United Commentaries

1Sam.30.1

Ziklag: See study note on 27:6.

Perhaps the Amalekites were retaliating for David’s raids against them (27:8).

1Sam.30.2

There were no fighting men left in Ziklag to protect the women and children. The Amalekites had a reputation for preying on the weak and vulnerable (see Deut 25:17-18).

without killing anyone: The Amalekites were not being compassionate; women and children were more useful alive than dead.

1Sam.30.5

Ahinoam: See study note on 25:43.

Abigail: See 25:3-42.

1Sam.30.6

in great danger: Saul had used the same expression about himself: When “in deep trouble” (28:15), Saul turned to necromancy, with disastrous results. David, by contrast, found strength and success in the Lord his God.

1Sam.30.7

the ephod: See study notes on 2:18; 23:6.

1Sam.30.8

Unlike Saul (28:6), David inquired of the Lord successfully (see 23:9-12; 2 Sam 2:1; 5:19, 23).

1Sam.30.9

Besor was a large brook in Philistine territory that emptied into the Mediterranean southwest of Gaza.

1Sam.30.10

too exhausted: David’s men had traveled for three days (30:1) and were now in hot pursuit of the Amalekites without having rested. David did not upbraid them or drive them on mercilessly. See 30:23-25.

1Sam.30.11-12

David had once received bread when he was famished (21:3-7). He and his men helped this Egyptian man before they even knew his identity or his ability to help their cause.

1Sam.30.13

because I was sick: Only healthy and vigorous slaves were valuable to the Amalekites; the rest were expendable.

1Sam.30.14

The land of Caleb was in the wilderness of Judah, south of Hebron (see Josh 14:6-15).

1Sam.30.17

The total number of Amalekite raiders must have been quite large if 400 young men escaped.

1Sam.30.21-31

David generously divided the spoils among those who participated in the battle and those who were too exhausted to take part.

1Sam.30.21

greeted them joyfully: David did not reprimand them for not participating in the battle.

1Sam.30.22

tell them to be gone: This heartless group wanted to drive away the nonparticipants with no reward.

1Sam.30.23

what the Lord has given: Some of David’s men ascribed success to their own military prowess; David attributed victory to God and gave him the glory.

1Sam.30.24

share and share alike: Cp. Num 31:25-47, where Moses divided the plunder of war between those who fought and the rest of the people.

1Sam.30.26

elders of Judah . . . his friends: David extended his generosity to influential people throughout his own tribal area, possibly to secure their support for him as king.

1Sam.30.27-30

The places mentioned here were all in southern Judah. David eventually emerged from this territory as king (see 2 Sam 2:1-4).

1Sam.30.31

From Hebron, David reigned as king over Judah for 7½ years (2 Sam 2:1-7; 5:5).