1 samuel 25:33 - Blessed is your discretion, and blessed are you, who have kept me today from blood guiltiness, and from avenging myself with my own hand.

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 25:33

What does "1 samuel 25:33" mean?


This verse, from 1 Samuel 25:33, is spoken by David to Abigail after she has intervened to prevent him from attacking Nabal and his household. Let's break down the meaning:

"Blessed is your discretion..." This praises Abigail's wisdom and good judgment. "Discretion" here refers to her ability to assess the situation, understand the potential consequences of David's actions, and act in a way that averted disaster. She used her intelligence and resourcefulness to calm David's anger and prevent him from making a terrible mistake.

"...and blessed are you..." This is a direct blessing upon Abigail herself. David recognizes and appreciates the positive impact she had on him.

"...who have kept me today from blood guiltiness..." This refers to the fact that David was on the verge of committing murder by killing Nabal and his household. Under the law, taking innocent life incurred "blood guilt." Abigail's intervention prevented David from becoming guilty of this serious sin.

"...and from avenging myself with my own hand." This highlights the nature of David's original intent: to take revenge upon Nabal for his insult. David acknowledges that his anger was driving him to take justice into his own hands. Abigail's actions stopped him from acting out of anger and potentially exceeding the bounds of justifiable action.

In Summary:

David acknowledges that Abigail's wisdom and actions stopped him from committing a rash and sinful act of revenge. She spared him from the guilt of shedding innocent blood and taking justice into his own hands. The verse is a powerful expression of gratitude and recognition of the value of wise counsel and intervention. It also shows that David recognizes the potential for his own anger to lead him astray.

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