1 Samuel 30:14

KJV

We made an invasion [upon] the south of the Cherethites, and upon [the coast] which [belongeth] to Judah, and upon the south of Caleb; and we burned Ziklag with fire.

KJV (with Strong's)

We made an invasion {H6584} upon the south {H5045} of the Cherethites {H3774}, and upon the coast which belongeth to Judah {H3063}, and upon the south {H5045} of Caleb {H3612}; and we burned {H8313} Ziklag {H6860} with fire {H784}.

Complete Jewish Bible

We raided the Negev of the K'reti, the Negev of Y'hudah and the Negev of Kalev; and we burned down Ziklag."

Berean Standard Bible

We raided the Negev of the Cherethites, the territory of Judah, and the Negev of Caleb, and we burned down Ziklag.”

American Standard Version

We made a raid upon the South of the Cherethites, and upon that which belongeth to Judah, and upon the South of Caleb; and we burned Ziklag with fire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 30:14 is a pivotal verse providing critical intelligence to David, revealing the identity of the raiders who sacked Ziklag and the extent of their destructive campaign. Spoken by an abandoned Egyptian servant of the Amalekites, this confession details the widespread invasion across the southern territories of the Cherethites, the land belonging to Judah, and the specific region of Caleb, culminating in the burning of Ziklag. This information transforms David's despair into a strategic opportunity, enabling him to pursue, confront, and ultimately recover all that was lost.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a profound low point in David's life, immediately following his return to Ziklag with his 600 men, only to discover their city burned and their families abducted by Amalekite raiders. Overwhelmed by grief and facing the potential mutiny of his distressed men, David "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")). Seeking divine guidance, he inquired of the Lord through the ephod, asking if he should pursue the raiders ([1 Samuel 30:8](/1_samuel/30-8 "1 Samuel 30:8 - David Inquires of the Lord")). The Lord's affirmative response initiated the pursuit. Verse 14 is the direct result of David's men discovering an abandoned, sick Egyptian servant whom they revived. This servant, in exchange for David's oath not to kill him or hand him back to his master, provides the crucial intelligence that pinpoints the Amalekites as the perpetrators and outlines the scope of their recent raids, including the attack on Ziklag. This confession is the turning point that shifts David from reactive despair to informed, strategic action, setting the stage for the miraculous recovery detailed in [1 Samuel 30:18-20](/1_samuel/30-18 "1 Samuel 30:18-20 - David Recovers All").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Amalekites were ancient, nomadic enemies of Israel, characterized by their persistent hostility and predatory raids, particularly in the Negeb region. Their attack on Ziklag, a Philistine city given to David by Achish, demonstrates their opportunistic nature, preying on settled communities. The "Cherethites" were a Philistine group, often associated with Crete, who settled in the southern coastal plain and sometimes served as mercenaries (e.g., David's own Cherethites and Pelethites). Their inclusion here indicates the widespread nature of the Amalekite incursions, not limited solely to Israelite territory. "The south of Caleb" refers to the Negeb of Judah, specifically the territory allotted to Caleb and his descendants ([Joshua 15:13-19](/joshua/15-13 "Joshua 15:13-19 - Caleb's Inheritance")). This geographical detail underscores the Amalekites' audacity in striking deep into the heartland of Judah. The practice of abandoning sick or injured servants was common in the ancient Near East, highlighting the ruthlessness of masters and, conversely, the mercy shown by David in reviving the Egyptian.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes within the narrative of 1 Samuel and David's life. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence and Guidance**. The discovery of the abandoned Egyptian servant, seemingly a chance encounter, is presented as God's unexpected provision, turning David's desperate situation into a pathway for recovery. This echoes God's consistent leading in David's life, even amidst his flawed decisions. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Consequences of Unchecked Aggression and Hubris**. The Amalekites' widespread raids and their callous abandonment of a sick servant ultimately lead to their undoing, as this very servant becomes the key to their defeat. This serves as a divine judgment against their wickedness, a theme prevalent in the Old Testament regarding Israel's enemies. Thirdly, it emphasizes the theme of **Restoration and Recovery**. The detailed intelligence provided in this verse is the essential catalyst for David's successful pursuit and the complete recovery of all that was lost, including his family and possessions. This foreshadows God's ultimate desire to restore His people and His purposes, even from seemingly irrecoverable situations, as seen throughout the book of Samuel and beyond.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cherethites (Hebrew, _kərēṯîm_):** This term refers to a people group often associated with the Philistines, specifically inhabiting the southern coastal region. They are frequently mentioned alongside the Pelethites as part of David's elite guard (e.g., [2 Samuel 8:18](/2_samuel/8-18 "2 Samuel 8:18 - David's Mighty Men")). Their inclusion here indicates that the Amalekite raid was not exclusively focused on Israelite or Judahite territory but also extended to Philistine-allied or neighboring lands, suggesting a broader campaign of plunder and destruction across the Negeb.
* **Ziklag (Hebrew, _ṣiqlag_):** A city located in the southern part of Judah, initially allotted to the tribe of Simeon ([Joshua 19:5](/joshua/19-5 "Joshua 19:5 - Cities of Simeon")). It was given to David by Achish, king of Gath, as a base of operations during his time fleeing Saul ([1 Samuel 27:6](/1_samuel/27-6 "1 Samuel 27:6 - Achish Gives Ziklag to David")). Its burning by the Amalekites was a direct attack on David's personal residence and the home of his men and their families, making the information about its destruction particularly devastating and personal to David.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We made an invasion [upon] the south of the Cherethites":** The speaker, the Egyptian servant, identifies himself with the Amalekite raiding party ("We"). "Invasion" (Hebrew, _pāšaṭ_) implies a sudden, violent raid for plunder. "The south of the Cherethites" indicates the geographical extent of their destructive activity, targeting the southern region inhabited by this Philistine group, likely in the Negeb.
* **"and upon [the coast] which [belongeth] to Judah":** This clause further specifies the breadth of the Amalekite incursion, extending into the territory of Judah. The word "coast" (Hebrew, _negev_) here refers to the southern region or territory, emphasizing that the raid penetrated Israelite land, directly impacting David's own people.
* **"and upon the south of Caleb":** This provides an even more precise geographical detail within Judah. "The south of Caleb" refers to the Negeb of Judah, specifically the area associated with Caleb and his descendants, including Hebron and its surrounding regions ([Joshua 14:13-15](/joshua/14-13 "Joshua 14:13-15 - Caleb's Inheritance")). This indicates a deep penetration into Judahite territory, underscoring the severity and audacity of the Amalekite attack.
* **"and we burned Ziklag with fire":** This final clause is the most crucial for David. It confirms the specific act of destruction that devastated David and his men. The servant's confession directly links the Amalekites to the burning of Ziklag, providing the definitive information David needed to understand the situation and plan his counter-attack. The phrase "with fire" emphasizes the complete destruction of the city.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Confession** as a primary literary device, as the abandoned Egyptian servant reveals the crucial details of the Amalekite raid. This confession is a moment of **Dramatic Irony**, as the very act of the Amalekites' cruelty (abandoning their servant) leads directly to their downfall, as the servant becomes the key to David's successful pursuit and recovery. The detailed geographical references ("south of the Cherethites," "coast which belongeth to Judah," "south of Caleb") serve as **Geographical Specificity**, painting a clear picture of the widespread devastation and allowing David to understand the full scope of the enemy's movements. This precision also lends credibility to the servant's account, building narrative tension and validating David's subsequent actions. The verse also functions as a moment of **Anagnorisis** (discovery or recognition) for David, as the mystery of Ziklag's destruction is solved, transforming his despair into a clear path for action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 30:14 is a powerful testament to God's providential care, even in the midst of human despair and seemingly random events. The discovery of the abandoned Egyptian servant, who provides the exact intelligence needed, is not mere coincidence but an instance of divine orchestration. It demonstrates that God works through unexpected means and seemingly insignificant individuals to bring about His purposes, turning moments of crisis into opportunities for restoration. This verse underscores the principle that seeking God's guidance (as David did in [1 Samuel 30:8](/1_samuel/30-8 "1 Samuel 30:8 - David Inquires of the Lord")) is often met with divine provision, even if the answer comes through unconventional channels. It also highlights the justice of God, as the Amalekites' hubris and cruelty lead directly to their exposure and eventual defeat.

* [Psalm 37:23-24](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23-24 - The Steps of a Good Man")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work Together for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 30:14 offers profound insights for believers navigating moments of crisis and loss. David, at his lowest point, found an unexpected source of hope and direction in the most unlikely of circumstances – a discarded, dying servant. This narrative encourages us to cultivate a posture of expectancy and faith, recognizing that God's provision often comes through unforeseen avenues and seemingly insignificant details. When faced with overwhelming challenges, our first response should be to seek the Lord's guidance, trusting that He will illuminate the path forward, even if it's one we could never have anticipated. Furthermore, it reminds us that God is a God of restoration. Just as David recovered all that was lost, we can trust in God's power to bring healing, wholeness, and recovery to our lives, even after profound setbacks. Our role is to remain faithful, act on the wisdom He provides, and never lose hope in His sovereign and benevolent plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing a "Ziklag moment" of loss or despair?**
* **How might God be providing unexpected "clues" or resources in your current situation that you might be overlooking?**
* **What does David's willingness to show compassion to the abandoned Egyptian servant teach us about how we should treat others, especially those in need?**
* **How does this story encourage you to trust in God's restorative power, even when circumstances seem hopeless?**

### FAQ

**Who were the Cherethites mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The Cherethites were a people group closely associated with the Philistines, often thought to be immigrants from Crete who settled in the southern coastal plain of Canaan. They are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, sometimes serving as elite mercenary soldiers or a specialized guard force, notably within David's own army alongside the Pelethites ([2 Samuel 8:18](/2_samuel/8-18 "2 Samuel 8:18 - David's Mighty Men")). In 1 Samuel 30:14, their mention indicates that the Amalekite raid was extensive, targeting not only Israelite territories but also the lands of their Philistine neighbors, suggesting a broad campaign of plunder.

**Why was the information provided by the Egyptian servant so critical for David?**

Answer: The information was absolutely critical because it transformed David's situation from one of utter despair and uncertainty into one of informed action. Before the servant's confession, David and his men knew their city was burned and their families abducted, but they didn't know who was responsible or where they had gone. The servant's detailed account identified the Amalekites as the perpetrators, specified their recent movements (raiding the Cherethites, Judah, and Caleb's territory), and confirmed their last known act (burning Ziklag). This intelligence provided David with the necessary details to track the raiders, plan his pursuit, and ultimately recover "all that the Amalekites had carried away" ([1 Samuel 30:19](/1_samuel/30-19 "1 Samuel 30:19 - David Recovers All")). It was the missing piece of the puzzle that enabled divine intervention to manifest through human action.

**What does "the south of Caleb" refer to?**

Answer: "The south of Caleb" refers to the Negeb region of Judah, specifically the territory that was allotted to Caleb and his descendants after the conquest of Canaan. This area included important cities like Hebron and Debir ([Joshua 14:13-15](/joshua/14-13 "Joshua 14:13-15 - Caleb's Inheritance")). The Amalekites' invasion of this specific region underscored their deep penetration into the heartland of Judah, demonstrating the severity and widespread nature of their destructive raid.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 30:14, while a historical account of David's crisis and recovery, profoundly foreshadows the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. David, in his despair, receives vital intelligence from an abandoned servant, leading to the recovery of "all that was lost" ([1 Samuel 30:19](/1_samuel/30-19 "1 Samuel 30:19 - David Recovers All")). This narrative mirrors humanity's lost state due to sin, held captive by the enemy. Jesus, the true Son of David, comes not merely to recover possessions but to restore humanity to God. He is the ultimate deliverer who, through His sacrifice on the cross, defeats the true Amalekite—Satan and the power of sin and death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). Just as David pursued and recovered his family, Christ actively pursues His lost sheep, bringing them back into the fold ([Luke 15:4-7](/luke/15-4 "Luke 15:4-7 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep")). The "burning of Ziklag" represents the devastation sin brings to human lives and creation, but Christ's resurrection is the ultimate act of restoration, promising not just recovery but a new creation where all things are made new ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Make All Things New")). Through Him, we are granted not just recovery, but eternal life and a full inheritance, far surpassing anything lost.

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 Kings 1:44

And the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king's mule:

Ezekiel 25:16

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast.

2 Samuel 8:18

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was over] both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.

1 Kings 1:38

So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.

Zephaniah 2:5

Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! the word of the LORD [is] against you; O Canaan, the land of the Philistines, I will even destroy thee, that there shall be no inhabitant.

Joshua 14:13

And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance.

1 Samuel 30:1

¶ 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;