1 Samuel 30:1
On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down.
On the third day
The phrase "on the third day" is significant in biblical narratives, often symbolizing a period of trial followed by deliverance or revelation. In Hebrew culture, the third day can represent a divine intervention or a turning point. This timing underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation David and his men face upon their return.

David and his men
David, the anointed yet not-yet-crowned king of Israel, is leading a group of loyal followers. These men are not just warriors but are deeply committed to David, having shared in his trials and triumphs. This phrase highlights the communal aspect of leadership and the importance of unity in facing adversity.

arrived in Ziklag
Ziklag was a city given to David by Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, as a place of refuge. It served as a base for David during his time of exile from King Saul. The arrival in Ziklag marks a return to what was considered a safe haven, only to find it devastated. This reflects the transient nature of earthly security and the need for reliance on God.

Now the Amalekites
The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe and longstanding enemies of Israel. Their mention here is a reminder of the ongoing spiritual and physical battles God's people face. Historically, the Amalekites were known for their guerrilla tactics and surprise attacks, which adds to the tension of the narrative.

had raided the Negev and Ziklag
The Negev is a desert region in southern Israel, and its mention alongside Ziklag indicates the widespread nature of the Amalekite raids. This phrase highlights the vulnerability of the region and the strategic threat posed by the Amalekites. It also sets the stage for David's response and the ensuing pursuit.

and they had attacked Ziklag and burned it down
The destruction of Ziklag is a devastating blow to David and his men, both materially and emotionally. The act of burning the city signifies total destruction and loss. In the biblical context, fire often symbolizes judgment or purification, suggesting that this event, while tragic, may serve a greater purpose in God's plan for David and his future kingship.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The anointed future king of Israel, currently leading a group of men while in exile from King Saul. David's leadership and faith are central to this account.

2. David's Men
A group of warriors loyal to David, who have been following him during his time of exile. They are deeply affected by the events at Ziklag.

3. Ziklag
A town given to David by Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, where David and his men had been residing. It becomes a place of significant trial and testing for David.

4. Amalekites
A nomadic tribe and long-standing enemies of Israel. They are known for their raids and are responsible for the attack on Ziklag.

5. Negev
A desert region in southern Israel. The Amalekites' raid extended to this area, indicating the breadth of their attack.
Teaching Points
The Reality of Trials
Even those anointed and chosen by God, like David, face significant trials. This reminds us that being in God's will does not exempt us from challenges.

Leadership in Crisis
David's response to the crisis at Ziklag provides a model for godly leadership. He seeks God's guidance and encourages his men, demonstrating faith and resilience.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The Amalekite raid is a reminder of the long-term consequences of disobedience to God's commands, as seen in Saul's failure to fully obey God in dealing with the Amalekites.

God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness
Despite the devastation, God remains sovereign and faithful. David's eventual victory over the Amalekites shows that God can restore and redeem even the most desperate situations.

Community and Support
The unity and support among David's men, despite their initial distress, highlight the importance of community and mutual encouragement in times of trial.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's experience at Ziklag challenge our understanding of God's protection and provision during difficult times?

2. In what ways can we see the consequences of past disobedience affecting our present circumstances, as seen in the account of the Amalekites?

3. How can David's leadership during the crisis at Ziklag inspire us to lead with faith and courage in our own areas of influence?

4. What role does community play in overcoming trials, and how can we foster a supportive community like David's men?

5. How can we apply the lessons of God's sovereignty and faithfulness from this passage to our current life challenges?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 15
The Amalekites' attack on Ziklag can be seen as a consequence of Saul's incomplete obedience in dealing with them, highlighting the importance of full obedience to God's commands.

Psalm 34
David's psalm of praise and trust in God during times of trouble, reflecting his reliance on God even in dire circumstances like the one at Ziklag.

Exodus 17
The Amalekites' first attack on Israel, establishing them as persistent adversaries and illustrating the ongoing spiritual battle against forces opposed to God's people.
Confidence in GodB. Dale 1 Samuel 30:1-10
David in Three SituationsC. Bradley, M. A.1 Samuel 30:1-31
People
Abiathar, Abigail, Ahimelech, Ahinoam, Amalekites, Caleb, Cherethites, David, Eshtemoa, Jerahmeelites, Jezreel, Jezreelitess, Jizreelitess, Kenites, Kerethites, Nabal
Places
Besor, Bethel, Bor-ashan, Carmel, Egypt, Eshtemoa, Hebron, Hormah, Jattir, Negeb, Negev, Racal, Ramoth, Siphmoth, Ziklag
Topics
Amalekites, Amal'ekites, Attack, Attacked, Burn, Burned, David, Fire, Invaded, Negeb, Negev, Overcome, Overthrown, Pass, Pushed, Raid, Raided, Reached, Smite, Smitten, South, Struck, Third, Ziklag
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 30:1-2

     5398   loss

1 Samuel 30:1-3

     5246   captivity

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 Scripture

The 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

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