1 Samuel 30:10

KJV

But David pursued, he and four hundred men: for two hundred abode behind, which were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor.

KJV (with Strong's)

But David {H1732} pursued {H7291}, he and four {H702} hundred {H3967} men {H376}: for two hundred {H3967} abode behind {H5975}, which were so faint {H6296} that they could not go over {H5674} the brook {H5158} Besor {H1308}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then David continued in pursuit with four hundred men, while two hundred too exhausted to cross Vadi B'sor stayed behind.

Berean Standard Bible

because two hundred men were too exhausted to cross the brook. But David and four hundred men continued in pursuit.

American Standard Version

But David pursued, he and four hundred men; for two hundred stayed behind, who were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
David's leadership in 1 Samuel 30:10 showcases his unwavering resolve and strategic discernment amidst profound crisis. Following the devastating Amalekite raid on Ziklag, which left their city burned and families captured, David rallied his men for a desperate pursuit. This verse specifically details the physical toll of their grief and hurried march, noting that two hundred of his six hundred men were too utterly exhausted to cross the geographical barrier of the Brook Besor, compelling David to press on with the remaining four hundred. It underscores the harsh realities of their situation and David's unwavering commitment to recover what was lost, even if it meant proceeding with a reduced force.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the dramatic narrative of [1 Samuel 30](/1_samuel/30 "1 Samuel 30 - David's Pursuit and Victory at Ziklag"), immediately following a period of intense despair for David and his men. After discovering Ziklag plundered and their wives and children taken captive ([1 Samuel 30:1-3](/1_samuel/30-1-3 "1 Samuel 30:1-3 - The Plundering of Ziklag")), the men were so overwhelmed with grief that they wept until they could weep no more, even contemplating stoning David in their anguish ([1 Samuel 30:4-6a](/1_samuel/30-4-6a "1 Samuel 30:4-6a - David's Men in Despair")). It is in this crucible of distress that David "encouraged himself in the LORD his God" ([1 Samuel 30:6b](/1_samuel/30-6b "1 Samuel 30:6b - David Encourages Himself in the Lord")) and, crucially, sought divine guidance from the Lord through the ephod, receiving a clear command and promise: "Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all" ([1 Samuel 30:8](/1_samuel/30-8 "1 Samuel 30:8 - God's Assurance to David")). Verse 10, therefore, marks the initial, challenging phase of that divinely sanctioned pursuit, highlighting the physical limitations encountered despite spiritual resolve. It sets the stage for the subsequent encounter with the Amalekites and David's just and equitable distribution of spoils, which includes those who remained behind ([1 Samuel 30:21-25](/1_samuel/30-21-25 "1 Samuel 30:21-25 - David's Rule on Spoils")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Negev region, a semi-arid area characterized by wadis (dry riverbeds or brooks) like the Besor. These wadis could become significant obstacles during flash floods or after heavy rains, or simply present steep, difficult terrain to traverse for exhausted men. David and his men were a band of warriors, often living a rugged existence on the fringes of society, accustomed to hardship but not immune to exhaustion. Their pursuit of the Amalekites, a nomadic, predatory people frequently hostile to Israel, was a common military maneuver of the time—a rapid, retaliatory strike to recover stolen goods and captives. The concept of "spoils of war" was a well-established practice, and the distribution of these spoils, as seen later in the chapter, was a critical aspect of leadership, demonstrating justice and maintaining group cohesion. The mention of "faint" men reflects the grueling nature of ancient warfare and travel, where physical endurance was paramount, and lack of provisions or rest could quickly incapacitate a fighting force.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it exemplifies **Unwavering Pursuit and Determination**, showcasing David's tenacious spirit and refusal to yield to despair, even when facing internal dissent and overwhelming odds. This mirrors a spiritual principle of persistent faith and [pressing toward the goal](/philippians/3-14 "Philippians 3:14 - Pressing Toward the Goal") despite obstacles. Secondly, it highlights **Compassionate and Pragmatic Leadership**. David's decision to leave the 200 weary men behind, rather than abandon them or force them to continue, demonstrates a balanced approach—recognizing human limitations while maintaining focus on the mission. This act of care later informs his equitable decree regarding the division of spoils, ensuring that [those who stayed with the supplies also shared in the plunder](/1_samuel/30-24 "1 Samuel 30:24 - Sharing the Spoils Equally"), fostering unity and justice within his company. Finally, the verse is an integral part of the theme of **Faith in Action**. While the immediate action is physical pursuit, it is a direct response to God's explicit promise of recovery ([1 Samuel 30:8](/1_samuel/30-8 "1 Samuel 30:8 - God's Promise of Recovery")), underscoring that true faith often manifests in courageous, decisive steps taken in obedience to divine leading, even when the path is arduous.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pursued (Hebrew, רָדַף, _râdaph'_):** This verb, stemming from a primitive root, signifies "to run after," often with hostile intent, but widely used for any form of following or chasing. In this context, it conveys David's active, determined, and relentless pursuit of the Amalekites. It's not a passive following but an energetic and purposeful chase, driven by the urgency of recovering his family and possessions, and importantly, by God's direct command and promise of success. The word encapsulates David's decisive leadership and the immediate action taken.
* **Faint (Hebrew, פָּגַר, _pâgar'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to relax, i.e., become exhausted," this describes the debilitating physical state of the two hundred men. It denotes extreme fatigue, not merely tiredness, but a profound exhaustion that rendered them physically incapable of continuing the arduous journey, particularly crossing a geographical barrier. This highlights the severe physical demands placed on David's men and the reality of human limitations even in the face of great urgency and a divinely sanctioned mission.
* **Besor (Hebrew, בְּשׂוֹר, _Bᵉsôwr'_):** This proper noun, derived from a root meaning "cheerful," refers to a specific stream or wadi in Palestine. Its mention grounds the narrative in a tangible, challenging landscape. Wadis, while often dry, could become impassable torrents after rain, or simply present steep, difficult terrain to traverse for exhausted men. It serves as a natural, physical barrier that tests the limits of the pursuing party and necessitates a strategic decision by David, symbolizing an insurmountable obstacle for the weary.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But David pursued, he and four hundred men:"**: This clause establishes David's unwavering resolve and identifies the core group that continued the pursuit. Despite the overwhelming grief, the threat of stoning, and the physical limitations of some of his men, David, emboldened by God's promise, presses forward. The number "four hundred" indicates a significant reduction from his original six hundred, highlighting the immediate challenge and the commitment of those who remained. It underscores David's leadership in action.
* **"for two hundred abode behind,"**: This explains the reduction in David's forces, signifying a necessary pause and a strategic separation of the group. The phrase "abode behind" implies they were left at a specific point, not abandoned, but strategically positioned to rest and guard the supplies, anticipating a future role. This decision speaks to David's pragmatic leadership and care for his men, prioritizing their well-being while maintaining the mission's integrity.
* **"which were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor."**: This final clause provides the precise reason for the two hundred men being left behind: extreme physical exhaustion. The "brook Besor" is identified as the specific geographical obstacle that their weariness prevented them from overcoming. This detail underscores the severity of their fatigue and the challenging terrain, emphasizing that their inability was physical, not a lack of will, and justifying David's compassionate yet practical decision.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. **Contrast** is evident in the juxtaposition of David's determined "pursuit" with the men who "abode behind" due to being "faint." This highlights David's exceptional leadership and the varied capacities within his company. The **Brook Besor** functions as a form of **Symbolism**, representing a significant physical and psychological barrier. It is a concrete obstacle that tests endurance and forces a critical decision, symbolizing the points in life or ministry where physical limits are reached, and a contingent must be left behind while others press on. Furthermore, the strategic division of the men and the subsequent equitable distribution of spoils later in the chapter ([1 Samuel 30:21-25](/1_samuel/30-21-25 "1 Samuel 30:21-25 - David's Rule on Spoils")) serves as **Foreshadowing** of David's just and inclusive leadership principles, demonstrating that even those who cannot physically participate in the direct conflict are still integral to the community and share in its victories.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal moment in David's journey offers profound theological and thematic insights. It underscores the reality that even in divinely sanctioned pursuits, human limitations and physical exhaustion are real. David's leadership here demonstrates a crucial balance between unwavering faith in God's promise to "recover all" and a compassionate understanding of his men's physical limits. He does not abandon the weary but makes a pragmatic decision that preserves their lives and ensures their eventual participation in the victory's spoils. This act of care foreshadows a deeper theological principle: God's kingdom work often involves individuals with varying capacities, and true spiritual leadership acknowledges and accommodates these differences, ensuring that no one is left behind or excluded from the blessings of collective effort and divine grace. The pursuit itself, initiated after David "encouraged himself in the LORD," exemplifies the active obedience that flows from faith, even when circumstances are dire, reminding us that divine promises often require human exertion.

* [Psalm 27:14](/psalms/27-14 "Wait for the Lord")
* [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Those Who Wait on the Lord")
* [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Bear One Another's Burdens")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene at the Brook Besor provides a powerful metaphor for the Christian life and ministry. There will be times when the spiritual journey or a specific calling demands extraordinary perseverance, pushing us to our limits. Like David, we are called to pursue God's purposes with determination, even when faced with overwhelming odds or personal weariness. However, this verse also offers a vital lesson in self-awareness and compassionate community. Just as 200 men were too "faint" to continue, there will be moments when we, or those around us, reach a point of genuine exhaustion—physically, emotionally, or spiritually. True leadership and mature faith involve discerning these limits, not shaming those who cannot keep pace, but ensuring they are cared for and included in the ultimate victory. This highlights the importance of mutual support within the body of Christ, recognizing that not everyone can always carry the same load, but all are indispensable to the mission and share in its blessings. It challenges us to assess our own capacity, to rest when truly needed, and to extend grace and practical support to those who are weary, remembering that God's strength is made perfect in weakness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you felt "so faint" in your spiritual journey or service that you struggled to "go over the brook"?**
* **How can you, like David, encourage yourself in the Lord when facing overwhelming despair or opposition?**
* **In what ways can you practice compassionate leadership or support within your community, recognizing and accommodating the limitations of others?**
* **What "brook Besors" (obstacles or moments of exhaustion) might God be calling you to press through, and what might He be calling you to rest from?**

### FAQ
**Why did David not force all 600 men to continue the pursuit?**

Answer: David's decision not to force all 600 men to continue demonstrates his pragmatic and compassionate leadership. The text explicitly states that 200 men were "so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor." This was not a matter of unwillingness but physical incapacitation due to extreme exhaustion from the emotional trauma of Ziklag's destruction and the hurried march. Forcing them to continue would have been counterproductive, risking their lives, slowing the entire company, and potentially leading to further dissent or even death. David recognized their genuine inability and made a strategic choice to leave them behind to rest and guard the supplies, a decision that proved wise and equitable, as seen in his later decree regarding the sharing of spoils ([1 Samuel 30:21-25](/1_samuel/30-21-25 "1 Samuel 30:21-25 - David's Rule on Spoils")). This highlights David's ability to balance military objective with the well-being of his men, understanding that true strength lies in a cohesive and cared-for unit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Samuel 30:10 describes David's determined pursuit and compassionate leadership, it finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David, as a king and deliverer, foreshadows Christ, the true King and ultimate Rescuer. Just as David pursued his lost people, Christ, the Good Shepherd, leaves the ninety-nine to seek out the one lost sheep ([Matthew 18:12-14](/matthew/18-12-14 "Matthew 18:12-14 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep")), demonstrating an even greater pursuit of those who are lost. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")) to recover humanity from the clutches of sin and death, a pursuit far more costly than David's. Furthermore, the scene at the Brook Besor, where some men were too faint to continue, beautifully illustrates Christ's empathetic understanding of human weakness. Unlike David, who left some behind (though for good reason), Jesus Himself bore our infirmities and carried our diseases ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - Christ Bears Our Sicknesses"); [Matthew 8:17](/matthew/8-17 "Matthew 8:17 - Jesus Heals Many")). He does not leave the weary behind but empowers them with His strength, inviting all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The principle of sharing the spoils, where even the weak participate in the victory, finds its ultimate expression in Christ's finished work on the cross, where His victory over sin and death is freely given to all who believe, regardless of their strength or contribution ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Grace Through Faith")). In Christ, the "faint" are not left behind but are strengthened, transformed, and brought into the fullness of His eternal triumph.

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 30:9

So David went, he and the six hundred men that [were] with him, and came to the brook Besor, where those that were left behind stayed.

1 Samuel 30:21

¶ And David came to the two hundred men, which were so faint that they could not follow David, whom they had made also to abide at the brook Besor: and they went forth to meet David, and to meet the people that [were] with him: and when David came near to the people, he saluted them.

Judges 8:4

¶ And Gideon came to Jordan, [and] passed over, he, and the three hundred men that [were] with him, faint, yet pursuing [them].

Judges 8:5

And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they [be] faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.

1 Samuel 14:20

And Saul and all the people that [were] with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, [and there was] a very great discomfiture.

1 Samuel 14:31

And they smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon: and the people were very faint.