And David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of every man grieved for his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God. And David was greatly distressedThe Hebrew word for "distressed" is "yatsar," which conveys a sense of being pressed or constrained. This word paints a vivid picture of David's emotional turmoil. Historically, David was a leader who faced numerous challenges, but this moment was particularly intense. His distress was not only due to the external threat but also the internal betrayal of his own men. This phrase reminds us that even the most faithful servants of God can experience deep emotional struggles. because the men were talking of stoning him
The act of stoning was a common form of execution in ancient Israel, reserved for those deemed guilty of severe transgressions. The Hebrew word "sakal" means to stone or to kill by stoning. This highlights the gravity of the situation David faced. His own men, who had followed him loyally, were now considering him a scapegoat for their grief. This reflects the volatile nature of leadership and the heavy burden of responsibility that can lead to isolation and danger. each one was bitter in spirit
The phrase "bitter in spirit" uses the Hebrew word "mar," which means bitter or discontented. This bitterness arose from the loss of their families, captured by the Amalekites. It underscores the deep emotional pain and sense of helplessness the men felt. In a broader scriptural context, bitterness is often a root of sin and rebellion, showing how unchecked emotions can lead to destructive actions. because of his sons and daughters
This phrase personalizes the tragedy, emphasizing the familial bonds and the deep love and responsibility the men felt for their children. The loss of family was a profound motivator for their anger and despair. In the biblical narrative, family is a central theme, representing both blessing and responsibility. The mention of "sons and daughters" highlights the personal stakes involved and the depth of the men's anguish. But David found strength in the LORD his God
The turning point of the verse is encapsulated in this phrase. The Hebrew word "chazaq" means to strengthen or to take courage. David's response to his distress was to seek strength not in his own abilities or in the support of others, but in his relationship with God. This reflects a profound faith and reliance on divine support. The phrase "the LORD his God" emphasizes the personal relationship David had with God, a covenantal bond that provided him with the resilience to face overwhelming challenges. This serves as an inspirational reminder that true strength and courage come from a deep, personal faith in God, especially in times of crisis. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, who at this time was leading his men while fleeing from King Saul. He is the central figure in this passage, experiencing deep distress. 2. David's MenThese are the warriors who followed David. They were deeply grieved over the loss of their families and possessions, which led them to consider stoning David. 3. ZiklagThe town given to David by the Philistine king Achish, which was attacked and burned by the Amalekites, leading to the distressing situation. 4. The AmalekitesA nomadic tribe that raided Ziklag, capturing the families of David and his men, which caused the crisis. 5. The LORDThe covenant God of Israel, in whom David found strength and encouragement during his time of distress. Teaching Points Finding Strength in GodIn times of distress, believers are encouraged to seek strength and encouragement in the Lord, just as David did. Leadership Under PressureDavid's response to his men's anger teaches us about maintaining faith and composure under pressure. The Power of Prayer and WorshipDavid's ability to find strength in God suggests a life of prayer and worship, which can be a source of strength for believers today. Community and AccountabilityThe reaction of David's men highlights the importance of community and the need for leaders to be accountable and sensitive to the needs of those they lead. Trusting God's SovereigntyEven in dire situations, trusting in God's sovereignty and plan can provide peace and direction. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's response to distress in 1 Samuel 30:6 inspire you to handle your own challenges? 2. What are some practical ways you can "find strength in the LORD" in your daily life? 3. How does the reaction of David's men reflect the challenges of leadership, and what can we learn from David's response? 4. Can you identify a time when you felt overwhelmed and found strength in God? How did that experience shape your faith? 5. How do the additional scriptures (Psalm 18:1-2, Philippians 4:13, Isaiah 40:31) deepen your understanding of finding strength in God? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 18:1-2David expresses his reliance on God as his strength and fortress, similar to how he finds strength in God in 1 Samuel 30:6. Philippians 4:13Paul speaks of finding strength in Christ, paralleling David's experience of finding strength in the Lord. Isaiah 40:31This verse speaks of those who wait on the Lord renewing their strength, akin to David's experience of finding strength in God. 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 Bitter, Daughters, David, Distress, Distressed, Embittered, Encouraged, Greatly, Grieved, Hearts, Moreover, Sons, Sorrowing, Soul, Spake, Spirit, Spoke, Stone, Stoning, Strength, Strengthen, Strengthened, Strong, Talking, TroubledDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 30:6 5557 stoning
5559 stress
5567 suffering, emotional
5799 bitterness
5929 resentment, against people
8416 encouragement, promises
8618 prayerfulness 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 30:6 NIV1 Samuel 30:6 NLT1 Samuel 30:6 ESV1 Samuel 30:6 NASB1 Samuel 30:6 KJV
1 Samuel 30:6 Commentaries
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