easy" (p. 328 E.). It is to such an aged traveller that we are introduced in the person of Barzillai the Gileadite. And though he is one of the lesser-known characters
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters,
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Promise in 2 Samuel, Chap. vii.
The Messianic prophecy, as we have seen, began at a time long anterior to that of David. Even in Genesis, we perceived [Pg 131] it, increasing more and more in distinctness. There is at first only the general promise that the seed of the woman should obtain the victory over the kingdom of the evil one;--then, that the salvation should come through the descendants of Shem;--then, from among them Abraham is marked out,--of his sons, Isaac,--from among his sons, Jacob,--and from among the twelve sons
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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