David's two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel, had been taken captive. David’s two wivesIn the context of ancient Israel, polygamy was a common practice, especially among leaders and kings. David, as a future king, had multiple wives, which was not unusual for his time. The mention of "two wives" here highlights the personal loss David experienced, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. The Hebrew word for "wives" is "נָשִׁים" (nashim), which is the plural form of "אִשָּׁה" (ishah), meaning woman or wife. This reflects the cultural norms of the time and sets the stage for understanding David's personal grief and the stakes involved in the narrative. Ahinoam of Jezreel
Ahinoam is one of David's wives, and her identification as "of Jezreel" indicates her origin or family lineage. Jezreel was a city in the territory of Issachar, known for its fertile land. The mention of her origin provides a geographical and cultural context, suggesting that David's alliances through marriage extended beyond his immediate tribe, which was a strategic move for political and social cohesion. The name Ahinoam means "my brother is pleasant," which may reflect her character or the hope of her family. Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel
Abigail is introduced with her previous marital status, "the widow of Nabal," which is significant in understanding her relationship with David. Her previous husband, Nabal, was a wealthy but foolish man, and Abigail's wise intervention in 1 Samuel 25 prevented David from taking vengeance on Nabal. Her association with Carmel, a region known for its beauty and fertility, adds to her portrayal as a woman of substance and wisdom. The Hebrew root of her name, "אֲבִיגַיִל" (Avigayil), means "my father is joy," reflecting her role as a source of joy and wisdom in David's life. had been taken captive
This phrase underscores the dire situation David faced. The Hebrew root for "captive" is "שָׁבָה" (shavah), which means to take captive or to lead away. This word conveys the sense of force and loss, highlighting the vulnerability and helplessness of those taken. In the historical context, raids and the taking of captives were common in ancient warfare, often used to demoralize and weaken opponents. For David, this personal loss was not just a family tragedy but also a challenge to his leadership and a test of his faith and resolve. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, though not yet reigning, who is leading his men during a time of great personal distress and loss. 2. Ahinoam of JezreelOne of David's wives, originally from Jezreel, a city in the territory of Issachar. Her capture signifies a personal and emotional blow to David. 3. Abigail the widow of Nabal of CarmelAnother of David's wives, known for her wisdom and previous intervention to prevent David from committing bloodshed. Her capture adds to David's distress. 4. ZiklagThe town given to David by the Philistine king Achish, which was raided and burned by the Amalekites, leading to the capture of the women and children. 5. AmalekitesA nomadic tribe and long-time enemies of Israel, who attacked Ziklag and took captives, including David's family. Teaching Points The Reality of TrialsEven those chosen by God, like David, face significant trials and losses. This reminds us that faith does not exempt us from life's challenges. Leadership in CrisisDavid's response to the crisis at Ziklag demonstrates the importance of seeking God's guidance and strength in leadership, especially during difficult times. The Role of FamilyThe capture of David's wives highlights the importance of family and the emotional impact of their loss, encouraging us to value and protect our loved ones. God's Sovereignty and DeliveranceDespite the dire situation, David's account reminds us of God's sovereignty and ability to deliver and restore what has been lost. The Importance of CommunityDavid's men were also affected by the raid, showing the importance of community support and unity in facing adversity. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's experience in 1 Samuel 30:5 reflect the reality of trials in the life of a believer, and how can we find encouragement in his response? 2. In what ways does the capture of Ahinoam and Abigail illustrate the importance of family in our spiritual journey? 3. How can David's leadership during the crisis at Ziklag serve as a model for us when we face our own challenges? 4. What lessons can we learn from the historical enmity between Israel and the Amalekites, and how does this apply to our spiritual battles today? 5. How can we, like David, seek God's guidance and strength in times of distress, and what other scriptures support this approach? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 25Provides background on Abigail's marriage to David after the death of her first husband, Nabal, highlighting her wisdom and David's respect for her. 1 Samuel 27Describes David's time in Ziklag under the protection of the Philistines, setting the stage for the events of chapter 30. Exodus 17Details the Israelites' first encounter with the Amalekites, establishing the historical enmity between the two groups. Psalm 34A psalm attributed to David, reflecting his trust in God during times of trouble, relevant to his response to the crisis at Ziklag. 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 Abigail, Ab'igail, Ahinoam, Ahin'o-am, Captive, Captives, Captured, Carmel, Carmelite, David, David's, Jezreel, Jezreelitess, Jizreelitess, Nabal, Prisoners, Widow, Wife, WivesDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 30:5 1651 numbers, 1-2 1 Samuel 30:3-6 5835 disappointment 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 30:5 NIV1 Samuel 30:5 NLT1 Samuel 30:5 ESV1 Samuel 30:5 NASB1 Samuel 30:5 KJV
1 Samuel 30:5 Commentaries
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