1 Samuel 30:11

KJV

And they found an Egyptian in the field, and brought him to David, and gave him bread, and he did eat; and they made him drink water;

KJV (with Strong's)

And they found {H4672} an Egyptian {H376}{H4713} in the field {H7704}, and brought {H3947} him to David {H1732}, and gave {H5414} him bread {H3899}, and he did eat {H398}; and they made him drink {H8248} water {H4325};

Complete Jewish Bible

They found an Egyptian in the countryside and brought him to David. They gave him some bread to eat and water to drink;

Berean Standard Bible

Now his men found an Egyptian in the field and brought him to David. They gave the man water to drink and food to eat—

American Standard Version

And they found an Egyptian in the field, and brought him to David, and gave him bread, and he did eat; and they gave him water to drink;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 30:11 details a crucial moment in David's pursuit of the Amalekites who had raided Ziklag and captured his family and the families of his men. After strengthening himself in the Lord and receiving divine instruction to pursue, David's men discovered an abandoned Egyptian in the field. This act of compassion—providing him with bread and water—proved strategically vital, as the Egyptian, once revived, provided the essential intelligence that enabled David to successfully track down and recover all that had been lost.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal turning point within the narrative of David's darkest hour 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 in immense distress. The men were so bitter that they spoke of stoning David. It is in this crucible of despair that David "strengthened himself in the Lord his God" as recorded in [1 Samuel 30:6](/1_samuel/30-6 "1 Samuel 30:6 - David Strengthens Himself in the Lord"). 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](/1_samuel/30-8 "1 Samuel 30:8 - David Seeks God's Counsel")). As David and his men embarked on this divinely sanctioned pursuit, the discovery of the abandoned Egyptian in the field becomes the unexpected, yet 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](/exodus/17-8-16 "Exodus 17:8-16 - War Against Amalek")). 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](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection")). 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 often abandoned by their own armies, especially during a hasty retreat, as they were seen as a liability. 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](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord"). 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](/proverbs/25-21 "Proverbs 25:21 - Feeding Your Enemy")). 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
* **Egyptian (Hebrew, _Mitsri'_):** This term specifically identifies the man as being from 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 instrument of God's deliverance for David. His foreignness emphasizes the unexpected nature of God's provision.
* **In the field (Hebrew, _bassadeh'_):** The phrase "in the field" denotes an open, desolate, or uncultivated area, distinct from a city or settled place. It paints a picture of extreme vulnerability and abandonment. He was not merely sick but left to die in the wilderness, highlighting the Amalekites' ruthlessness and the dire straits he was in when found.
* **Bread (Hebrew, _lechem'_), Water (Hebrew, _mayim'_):** These are the most basic, life-sustaining necessities. Their 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 dehydration and starvation, and the profound impact of these simple provisions.

#### 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.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.")
* [Proverbs 25:21](/proverbs/25-21 "Proverbs 25:21 - If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;")
* [Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35-40 "Matthew 25:35-40 - For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in... Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.")

### 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
* **In what desperate situations have you seen God provide unexpected help or guidance?**
* **How might your immediate needs or distress prevent you from seeing opportunities to show compassion to others?**
* **What "bread and water" can you offer to someone in need today, even if it seems like a small act?**
* **How does the story of the Egyptian encourage you to trust in God's providence, even when the path forward is unclear?**

### FAQ
**Why was the Egyptian abandoned in the field by the Amalekites?**

Answer: 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?**

Answer: 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?**

Answer: 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](/1_samuel/30-8 "1 Samuel 30:8 - David Seeks God's Counsel")). 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](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the source of "living water" ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water"); [John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")). 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](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers"); [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). 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](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and is the "author and perfecter of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith")).

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

Deuteronomy 23:7

Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he [is] thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land.

Deuteronomy 15:7

If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:

Deuteronomy 15:11

For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.

Matthew 25:35

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

Luke 10:36

Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

Luke 10:37

And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Proverbs 25:21

¶ If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: