And David struck them down from twilight until the evening of the next day. Not a man escaped, except four hundred young men who fled, riding off on camels. And David struck them downThe phrase "struck them down" indicates a decisive and complete victory. The Hebrew root word here is "נכה" (nakah), which means to smite, strike, or defeat. This action by David is not just a physical battle but a spiritual triumph, as he is executing justice and reclaiming what was unjustly taken. David's leadership and reliance on God are evident, as he acts as an instrument of divine retribution against the Amalekites, who had previously attacked Ziklag. from twilight until the evening of the next day
This phrase highlights the duration and intensity of the battle. "Twilight" in Hebrew is "נֶשֶׁף" (neshef), which can refer to both dawn and dusk, suggesting that David's assault began at the break of day and continued relentlessly. The extended timeframe underscores the thoroughness of David's campaign and his determination to recover all that was lost. It also reflects the perseverance and endurance required in spiritual warfare, where believers are called to be steadfast and unyielding. and not a man of them escaped
The completeness of the victory is emphasized here. The phrase signifies that David's forces were so effective that they left no room for the enemy to regroup or retaliate. This total defeat of the Amalekites serves as a reminder of God's promise to protect and deliver His people when they are faithful and obedient. It also foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death, where no power of darkness will remain. except four hundred young men
The exception of "four hundred young men" who escaped on camels is noteworthy. The Hebrew word for "young men" is "נַעַר" (na'ar), often used to describe young warriors or servants. This detail highlights the mercy and sovereignty of God, as even in judgment, there is a remnant that survives. It also serves as a historical note, indicating the size and capability of the Amalekite forces, as well as the swiftness of their camels, which were prized for their speed and endurance in the ancient Near East. who rode off on camels and fled
Camels were a symbol of wealth and mobility in the ancient world, and their mention here underscores the desperation and haste of the Amalekites' retreat. The act of fleeing on camels indicates a strategic withdrawal, as these animals could travel long distances across harsh terrains. This imagery can inspire believers to consider the means by which they escape spiritual danger, relying on the "armor of God" (Ephesians 6:11) to stand firm against the enemy's schemes. The Amalekites' flight also serves as a metaphor for the ultimate futility of opposing God's anointed, as those who resist His will are destined to flee in defeat. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, known for his leadership and reliance on God. In this passage, he leads a successful attack against the Amalekites. 2. AmalekitesA nomadic tribe and long-time enemies of Israel. They had raided Ziklag, taking captives and spoils, prompting David's pursuit. 3. ZiklagA Philistine town given to David by Achish, king of Gath. It served as David's base during his time in exile from Saul. 4. Twilight until the evening of the next dayThis time frame indicates the duration of David's relentless pursuit and battle against the Amalekites. 5. Four hundred young menThese were the Amalekite survivors who escaped on camels, highlighting the completeness of David's victory. Teaching Points Complete ObedienceDavid's thorough defeat of the Amalekites contrasts with Saul's earlier failure. This highlights the importance of complete obedience to God's commands. God's FaithfulnessDespite the dire situation, God provided David with victory, demonstrating His faithfulness to those who trust in Him. Leadership and CourageDavid's leadership in pursuing the Amalekites shows the importance of courage and decisiveness in overcoming challenges. Divine JusticeThe defeat of the Amalekites serves as a reminder of God's justice against those who oppose His people. Perseverance in BattleThe extended duration of the battle underscores the need for perseverance in spiritual warfare. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's complete victory over the Amalekites serve as a model for obedience in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness in our personal battles, similar to how David experienced it? 3. How does David's leadership in this passage inspire us to lead with courage and decisiveness in our own spheres of influence? 4. What lessons can we learn about divine justice from the defeat of the Amalekites, and how does this apply to our understanding of God's character? 5. How can we apply the principle of perseverance in spiritual warfare to our daily struggles and challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 17:8-16The initial conflict between Israel and the Amalekites, where God promises to blot out the memory of Amalek. 1 Samuel 15Saul's incomplete obedience in dealing with the Amalekites, contrasting with David's thorough victory. Psalm 18:37-42David's psalm of deliverance, reflecting his reliance on God for victory over his enemies. 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 Camels, David, Dusk, Escaped, Evening, Except, Fighting, Fled, Flight, Fought, Got, Hundred, Morrow, Mounted, None, Ridden, Rode, Save, Slaughtered, Smiteth, Smote, Struck, Till, TwilightDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 30:16 5312 feasting
5850 excess
5866 gluttony 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 30:17 NIV1 Samuel 30:17 NLT1 Samuel 30:17 ESV1 Samuel 30:17 NASB1 Samuel 30:17 KJV
1 Samuel 30:17 Commentaries
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