Blessed be the LORD: in some languages it is quite impossible to use the word “bless” in this context, since God cannot be blessed. The meaning is “Praise the LORD,” as indicated in Good News Translation.

Who sent you: there is nothing in the story previously which indicates that God sent Abigail. But this is David’s analysis of the situation. Contemporary English Version attempts to reflect this by translating “He must have sent you.” However, most readers will probably understand a more literal rendering in this way.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .