We raided the Negev of the Cherethites, the territory of Judah, and the Negev of Caleb, and we burned down Ziklag." We raidedThe Hebrew root for "raided" is "פָּשַׁט" (pashat), which means to strip off or invade. This term is often used in the context of military actions, indicating a sudden and forceful attack. In the historical context of 1 Samuel, raiding was a common practice among tribes and nations, often leading to the plundering of resources and capturing of people. This highlights the turbulent and violent nature of the period, where survival often depended on the strength and cunning of one's military actions. the Negev
The Negev is a desert region in the southern part of ancient Israel. The Hebrew word "נֶגֶב" (negev) means "dry" or "south," reflecting the arid conditions of the area. The Negev was a significant geographical area in biblical times, often serving as a buffer zone between the settled lands of Israel and the nomadic tribes of the desert. Its mention here underscores the strategic importance of controlling such regions, which were vital for trade routes and military campaigns. of the Cherethites
The Cherethites were a group of people often associated with the Philistines. The Hebrew term "כְּרֵתִי" (kereti) suggests a connection to Crete, indicating that the Cherethites may have been of Aegean origin. In the biblical narrative, they are sometimes mentioned as part of David's personal guard, reflecting their integration into Israelite society. This reference highlights the complex ethnic and political landscape of the time, where alliances and enmities were constantly shifting. the territory of Judah
Judah was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and its territory was located in the southern part of the land. The Hebrew word "יְהוּדָה" (Yehudah) means "praise," reflecting the tribe's significant role in Israel's history. The mention of Judah's territory being raided underscores the internal strife and external threats faced by the Israelites, as well as the vulnerability of even the most established regions during times of conflict. and the Negev of Caleb
Caleb was a prominent figure in the Israelite conquest of Canaan, known for his faithfulness and courage. The "Negev of Caleb" refers to the area allotted to Caleb and his descendants, as recorded in the book of Joshua. This highlights the enduring legacy of Caleb's faith and the tangible inheritance of land that was a testament to God's promises. The raiding of this area signifies the ongoing challenges to the security and stability of the Israelite settlements. and we burned Ziklag
Ziklag was a town given to David by Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, as a place of refuge. The Hebrew "צִקְלַג" (Tsiqlag) is of uncertain origin, but its burning represents a significant turning point in David's life. This act of destruction by the Amalekites, as recounted in the broader narrative, sets the stage for David's pursuit and eventual recovery of what was lost. It serves as a powerful reminder of the trials faced by God's anointed and the divine providence that guides and restores His people through adversity. Persons / Places / Events 1. Negev of the KerethitesThe Negev is a desert region in southern Israel. The Kerethites were a group of people often associated with the Philistines, possibly serving as mercenaries or guards. 2. Territory of JudahThis refers to the land allotted to the tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. It was a significant region in biblical history, known for its central role in the account of Israel. 3. Negev of CalebCaleb was a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for his faithfulness and courage. The Negev of Caleb refers to the area associated with his descendants. 4. ZiklagA town given to David by Achish, the Philistine king of Gath. It became a base for David and his men during their time of exile from King Saul. 5. AmalekitesA nomadic tribe often in conflict with Israel. In this context, they are the ones who raided Ziklag, taking captives and burning the city. Teaching Points Understanding God's SovereigntyDespite the chaos and destruction, God is in control. The events in Ziklag remind us that God can use difficult circumstances for His purposes. Faithfulness in AdversityDavid's response to the crisis at Ziklag (seeking God's guidance) is a model for us. In times of trouble, we should turn to God for direction and strength. The Consequences of SinThe Amalekites' actions serve as a reminder of the destructive nature of sin. We must be vigilant in our own lives to avoid actions that lead to harm and separation from God. Community and LeadershipDavid's leadership during this crisis highlights the importance of strong, godly leadership. We are called to support and pray for our leaders, especially in challenging times. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the historical context of the Negev and its inhabitants enhance our understanding of this passage? 2. In what ways does David's experience in Ziklag parallel other biblical accounts of God's deliverance in times of distress? 3. How can we apply David's response to adversity in our own lives when facing personal crises? 4. What lessons can we learn from the Amalekites' actions about the consequences of living in opposition to God's will? 5. How does the account of Ziklag encourage us to support and pray for our leaders, both in the church and in broader society? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 27:6This verse provides context for Ziklag being under David's control, as it was given to him by Achish, the Philistine king. Joshua 14:13-14These verses highlight Caleb's inheritance in the land, emphasizing his faithfulness and the significance of the Negev of Caleb. Exodus 17:8-16This passage recounts the first battle between Israel and the Amalekites, establishing the long-standing enmity between the two groups. People Abiathar, Abigail, Ahimelech, Ahinoam, Amalekites, Caleb, Cherethites, David, Eshtemoa, Jerahmeelites, Jezreel, Jezreelitess, Jizreelitess, Kenites, Kerethites, NabalPlaces Besor, Bethel, Bor-ashan, Carmel, Egypt, Eshtemoa, Hebron, Hormah, Jattir, Negeb, Negev, Racal, Ramoth, Siphmoth, ZiklagTopics Attack, Belongeth, Belonging, Belongs, Burned, Caleb, Cherethite, Cherethites, Cher'ethites, Coast, Fire, Invasion, Judah, Judah's, Kerethites, Negeb, Negev, Pushed, Raid, South, Territory, ZiklagDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 30:11-16 7266 tribes of Israel Library At the Front or the Base
'As his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff.'--1 Samuel xxx. 24. David's city of Ziklag had been captured by the Amalekites, while he and all his men who could carry arms were absent, serving in the army of Achish, the Philistine king of Gath. On their return they found ruin, their homes harried, their wives, children, and property carried off. Wearied already with their long march, they set off at once in pursuit of the spoilers, who had had a …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Secret of Courage
'But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.'--1 Samuel xxx. 6. David was at perhaps the very lowest ebb of his fortunes. He had long been a wandering outlaw, and had finally been driven, by Saul's persistent hostility, to take refuge in the Philistines' country. He had gathered around himself a band of desperate men, and was living very much like a freebooter. He had found refuge in a little city of the Philistines, far down in the South, from which he and his men had marched as a contingent …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Statute of David for the Sharing of the Spoil
THOSE WHO ASSOCIATE themselves with a leader must share his fortunes. Six hundred men had quitted their abodes in Judaea; unable to endure the tyranny of Saul they had linked themselves with David, and made him to be a captain over them. They were, some of them, the best of men, and some of them were the worst: in this, resembling our congregations. Some of them were choice spirits, whom David would have sought, but others were undesirable persons, from whom he might gladly have been free. However, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891 Thirdly, for Thy Actions.
1. Do no evil, though thou mightest; for God will not suffer the least sin, without bitter repentance, to escape unpunished. Leave not undone any good that thou canst. But do nothing without a calling, nor anything in thy calling, till thou hast first taken counsel at God's word (1 Sam. xxx. 8) of its lawfulness, and pray for his blessings upon thy endeavour; and then do it in the name of God, with cheerfulness of heart, committing the success to him, in whose power it is to bless with his grace …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Bright Dawn of a Reign
'And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And He said, Unto Hebron. 2. So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail, Nabal's wife, the Carmelite. 3. And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. 4. And the men of Judah came, and there …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Canaan
Canaan was the inheritance which the Israelites won for themselves by the sword. Their ancestors had already settled in it in patriarchal days. Abraham "the Hebrew" from Babylonia had bought in it a burying-place near Hebron; Jacob had purchased a field near Shechem, where he could water his flocks from his own spring. It was the "Promised Land" to which the serfs of the Pharaoh in Goshen looked forward when they should again become free men and find a new home for themselves. Canaan had ever been …
Archibald Sayce—Early Israel and the Surrounding Nations Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 30:14 NIV1 Samuel 30:14 NLT1 Samuel 30:14 ESV1 Samuel 30:14 NASB1 Samuel 30:14 KJV
1 Samuel 30:14 Commentaries
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