1 Samuel 30 - Printer Friendly

What does 1 Samuel 30 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

In 1 Samuel 30, God once again protects David. The Philistine king who blocked him from Saul wanted David and his 600 men to fight against the Israelite army. The other Philistine kings refused to fight with Goliath's killer. They suspect what is almost certainly true: that David will not make war against his own people. They send David and his men away (1 Samuel 29).

When David's forces arrive home to Ziklag, it is burnt and empty. Amalekites have taken their families. David is particularly distressed. Not only are both of his wives among those who have been kidnapped, but some of his men want to stone him. David chooses to trust in the Lord. He calls for Abiathar the priest to ask God whether they can save their families. God says yes. The 600 soldiers set off immediately. Part way, they leave 200 men who are too exhausted to continue at such a furious pace (1 Samuel 30:1–10).

David's band finds an Egyptian slave, alone and dying of hunger and thirst. The man eats and drinks and tells David he belonged to an Amalekite. His master left him in the wilderness to die when he became sick. He also reveals he was part of the band of raiders that had attacked the towns of the Philistines and Judah and burned Ziklag. After David promises not to kill the man or give him back to his master, he agrees to lead David and his men to the raiders' camp (1 Samuel 30:11–15).

The soldiers arrive to find the Amalekites celebrating. Though far outnumbered, David and his men destroy all but 400 young men who escape on camels. All the family members are rescued. In addition, David takes possession of the plunder the Amalekite raiders had taken from the cities (1 Samuel 30:16–20).

On the way home, David and his men arrive at the Besor brook, where the 200 men stayed behind. After the reunions between men and families, some among the 400 who fought the Amalekites complain. They don't think the 200 should receive any of the loot gained from the battle. In fact, they say, these men should take their families and leave for good. David rejects this idea, pointing out that they were victorious only by the grace of God. David sets a new guideline. Each man should get an equal share of rewards following a successful battle, whether he fought or stayed to guard the camp, resources, and families (2 Samuel 30:21–25).

David takes the wealth of the Amalekite raiders home to Ziklag. Instead of keeping it all for himself, he wisely sends some of it to cities in the hill country of Judah and south into the Negev, including the city of Hebron (1 Samuel 30:26–30).

While David and his men traveled and fought, the Philistines and Israelites met in battle. Jonathan and two of his brothers were killed. Saul was gravely wounded and fell on his sword before the Philistines could reach him (1 Samuel 31). The people of Judah, whom David gave gifts, will anoint David as king (2 Samuel 2:1–4).

First Samuel 30:1–15 describes Amalekite revenge. David and his men have been raiding Israel's enemies, including the Amalekites. Whatever city David's men attack, they leave no survivors (1 Samuel 27:8–11). While David and his men are away, other Amalekites strike back, kidnapping the Israelites' families. Under God's guidance, David's soldiers will rescue their wives and children (1 Samuel 30:16–31).

First Samuel 30:16–31 records yet another battles between David and Amalekites. He and his men had raided Amalekite cities, leaving no survivors (1 Samuel 27:8–11). David's men returned from a trip and learned different Amalekites had taken their families and destroyed their city. The men quickly catch up and rescue their wives and children. David will give some of the Amalekites' loot to elders in Judah, his home tribe. Far north, Saul and his sons die in battle against the Philistines (1 Samuel 31). The elders of Judah will declare David their king (2 Samuel 2:1–4).

Chapter Summary:

David and his men return home to find their city burned and their families gone. Amalekite raiders have taken them captive. The mood is dark, but David insists on trusting the Lord's promise that their people will be rescued. After being revived from near-starvation, an Egyptian slave abandoned by the Amalekites leads David and his men to the raiders. David’s wives and all the families are rescued, and David sends of the massive plunder the Amalekites had acquired to the people of the cities of Judah.

Chapter Context:

David and his men return from the ranks of the Philistine troops gathering for war (1 Samuel 29). They find their city is burnt and all their people are gone. David and his men attack the raiders, rescue their families alive, and kill every enemy except for 400 who escape on camelback. David sends some of the plunder to the cities of Judah. Meanwhile, King Saul dies in battle (1 Samuel 31). Before long, the leaders of Judah will anoint David king (2 Samuel 2:1–4).

First Samuel introduces the key figures who led Israel after the era of the judges. The books of 1 and 2 Samuel were originally part of a single text, split in certain translations shortly before the birth of Christ. Some of the Bible’s most famous characters are depicted in this book. These including the prophet Samuel, Israel’s first king, Saul, her greatest king, David, and other famous names such as Goliath and Jonathan. By the end of this book, Saul has fallen; the book of 2 Samuel begins with David’s ascension to the throne.

Accessed 10/16/2025 8:14:47 AM