1 Samuel 25:18

“Then Abigail made haste, etc.] As the case required, her family being in imminent danger: and took two hundred loaves; of bread; of what size or weight they were is not said; though it may be reasonably concluded they were pretty large, since they are not called cakes, but loaves, and since they were to be a present to David and his men, who were numerous: and two bottles of wine; not such as ours are, which would have borne no proportion to the rest of the provision; but these were leathern bags which held a large quantity, in which they put and carried wine in those times and countries; the Septuagint version is, two vessels or casks of wine: and five sheep ready dressed; killed and…”

“Two bottles - Rather, “two skins,” each of which would contain many gallons. These leather vessels varied in size according to the skin they were made of, and the use they were to be put to. The smaller and more portable kind, which may not improperly be called bottles, were made of the skin of a kid: larger ones of the skin of a he-goat. The Arabs invariably to this day carry their milk, water, etc., in such leather vessels. One skin of wine was a handsome present from Ziba, sufficient for David’s household 2 Samuel 16:1. The provisions were all ready to Abigail’s hand, having been provided for the sheep-shearing feast. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Abigail took, &c. - This she did without his leave, because it was a case of apparent necessity, for the preservation of herself, and husband, and all the family from imminent ruin. And surely, that necessity which dispenseth with God's positive commands, might dispense with the husband's right, in this case. Bottles - Casks or rundlets. 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 25:22”

“made haste: Sa1 25:34; Num 16:46-48; Pro 6:4, Pro 6:5; Mat 5:25 took two: The Eastern bread is generally both thin and small; and answers to our cakes. Gen 32:13-20, Gen 43:11-14; Sa2 17:28, Sa2 17:29; Pro 18:16, Pro 21:14 two bottles: That is, two goatskins' full. five sheep: Not one sheep to one hundred men. clusters: Heb. lumps, Raisins dried in the sun, Sa2 16:1 cakes of figs: Figs cured and then pressed together. Now all this provision was a matter of little worth; and had it been granted in the first instance, it would have perfectly satisfied David, and secured his good offices. 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 25:19”