1 Samuel 30:1

KJV

¶ And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when David {H1732} and his men {H582} were come {H935} to Ziklag {H6860} on the third {H7992} day {H3117}, that the Amalekites {H6003} had invaded {H6584} the south {H5045}, and Ziklag {H6860}, and smitten {H5221} Ziklag {H6860}, and burned {H8313} it with fire {H784};

Complete Jewish Bible

Three days later, when David and his men arrived in Ziklag, they found that the 'Amaleki had raided the Negev and Ziklag. They had sacked Ziklag and burned it down;

Berean Standard Bible

On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had made a raid upon the South, and upon Ziklag, and had smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 30:1 plunges David and his loyal followers into a profound crisis, depicting their return to Ziklag after a three-day journey, only to discover their home base utterly ravaged. This verse starkly portrays the devastating aftermath of an unprovoked Amalekite raid, where the city has been invaded, plundered, and incinerated. This catastrophic loss of homes, possessions, and families (as revealed in subsequent verses) serves as a critical crucible for David's leadership and faith, setting the stage for a pivotal test of his character and reliance on God before his ultimate ascension to the throne of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a significant turning point in David's life: his providential dismissal from the Philistine army. Having sought refuge with King Achish of Gath from Saul's relentless pursuit, David was granted Ziklag as a base of operations, from which he conducted raids, deceptively leading Achish to believe he was attacking Judah while secretly targeting Israel's traditional enemies ([1 Samuel 27](/1_samuel/27 "1 Samuel 27 - David's Sojourn in Philistine Territory")). The Philistine lords, distrustful of David's loyalty, insisted on his removal from their ranks before battle, as recounted in [1 Samuel 29](/1_samuel/29 "1 Samuel 29 - David Dismissed by the Philistines"). This dismissal, initially appearing as a setback, was in fact a divine intervention, sparing David from the unthinkable act of fighting against his own people. The "third day" mentioned in the verse refers to the duration of their journey back to Ziklag, highlighting the swiftness of their return and the shocking, immediate discovery of the devastation, intensifying the dramatic impact of the scene. This calamity serves as a severe test of David's leadership and faith, preparing him for the weighty responsibilities of kingship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Amalekites were a fierce, nomadic, and predatory people, long-standing and bitter enemies of Israel. Their animosity dated back to the Exodus, where they ambushed the Israelites in the wilderness ([Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8-16 "Exodus 17:8-16 - The Amalekites Attack Israel")), leading to God's pronouncement of perpetual war against them ([Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17-19 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Remember Amalek")). Saul's failure to utterly destroy them, as commanded by God in [1 Samuel 15:3](/1_samuel/15-3 "1 Samuel 15:3 - God's Command to Destroy the Amalekites"), left a lingering threat that now directly impacted David. Ziklag itself was a Philistine border town, strategically located on the southern frontier, which King Achish had granted to David as a secure base. The Amalekites' invasion was typical of ancient nomadic raids, characterized by swift attacks aimed at plunder, destruction, and capturing captives for ransom or slavery. They exploited the absence of the city's defenders, demonstrating a common peril in the ancient Near East where communities were vulnerable to sudden and total devastation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces and reinforces several major themes crucial to David's narrative and the broader biblical message. First, the theme of **Sudden Calamity and Profound Loss** is vividly portrayed, as David and his men return not to rest, but to a scene of utter ruin, having lost everything they possessed, including their families (as revealed in subsequent verses). This immediate and overwhelming devastation highlights the fragility of earthly security. Second, it underscores **Adversity and Divine Testing**, demonstrating that even those chosen by God for great purposes are not exempt from immense personal suffering and trials of faith. This event pushes David to his absolute limit, forcing him to rely solely on God's strength and guidance, as seen in [1 Samuel 30:6](/1_samuel/30-6 "1 Samuel 30:6 - David Encourages Himself in the Lord"). Third, the persistent malice of **Israel's Ancient Enemies** is underscored, as the Amalekites, representing a recurring and divinely condemned threat, inflict severe damage, a direct consequence of Saul's prior disobedience. Finally, the verse sets the stage for the overarching theme of **God's Sovereignty Amidst Chaos**, as the narrative will subsequently reveal how God uses this devastating event to refine David's character, prepare him for his future role as king, and ultimately orchestrate a miraculous recovery and victory.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **David (Hebrew, _Dâvid'_):** The central figure of this narrative, David (H1732), is introduced at a pivotal moment. His name, derived from a root meaning "loving," contrasts sharply with the desolation he encounters. This verse marks a severe test for David's leadership and faith, as he is confronted with the immediate consequences of his absence and the vulnerability of his people. It sets the stage for David's response, which will define his character as a man after God's own heart, even amidst profound personal and communal suffering.
* **smitten (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** The verb _nâkâh_ (H5221) is a primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)." In this context, its use conveys the brutal, decisive, and overwhelming nature of the Amalekite attack. It signifies that Ziklag was not merely damaged but utterly overwhelmed, conquered, and rendered defenseless. The term emphasizes the complete incapacitation of the city and its inhabitants, highlighting the devastating effectiveness of the raid and the total loss experienced by David and his men.
* **burned (Hebrew, _sâraph'_):** The verb _sâraph_ (H8313) means "to be (causatively, set) on fire." Coupled with "with fire" (H784, _ʼêsh_), this phrase graphically describes the extent of the devastation. It signifies total destruction, leaving nothing salvageable. The act of burning was a common ancient method of ensuring complete ruin and rendering a place uninhabitable, underscoring the thoroughness of the Amalekite's destructive intent and the utter desolation faced by David and his company.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day,"**: This opening clause establishes the critical setting and timing of the unfolding tragedy. David and his 600 men, having been dismissed from the Philistine army, are returning to their home base, likely exhausted but anticipating rest and security. The specific mention of "the third day" emphasizes the swiftness of their return journey, intensifying the dramatic impact of the shocking discovery that awaits them. It builds a sense of immediate, unforeseen calamity.
* **"that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag,"**: This part of the verse identifies the perpetrators and the scope of their destructive actions. The "south" (Hebrew: _negeb_, H5045) refers to the Negeb region, a semi-arid area prone to nomadic raids, but the explicit mention of "Ziklag" indicates a targeted and direct assault on David's specific dwelling place. The term "invaded" (Hebrew: _pâshaṭ_, H6584) underscores the hostile, deliberate, and aggressive nature of the Amalekite incursion, highlighting their intent to plunder and destroy.
* **"and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;"**: This concluding phrase graphically details the extent of the devastation inflicted upon Ziklag. "Smitten" (Hebrew: _nâkâh_, H5221) conveys a decisive and violent conquest, indicating that the city's defenses were overcome. The phrase "burned it with fire" (Hebrew: _sâraph...ʼêsh_, H8313...H784) signifies total destruction, leaving nothing but ashes and ruin. This combination paints a vivid picture of utter desolation, emphasizing the complete and overwhelming loss faced by David and his men, setting the stage for their profound grief and subsequent spiritual turning point.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey the profound shock and devastation experienced by David and his men. **Juxtaposition** is central, contrasting the expectation of returning to a safe haven and home with the stark reality of utter destruction. The phrase "on the third day" creates a sense of urgency and swiftness, intensifying the **dramatic irony** that David was providentially spared from fighting Israel only to find his own home and family (as revealed in subsequent verses) destroyed by Israel's ancient foe. The **repetition** of "Ziklag" ("smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire") serves to emphasize the specific target of the attack and the complete nature of its ruin, hammering home the point of total loss and leaving an indelible image of desolation. This vivid imagery creates a strong emotional impact, effectively setting the stage for the profound despair and subsequent spiritual turning point for David.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 30:1 serves as a stark reminder that even those walking in God's will are not immune to sudden, overwhelming calamity and profound loss. This devastating event, inflicted by a long-standing enemy, highlights the persistent reality of spiritual warfare and the enduring malice of evil in a fallen world. Theologically, it underscores the truth that God often allows His servants to pass through the crucible of suffering, not to abandon them, but to refine their faith, test their resolve, and prepare them for greater purposes. David's experience here foreshadows the pattern of suffering preceding glory, a theme woven throughout biblical narrative. It challenges any simplistic notion of divine protection that would exclude hardship, instead pointing to God's sovereign presence and empowering grace *within* the trial itself, transforming devastation into an opportunity for deeper reliance and miraculous intervention.

* [Job 1:21](/job/1-21 "Job 1:21 - The Lord Gives and Takes Away")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work Together for Good")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene at Ziklag is a powerful and relatable image of life's unpredictable and often devastating blows. We, like David, can return from our daily pursuits, our work, or our plans, only to find our "Ziklag"—our sense of security, our cherished relationships, our financial stability, our health, or even our deepest hopes—utterly "smitten and burned with fire." This verse calls us to confront the raw reality of loss and the inherent fragility of all earthly comforts and securities. It challenges us to examine our immediate reaction when faced with such overwhelming adversity. Do we succumb to despair, blame, or bitterness, as David's men initially did, even contemplating stoning him (as revealed in [1 Samuel 30:6](/1_samuel/30-6 "1 Samuel 30:6 - David's Distress and Encouragement"))? Or do we, like David in that same verse, find the spiritual fortitude to "encourage ourselves in the LORD our God"? The Ziklag moment is a profound crucible designed to strip away false securities and superficial faith, driving us to a deeper, more profound, and exclusive reliance on God alone. It reminds us that true resilience and ultimate hope are found not in the absence of trouble, but in the unwavering presence and power of God within it, transforming our deepest wounds into opportunities for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically react to sudden, overwhelming loss or crisis in your own life, especially when it feels undeserved?**
* **What does David's initial discovery in Ziklag teach us about the unpredictable nature of life, even for those walking in God's will and purpose?**
* **In moments of profound devastation, when all earthly comforts are stripped away, where do you instinctively turn for comfort and strength, and where *should* you turn?**

### FAQ

**Why were the Amalekites attacking Ziklag specifically at this time?**

Answer: The Amalekites, as a nomadic, opportunistic, and historically hostile people, likely seized the chance to attack Ziklag precisely because David and his men, the city's primary defenders, were absent. They had marched with the Philistine army to battle, leaving Ziklag vulnerable and undefended. This was not merely a random raid but part of their long-standing animosity towards Israel, taking advantage of any perceived weakness or opportunity for plunder. It also serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of Saul's earlier disobedience in failing to utterly destroy the Amalekites as commanded by God in [1 Samuel 15:3](/1_samuel/15-3 "1 Samuel 15:3 - God's Command to Destroy the Amalekites"), allowing this persistent enemy to continue to plague Israel.

**What is the significance of the phrase "on the third day" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "on the third day" primarily indicates the swiftness and immediacy of David's return journey from the Philistine camp to Ziklag. It emphasizes that the devastation was a fresh and immediate shock, allowing no time for anticipation or preparation for such a catastrophe. This detail heightens the dramatic impact of their discovery, underscoring the suddenness and unexpected nature of the disaster that befell David and his men. While "the third day" can sometimes carry theological significance in biblical narratives (e.g., resurrection), here its primary function is to establish the timeline and amplify the abruptness of the overwhelming loss.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The desolation of Ziklag in [1 Samuel 30:1](/1_samuel/30-1 "1 Samuel 30:1 - David's Return to Ziklag") and David's subsequent response provides a powerful type and shadow of Christ's greater work of redemption and restoration. Just as David returned to find his home "smitten and burned with fire," so too did humanity, through the Fall, find itself in a state of utter devastation, its spiritual home ravaged by the enemy of our souls. The "smitten" city can be seen as a poignant foreshadowing of the "smitten" Messiah, who was indeed "smitten of God, and afflicted" ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - Christ, Our Suffering Servant")) for our transgressions, bearing the full brunt of divine wrath against sin. Yet, like David who, despite profound grief and the threat of stoning from his own men, "encouraged himself in the LORD his God" ([1 Samuel 30:6](/1_samuel/30-6 "1 Samuel 30:6 - David Encourages Himself in the Lord")) and pursued the enemy to recover all, Christ, through His suffering, death, and glorious resurrection, has triumphed decisively over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. He is the ultimate Rescuer who restores not just possessions, but our very lives, our relationship with God, and our eternal inheritance, bringing us into a new creation where there will be "no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain")). In Christ, our true Ziklag, our eternal home, is not merely recovered but perfected and eternally secured by His definitive victory, offering ultimate comfort and an unshakable hope amidst all earthly devastation ([2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2_corinthians/1-3-4 "2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - God of All Comfort")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 15:7

And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah [until] thou comest to Shur, that [is] over against Egypt.

1 Samuel 29:11

So David and his men rose up early to depart in the morning, to return into the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel.

Joshua 11:6

And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire.

1 Samuel 27:8

¶ And David and his men went up, and invaded the Geshurites, and the Gezrites, and the Amalekites: for those [nations were] of old the inhabitants of the land, as thou goest to Shur, even unto the land of Egypt.

1 Samuel 27:10

And Achish said, Whither have ye made a road to day? And David said, Against the south of Judah, and against the south of the Jerahmeelites, and against the south of the Kenites.

1 Samuel 29:4

And the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him; and the princes of the Philistines said unto him, Make this fellow return, that he may go again to his place which thou hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he be an adversary to us: for wherewith should he reconcile himself unto his master? [should it] not [be] with the heads of these men?

Genesis 24:62

¶ And Isaac came from the way of the well Lahairoi; for he dwelt in the south country.