Though some commentators suggests that there was no wrongdoing involved with the marriage,1 even that it presents David as embracing the voice of wisdom,2 the use of the Hebrew word translated as take
suggests otherwise. The same word is used in 1 Samuel 8:8–11 as a warning about what a king like that of the nations would do. He would be a king who takes. David was acting in such a way when he took another wife.3 Though accepted in the culture, and though not explicitly condemned, this was out of step with God’s revelation and plan for monogamous heterosexual marriage (see Genesis 2:24).4
40 When the servants of David came to Abigail at Carmel, they said to her, “David has sent us to you to take you to him as his wife.”