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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Samuel 30:7–20. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Solomon observes that the righteous is delivered out of trouble and the wicked cometh in his stead, that the just falleth seven times a-day and riseth again; so it was with David. Many were his troubles, but the Lord delivered him out of them all, and particularly out of this of which we have here an account.
I.He enquired of the Lord both concerning his duty - Shall I pursue after this troop? and concerning the event - Shall I overtake them? Sa1 30:8. It was a great advantage to David that he had the high priest with him and the breast-plate of judgment, which, as a public person, he might consult in all his affairs, Num 27:21. We cannot think that he left Abiathar and the ephod at Ziklag, for then he and it would have been carried away by the Amalekites, unless we may suppose them hidden by a special providence, that they might be ready for David to consult at his return. If we conclude that David had his priest and ephod with him in the camp of the Philistines, it was certainly a great neglect in him that he did not enquire of the Lord by them concerning his engagement to Achish. Perhaps he was ashamed to own his religion so far among the uncircumcised; but now he begins to apprehend that this trouble is brought upon him to correct him for that oversight, and therefore the first thing he does is to call for the ephod. It is well if we get this good by our afflictions, to be reminded by them of neglected duties, and particularly to be quickened by them to enquire of the Lord. See Ch1 15:13. David had no room to doubt but that his war against these Amalekites was just, and he had an inclination strong enough to set upon them when it was for the recovery of that which was dearest to him in this world; and yet he would not go about it without asking counsel of God, thereby owning his dependence upon God and submission to him. If we thus, in all our ways, acknowledge God, we may expect that he will direct our steps, as he did David's here, answering him above what he asked, with an assurance that he should recover all.
II.He went himself in person, and took with him all the force he had, in pursuit of the Amalekites, Sa1 30:9, Sa1 30:10.
See how quickly, how easily, how effectually the mutiny among the soldiers was quelled by his patience and faith. When they spoke of stoning him (Sa1 30:6), if he had spoken of hanging them, or had ordered that the ringleaders of the faction should immediately have their heads struck off, though it would have been just, yet it might have been of pernicious consequence to his interest in this critical juncture; and, while he and his men were contending, the Amalekites would have clearly carried off their spoil. But when he, as a deaf man, heard not, smothered his resentments, and encouraged himself in the Lord his God, the tumult of the people was stilled by his gentleness and the power of God on their hearts; and, being thus mildly treated, they are now as ready to follow his foot as they were but a little before to fly in his face. Meekness is the security of any government. All his men were willing to go along with him in pursuit of the Amalekites, and he needed them all; but he was forced to drop a third part of them by the way; 200 out of 600 were so fatigued with their long march, and so sunk under the load of their grief, that they could not pass the brook Besor, but staid behind there. This was,
1.A great trial of David's faith, whether he could go on, in a dependence upon the word of God, when so many of his men failed him. When we are disappointed and discouraged in our expectations from second causes, then to go on with cheerfulness, confiding in the divine power, this is giving glory to God, by believing against hope, in hope.
2.A great instance of David's tenderness to his men, that he would by no means urge them beyond their strength, though the case itself was so very urgent. The Son of David thus considers the frame of his followers, who are not all alike strong and vigorous in their spiritual pursuits and conflicts; but, where we are weak, there he is kind; nay, more there he is strong, Co2 12:9, Co2 12:10.
III.Providence threw one in their way that gave them intelligence of the enemy's motions, and guided theirs; a poor Egyptian lad, scarcely alive, is made instrumental of a great deal of good to David. God chooses the foolish things of the world, with them to confound the wise. Observe,
1.His master's cruelty to him. He had got out of him all the service he could, and when the lad fell sick, probably being over-toiled with his work, he barbarously left him to perish in the field, when he was in no such haste but he might have put him into some of the carriages, and brought him home, or, at least, have left him wherewithal to support himself. That master has the spirit of an Amalekite, not of an Israelite, that can thus use a servant worse than one would use a beast. The tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. This Amalekite thought he should now have servants enough of the Israelite-captives, and therefore cared not what became of his Egyptian slave, but could willingly let him die in a ditch for want of necessaries, while he himself was eating and drinking, Sa1 30:16. Justly did Providence make this poor servant, that was thus basely abused, instrumental towards the destruction of a whole army of Amalekites and his master among the rest; for God hears the cry of oppressed servants.
2.David's compassion to him. Though he had reason to think he was one of those that had helped to destroy Ziklag, yet, finding him in distress, he generously relieved him, not only with bread and water (Sa1 30:11), but with figs and raisins, Sa1 30:12. Though the Israelites were in haste, and had no great plenty for themselves, yet they would not forbear to deliver one that was drawn unto death, nor say, Behold, we knew it not, Pro 24:11, Pro 24:12. Those are unworthy the name of Israelites who shut up the bowels of their compassion from persons in distress. It was also prudently done to relieve this Egyptian; for, though despicable, he was capable of doing them service: so it proved, though they were not certain of this when they relieved him. It is a good reason why we should neither do an injury nor deny a kindness to any man that we know not but, some time or other, it may be in his power to return either a kindness or an injury.
3.The intelligence David received from this poor Egyptian when he had come to himself. He gave him an account concerning his party.
(1.)What they had done (Sa1 30:14): We made an invasion, etc. The countries which David had pretended to Achish to have made an incursion upon (Sa1 27:10) they really had invaded and laid waste. What was then false now proved too true.
(2.)Whither they had gone, Sa1 30:15. This he promised David to inform him of upon condition he would spare his life and protect him from his master, who, if he could hear of him again (he thought), would add cruelty to cruelty. Such an opinion this poor Egyptian had of the obligation of an oath that he desired no greater security for his life than this: Swear unto me by God, not by the gods of Egypt or Amalek, but by the one supreme God.
IV.David, being directed to the place where they lay, securely celebrating their triumphs, fell upon them, and, as he used to pray, saw his desire upon his enemies.
1.The spoilers were cut off. The Amalekites, finding the booty was rich, and having got with it (as they thought) out of the reach of danger, were making themselves very merry with it, Sa1 30:16. All thoughts of war were laid aside, nor were they in any haste to house their prey, but spread themselves abroad on the earth in the most careless manner that could be, and there they were found eating, and drinking, and dancing, probably in honour of their idol-gods, to whom they gave the praise of their success. In this posture David surprised them, which made the conquest of them, and the blow he gave them, the more easy to him and the more dismal to them. Then are sinners nearest to ruin when they cry, Peace and safety, and put the evil day far from them. Nor does any thing give our spiritual enemies more advantage against us than sensuality and the indulgence of the flesh. Eating, and drinking, and dancing, have been the soft and pleasant way in which many have gone down to the congregation of the dead. Finding them thus off their guard, and from their arms (many of them, it may be, drunk, and unable to make any resistance), he put them all to the sword, and only 400 escaped, Sa1 30:17. Thus is the triumphing of the wicked short, and wrath comes on them, as on Belshazzar, when they are in the midst of their jollity.
2.The spoil was recovered and brought off, and nothing was lost, but a great deal gotten.
(1.)They retrieved all their own (Sa1 30:18, Sa1 30:19): David rescued his two wives; this is mentioned particularly, because this pleased David more than all the rest of his achievements. Providence had so ordered it that the Amalekites carefully preserved all that they had taken, concluding that they kept it for themselves, though really they preserved it for the right owners, so that there was nothing lacking to them; so it proved, when they concluded all was gone: so much better is God oftentimes to us than our own fears. Our Lord Jesus was indeed the Son of David and the Son of Abraham, in this resembling them both (Abraham, Gen 14:16, and David here), that he took the prey from the mighty, and led captivity captive. But this was not all.
(2.)They took all that belonged to the Amalekites besides (Sa1 30:20): Flocks and herds, either such as were taken from the Philistines and others, which David had the disposal of by the law of war; or perhaps he made a sally into the enemy's country, and fetched off these flocks and herds thence, as interest for his own. This drove was put in the van of the triumph, with this proclamation, "This is David's spoil. This we may thank him for." Those who lately spoke of stoning him now caressed him and cried him up, because they got by him more than they had then lost. Thus are the world and its sentiments governed by interest.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
The poor and the feeble, the blind and the lame, are called and come because the weak and the despised in this world are often quicker to hear the voice of God, as in this world they have nothing to delight them.The Egyptian servant of the Amalekites is a good example of this. When the Amalekites were plundering and moving about, he was left behind on the road sick and fainting from hunger and thirst. When David found him, he provided him with food and drink, and as soon as he revived he became David’s guide, found the celebrating Amalekites, and with great bravery overthrew the people who had left him behind sick.
Amalekite means “a people that laps.” What does “a people that laps” signify but the hearts of the worldly? Going about after the things of earth, it is as if they are lapping them up when they take delight in temporal things alone. A lapping people takes plunder, so to speak, when out of its love for earthly things it heaps up profit from others’ losses. The Egyptian servant is left behind on the road sick, because all sinners, once they begin to grow weak from the situation of this world, soon come to be despised by worldly minds. David found him and provided him with food and drink, because the Lord, who is “brave in hand” (if we attribute to him the meaning of David’s name), does not despise what the world has cast aside. Often he directs to the grace of his love those who are not strong enough to follow the world, and who are, so to speak, left behind on the road, holding out to them the food and drink of his word. It is as if he chooses them as guides for himself on the road when he makes them his preachers. When they bring Christ to the hearts of sinners, it is as if they are leading David upon the enemy, and, like David, they strike the celebrating Amalekites with the sword, because by the Lord’s power they overthrow all the proud who had despised them in the world.
And they found an Egyptian man in the field, etc. The Catholic teachers hastening to engage in the battle with the heretics often find men abandoned by them, notable for the dark stain of their sins, unable to follow the teachers of error to devastate the Church due to the tenderness of their intellect; and they bring them to hear the Catholic faith, giving them the bread and water of the word; but they also add the sayings of preceding teachers, who, from the most beautiful tree of the present Church, as it were, from the fig tree, or severed at the brink of life and death, throughout the entire year of this current age which is now being lived, do not cease to preserve the mature memory of their teaching to refresh the souls of the faithful. And they well give a fragment of the dough, because they suggest not complete works to such people, but the sayings of the fathers deemed sufficient. They well give two clusters of grapes; because they show that they are to be united to Christ and the Church by the bonds of dual love.
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Summary
1 Samuel 30:11 describes a pivotal moment in David's pursuit of the Amalekites who had devastated Ziklag. After strengthening himself in the Lord and receiving divine instruction, David's men discovered an abandoned Egyptian in the wilderness. The act of compassion—providing him with bread and water—proved to be strategically vital, as the revived Egyptian then furnished the essential intelligence that enabled David to successfully track down and recover all that had been lost.
Context
Literary Context
This verse marks a crucial turning point within the narrative of David's deepest despair at Ziklag. Following the devastating Amalekite raid that left the city burned and its inhabitants, including David's two wives and his men's families, taken captive, David and his 600 men were plunged into immense distress. The men were so embittered that they spoke of stoning David. It is in this crucible of anguish that David "strengthened himself in the Lord his God," as recorded in 1 Samuel 30:6. After seeking divine counsel through the ephod, David received a clear command and promise from God: "Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and shall surely rescue all" (1 Samuel 30:8). As David and his men embarked on this divinely sanctioned pursuit, the unexpected discovery of the abandoned Egyptian in the field becomes the divinely orchestrated key to fulfilling God's promise and achieving complete recovery.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Amalekites were a nomadic, predatory people, long-standing enemies of Israel, whose hostility dated back to the Exodus (see Exodus 17:8-16). God had even commanded Saul to utterly destroy them, a command Saul failed to fully obey, leading to his rejection as king (1 Samuel 15). This historical animosity underscores the severity of the Ziklag raid and the justice of David's pursuit. In ancient warfare, the sick or injured were frequently abandoned by their own armies, especially during a hasty retreat, as they were perceived as liabilities. The "field" (Hebrew: sadeh) typically refers to open, uncultivated, or desolate land, emphasizing the Egyptian's vulnerable and isolated state. David, operating from Ziklag, a Philistine city, was himself in a precarious position, highlighting the complex geopolitical landscape of the time. The act of providing basic sustenance—bread and water—to a stranger, especially one who could be an enemy's servant, was an act of profound humanitarianism, contrasting sharply with the Amalekites' cruelty.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights Divine Providence and Guidance, demonstrating God's active, meticulous involvement in the affairs of His people. The discovery of the Egyptian was not a random chance but a divinely orchestrated encounter, providing the crucial intelligence needed for David's mission, underscoring how God can use unexpected means to fulfill His purposes, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. Secondly, it showcases Compassion and Humanity in the face of immense personal suffering. Despite their own anguish and urgent mission, David's men extended mercy to a dying stranger, reflecting a moral principle found throughout Scripture regarding care for the vulnerable and even enemies (Proverbs 25:21). Thirdly, it underscores The Value of Small Acts of Kindness, revealing how seemingly minor deeds of mercy can have profound, far-reaching strategic consequences in God's overarching plan. Finally, the encounter serves as a critical step in Preparation for Victory, directly leading to David's successful recovery and ultimate triumph over a long-standing enemy of Israel, affirming God's faithfulness to His promises.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term specifically identifies the man as being from Mitsrajim, or Egypt. His nationality is significant because it immediately tells us he is not an Israelite, nor is he an Amalekite. He is an outsider, a servant, yet he becomes the unexpected instrument of God's deliverance for David. His foreignness emphasizes the surprising nature of God's provision.
Derived from a root meaning "to spread out," this word refers to an open, uncultivated, or desolate area. It paints a vivid picture of the Egyptian's extreme vulnerability and abandonment, left to perish in the wilderness. This emphasizes the Amalekites' ruthlessness and the dire straits he was in when found by David's men.
This word denotes basic food, especially bread or grain. Its immediate provision by David's men signifies an act of fundamental human compassion and hospitality, prioritizing the man's immediate survival over interrogation or suspicion. It underscores the severity of his starvation and the profound impact of this simple, life-sustaining provision.
Verse Breakdown
"And they found an Egyptian in the field"
This clause highlights the unexpected nature of the discovery. David's men, exhausted and desperate, were pursuing an enemy, not searching for a lost servant. The finding of this man, abandoned and near death, is presented as a providential encounter, a direct result of their pursuit and God's guiding hand.
"and brought him to David"
This indicates the men's immediate recognition of the man's potential significance. Instead of leaving him or dealing with him themselves, they brought him to their leader, David, demonstrating their discipline and understanding that any unusual find could be important for their mission. It also shows David's leadership in being the point of contact for such discoveries.
"and gave him bread, and he did eat;"
This describes the immediate act of compassion. Before any questions or demands for information, the priority was to sustain life. The simple act of providing bread (likely a dry ration) and the man's immediate consumption underscore his extreme hunger and the life-giving nature of the provision.
"and they made him drink water;"
Complementing the provision of food, water was equally crucial, especially in a desert environment. The phrase "made him drink" suggests he was so weak he needed assistance, further emphasizing his critical condition and the active care extended by David's men. This act of rehydration was essential for his recovery and ability to speak.
Literary Devices
The passage employs Contrast as a primary literary device. There is a stark contrast between the Amalekites' cruelty in abandoning their sick servant to die in the wilderness and the unexpected compassion shown by David's men, who, despite their own profound grief and urgent mission, chose to offer life-sustaining aid. This highlights the moral and spiritual distinction between the two groups. Furthermore, there is an element of Divine Irony at play: the very act of the Amalekites' heartlessness (abandoning their servant) inadvertently becomes the means by which God delivers crucial intelligence to David, leading to their downfall. This unexpected turn of events underscores God's sovereignty, demonstrating His ability to use even the consequences of human wickedness to accomplish His righteous purposes.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse powerfully illustrates God's meticulous providence, demonstrating that even in the midst of human despair and urgent pursuit, divine guidance can manifest through the most unexpected and humble channels. David's men, by extending basic human kindness to a dying stranger, unknowingly participated in God's strategic plan. Their compassion was not merely an ethical act but a divinely blessed one, directly leading to the intelligence needed for victory. This highlights a profound theological truth: God often works through ordinary acts of mercy and seemingly insignificant encounters to achieve His extraordinary purposes, reminding us that no act of kindness is ever wasted in His economy. It encourages believers to remain open to God's leading, even when it comes from unforeseen sources, and to always prioritize compassion, knowing that such actions can unlock divine favor and provide critical breakthroughs.
Reflection and Application
The discovery of the Egyptian in 1 Samuel 30:11 serves as a profound reminder that God is actively at work in our lives, even in our darkest moments and most desperate pursuits. Like David, we often face situations where we feel utterly overwhelmed, stripped of everything, and uncertain of the path forward. Yet, this passage encourages us to strengthen ourselves in the Lord and pursue His will, trusting that He will provide the necessary resources and guidance, often through unexpected channels or seemingly insignificant encounters. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of compassion and hospitality, even when our own needs are pressing or when the recipient of our kindness might seem undeserving or even connected to our adversaries. Our willingness to extend mercy, to offer "bread and water" to those in distress, can be the very catalyst for divine breakthrough, not only for others but for our own situations, demonstrating how God uses our acts of obedience and love to orchestrate His perfect plan.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was the Egyptian abandoned in the field by the Amalekites?
The Egyptian was abandoned because he had fallen ill and was unable to keep up with the Amalekite raiding party. In ancient warfare, particularly during a hasty retreat or a raid focused on speed and plunder, the sick, injured, or weak were often left behind as liabilities. The Amalekites' act of abandonment highlights their ruthlessness and lack of compassion, contrasting sharply with the mercy shown by David's men.
Why did David's men show compassion to a potentially enemy servant?
David's men showed compassion for several reasons. Firstly, it reflects a foundational moral principle within Israelite law and culture to care for the vulnerable, even strangers. Secondly, it was a practical act of humanity; the man was clearly near death. Thirdly, while not explicitly stated as their initial motivation, their act of kindness proved to be strategically brilliant. Their compassion opened the door for the Egyptian to share vital intelligence, demonstrating that acts of mercy can have unforeseen and significant positive consequences, aligning with biblical teachings on generosity and hospitality.
How does this incident demonstrate God's divine providence?
This incident is a powerful demonstration of God's divine providence because the discovery of the Egyptian was not accidental but divinely orchestrated. David had sought the Lord's guidance and received a promise of success in pursuing the Amalekites (1 Samuel 30:8). God then used an abandoned, dying servant—an unlikely and unexpected source—to provide the exact, crucial intelligence needed for David to locate the Amalekite camp and recover all that was lost. It shows God's intricate involvement in human affairs, guiding events and using even the actions of enemies to fulfill His purposes for His people.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The encounter in 1 Samuel 30:11, while seemingly a minor detail in David's pursuit, richly foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ. David's men, driven by compassion, offered life-sustaining bread and water to a dying, abandoned stranger. This act points to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate "Bread of Life" (John 6:35) and the source of "living water" (John 4:10; John 7:37-38). Just as the Egyptian was helpless and near death, humanity is spiritually dead and abandoned in the "field" of sin, unable to save itself. Christ, in His boundless compassion, seeks out the lost and offers spiritual sustenance and eternal life, rescuing us from the dominion of sin and death. Furthermore, David's pursuit and ultimate victory over the Amalekites, guided by divine providence and unexpected means, prefigures Christ's ultimate triumph over the true enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil (Colossians 2:15; 1 Corinthians 15:54-57). He is the ultimate Deliverer, the one who leads us to full recovery and restoration, guiding us along the "way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), and is the "author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2).