When David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow him from the Brook of Besor, they came out to meet him and the troops with him. As David approached the men, he greeted them, When David cameThis phrase marks a significant moment of return and reunion. David, the anointed yet not fully recognized king, returns from a victorious mission. The Hebrew root for "came" (בּוֹא, bo) often signifies arrival or entering, suggesting a transition from one state to another. In this context, it symbolizes David's leadership and his role as a shepherd to his people, emphasizing his responsibility and care for all, even those who could not continue the journey. to the two hundred men
These men represent a portion of David's followers who were unable to continue due to exhaustion. The number "two hundred" is specific, indicating a significant group within David's band. Historically, this reflects the inclusivity of David's leadership, acknowledging the value of every individual in the community, regardless of their physical capabilities. who had been too exhausted to follow him
The phrase highlights human limitations and the reality of physical exhaustion. The Hebrew word for "exhausted" (עָיֵף, ayef) conveys a sense of weariness and fatigue. This acknowledgment of human frailty is crucial in understanding the compassionate leadership of David, who does not dismiss or devalue those who are weak but instead recognizes their worth and contribution. and who were left behind at the Wadi Besor
The "Wadi Besor" serves as a geographical marker, a place of rest and waiting. In ancient times, wadis were dry riverbeds that could become torrents during the rainy season, symbolizing both desolation and potential. This location underscores the temporary nature of their separation and the hope of reunion and restoration. they came out to meet David
This action signifies a gesture of respect and anticipation. The men who stayed behind still held David in high regard, and their coming out to meet him indicates their loyalty and eagerness to reconnect. It reflects the communal bond and mutual respect within David's group. and the people with him
This phrase includes the entire company that accompanied David, emphasizing unity and collective identity. It highlights the importance of community and shared experiences in the journey of faith and leadership. As David approached the men
David's approach is an act of intentionality and leadership. The Hebrew root for "approached" (נָגַשׁ, nagash) often implies drawing near with purpose. David's action here is deliberate, showing his commitment to engage with and affirm those who were left behind. he greeted them
The greeting is a gesture of peace and acceptance. In Hebrew culture, greetings were significant, often conveying blessing and goodwill. David's greeting is an expression of his inclusive leadership, ensuring that all members of his group feel valued and included, regardless of their role in the recent events. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, known for his leadership and heart after God. In this passage, he demonstrates leadership and compassion. 2. Two Hundred MenThese were part of David's army who were too exhausted to continue the pursuit of the Amalekites and were left behind at the Wadi Besor. 3. Wadi BesorA dry riverbed or valley where the two hundred men stayed while David and the rest of his men pursued the Amalekites. 4. The AmalekitesA nomadic tribe that had raided Ziklag, taking captives and spoils, prompting David's pursuit. 5. The People with DavidRefers to the four hundred men who continued with David to recover their families and possessions from the Amalekites. Teaching Points Compassionate LeadershipDavid's greeting to the exhausted men shows a leader's heart that values every member of his team, regardless of their ability to contribute at the moment. Value of RestThe two hundred men were left behind due to exhaustion, illustrating the importance of recognizing human limitations and the need for rest. Unity and InclusionDavid's approach to the men emphasizes the importance of unity and inclusion within the community of believers, valuing each person's contribution. Grace and GenerosityDavid's actions reflect God's grace, as he does not rebuke the men for their inability to continue but instead welcomes them back into the fold. Encouragement in WearinessThis passage encourages believers to support and uplift those who are weary, reflecting Christ's love and compassion. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's treatment of the two hundred men reflect the character of a godly leader? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of rest and recognizing human limitations in our own lives? 3. How does this passage challenge us to view and treat those who may not be able to contribute as much in certain seasons of life? 4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate grace and generosity to others, as David did to the exhausted men? 5. How can we encourage and support fellow believers who are weary, drawing from the example of David and the teachings of Jesus? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 30:9-10Provides context for why the two hundred men stayed behind, highlighting their exhaustion. Matthew 11:28-30Jesus invites those who are weary to find rest in Him, paralleling the rest given to the exhausted men at the Wadi Besor. Galatians 6:9-10Encourages believers not to grow weary in doing good, as David did not grow weary in showing kindness to those who stayed behind. 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 Abide, Approached, Approacheth, Asketh, Behind, Besor, Brook, Cause, David, Drew, Exhausted, Faint, Follow, Forth, Greeted, Hundred, Meet, Meeting, Ravine, Saluted, Stay, Stream, Torrent, Waiting, Weariness, WelfareDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 30:21 5328 greeting 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 30:21 NIV1 Samuel 30:21 NLT1 Samuel 30:21 ESV1 Samuel 30:21 NASB1 Samuel 30:21 KJV
1 Samuel 30:21 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
