and David inquired of the LORD: "Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?" "Pursue them," the LORD replied, "for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives." and David inquired of the LORDThis phrase highlights David's reliance on divine guidance. The Hebrew root for "inquired" is "שָׁאַל" (sha'al), which means to ask or consult. In the historical context, David's inquiry signifies his dependence on God rather than his own strength or wisdom. This act of seeking God's will is a model for believers, emphasizing the importance of prayer and seeking divine direction in times of crisis. Shall I pursue this raiding party?
David's question reflects his strategic and cautious nature. The Hebrew word for "pursue" is "רָדַף" (radaph), which implies a determined chase. Historically, David was a seasoned warrior, yet he sought God's approval before taking action. This teaches the importance of aligning our actions with God's will, even when the path seems clear. Will I overtake them?
The word "overtake" comes from the Hebrew "נָשַׂג" (nasag), meaning to reach or catch up. David's concern was not just about pursuit but about success. This reflects a deeper trust in God's promise of victory, reminding believers that God not only guides but also ensures the fulfillment of His plans. Pursue them
God's command to "pursue" is a direct response to David's inquiry, showing that God listens and responds to the prayers of His people. The assurance in God's command provides confidence and courage, illustrating that when God directs, He also empowers. for you will surely overtake them
The certainty in God's promise is emphasized by the word "surely," which in Hebrew is "כִּי" (ki), often used to affirm truth. This assurance is a testament to God's faithfulness and reliability. It encourages believers to trust in God's promises, knowing that His word is unfailing. and rescue the captives
The phrase "rescue the captives" highlights the ultimate goal of David's mission. The Hebrew root for "rescue" is "נָצַל" (natsal), meaning to deliver or save. This reflects God's heart for redemption and restoration. In a broader scriptural context, it points to the deliverance that God offers to all who are bound or oppressed, symbolizing spiritual salvation through Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, who at this time was leading his men while on the run from King Saul. He is known for his deep relationship with God and reliance on divine guidance. 2. The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the ultimate authority and guide for David. His response to David's inquiry is direct and reassuring. 3. The Raiding PartyRefers to the Amalekites who had attacked and burned Ziklag, taking the women and children captive, including David's own family. 4. ZiklagA Philistine town given to David by Achish, the king of Gath, where David and his men had been residing. It was attacked and burned by the Amalekites. 5. The CaptivesThe families of David and his men, who were taken by the Amalekites during their raid on Ziklag. Teaching Points Seeking Divine GuidanceDavid's inquiry of the LORD highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance in times of crisis. Believers are encouraged to turn to God in prayer and seek His will in their decisions. Trust in God's PromisesThe LORD's response to David assures him of success. This teaches us to trust in God's promises and His faithfulness to fulfill them. Courage to ActOnce David received God's direction, he acted with confidence. Believers should be encouraged to move forward with courage when they have sought and received God's guidance. God's Sovereignty in TrialsThe situation at Ziklag reminds us that God is sovereign even in difficult circumstances. He can turn trials into opportunities for deliverance and growth. Community and LeadershipDavid's leadership in seeking God's will and leading his men into action serves as a model for Christian leadership, emphasizing the importance of spiritual discernment and communal responsibility. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's approach to seeking God's guidance in 1 Samuel 30:8 challenge or affirm your current practice of decision-making? 2. In what ways can you apply the principle of trusting in God's promises in your personal life, especially during challenging times? 3. Reflect on a time when you acted with courage after seeking God's guidance. How did that experience strengthen your faith? 4. How can the account of Ziklag encourage you to view trials as opportunities for God's deliverance and growth in your life? 5. What lessons can you learn from David's leadership in this passage that can be applied to your role in your community or family? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 23:2-4David's practice of inquiring of the LORD is consistent throughout his life, showing his dependence on God's guidance. Psalm 37:5Encourages believers to commit their way to the LORD, trusting in Him to act, which parallels David's reliance on God for direction. Proverbs 3:5-6Advises trusting in the LORD with all your heart and not leaning on your own understanding, which David exemplifies by seeking God's counsel. 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 Able, Asketh, Assuredly, Band, Certainly, David, Deliver, Fail, Inquired, Overtake, Party, Pursue, Questioning, Raiding, Recover, Rescue, Saying, Succeed, Surely, TroopDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 30:8 8648 enquiring of God 1 Samuel 30:7-8 8129 guidance, examples 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 30:8 NIV1 Samuel 30:8 NLT1 Samuel 30:8 ESV1 Samuel 30:8 NASB1 Samuel 30:8 KJV
1 Samuel 30:8 Commentaries
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