1 Samuel 25:35
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.
Original Language Analysis
מִיָּדָ֔הּ
of her hand
H3027
מִיָּדָ֔הּ
of her hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
3 of 17
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אֵ֥ת
H853
אֵ֥ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הֵבִ֖יאָה
that which she had brought
H935
הֵבִ֖יאָה
that which she had brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
6 of 17
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
עֲלִ֤י
unto her Go up
H5927
עֲלִ֤י
unto her Go up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
10 of 17
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
לְשָׁלוֹם֙
in peace
H7965
לְשָׁלוֹם֙
in peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
11 of 17
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
לְבֵיתֵ֔ךְ
to thine house
H1004
לְבֵיתֵ֔ךְ
to thine house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
12 of 17
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
רְאִי֙
see
H7200
רְאִי֙
see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
13 of 17
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
שָׁמַ֣עְתִּי
I have hearkened
H8085
שָׁמַ֣עְתִּי
I have hearkened
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
14 of 17
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
Cross References
Genesis 19:21And 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 5:19And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way.1 Samuel 20:42And 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.
Historical Context
The phrase 'lifting the face' was technical language for granting favorable audience and petition. David's formal acceptance of Abigail's person indicated she had found favor beyond the immediate crisis. His dismissal in peace assured her safe return.
Questions for Reflection
- What does 'lifting her face' teach about how to respond to those who offer wise counsel?
- How did David's comprehensive response honor Abigail's intervention?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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.
David formally concludes the encounter with acceptance and blessing. Receiving gifts 'from her hand' symbolizes reconciliation. The dismissal 'go up in peace' (Hebrew 'le'i leshalom') grants formal peace and safe passage. His declaration 'I have hearkened to thy voice' acknowledges persuasion accepted. The phrase 'accepted thy person' (Hebrew 'essa panayikh'—literally 'lifted your face') indicates favor granted. David's comprehensive response covered all dimensions: material (receiving gifts), verbal (granting peace), and personal (accepting her). The encounter that began with Abigail prostrate concludes with her 'face lifted'—full restoration of dignity and relationship.