The Church Fathers on this verse

1 Kingdoms (1 Samuel) 25:40Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And David's servants came to Abigail, to Carmel, and spoke to her, saying: David hath sent us to thee, to take thee to himself for a wife.

Douay-Rheims

וַיָּבֹ֜אוּ עַבְדֵ֥י דָוִ֛ד אֶל־אֲבִיגַ֖יִל הַכַּרְמֶ֑לָה וַיְדַבְּר֤וּ אֵלֶ֙יהָ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר דָּוִד֙ שְׁלָחָ֣נוּ אֵלַ֔יִךְ לְקַחְתֵּ֥ךְ ל֖וֹ לְאִשָּֽׁה׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Ambrose of Milan

4th centuryChurch Father

The sacrament represented by the bond of marriage signifies that Avigea received the heavenly refreshment of the Father’s grace, as suggested by her name. The Father's refreshment is none other than the Word of God, which imbues the hearts of all with the waters of faith and righteousness. To such a blessed soul, David eloquently expresses the sentiments conveyed to Abigail: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who sent you to meet me, and blessed is your understanding (1 Sam. 25:32-33). He further instructs her, Go in peace to your home; I have listened to your request and honored your presence (1 Sam. 25:35). In the Song of Songs, we find the bridegroom addressing his bride, Show me your face, let me hear your voice (Song 2:14).

Read more (97 words)

David eventually sent her away because she was married to Nabal, whose name in Hebrew denotes 'fool, harsh, inhospitable, inhumane, ungrateful,' as he was incapable of showing appreciation. Following her husband's death, the prophet David took her as his wife, for she was released from the obligation of her first marriage. This union symbolizes the establishment of the Church among the Gentiles who will come to believe, for after the loss of her first husband, she turned to Christ, bringing with her a dowry of piety, humility, and faith, as well as an abundant inheritance of grace.

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