1 Samuel 30:15

KJV

And David said to him, Canst thou bring me down to this company? And he said, Swear unto me by God, that thou wilt neither kill me, nor deliver me into the hands of my master, and I will bring thee down to this company.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} said {H559} to him, Canst thou bring me down {H3381} to this company {H1416}? And he said {H559}, Swear {H7650} unto me by God {H430}, that thou wilt neither kill {H4191} me, nor {H518} deliver {H5462} me into the hands {H3027} of my master {H113}, and I will bring thee down {H3381} to this company {H1416}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David asked him, "Will you lead me down to this raiding party?" He said, "If you will swear by God to me that you won't kill me or hand me back to my master, I will lead you down to the raiders."

Berean Standard Bible

“Will you lead me to these raiders?” David asked. And the man replied, “Swear to me by God that you will not kill me or deliver me into the hand of my master, and I will lead you to them.”

American Standard Version

And David said to him, Wilt thou bring me down to this troop? And he said, Swear unto me by God, that thou wilt neither kill me, nor deliver me up into the hands of my master, and I will bring thee down to this troop.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 30:15 captures a pivotal negotiation between David and an abandoned Egyptian slave, discovered near death in the wilderness, following the devastating Amalekite raid on Ziklag. This crucial exchange highlights David's urgent need for intelligence to pursue the raiders and the Egyptian's profound fear for his life, leading him to demand a solemn, divinely witnessed oath from David. The verse serves as a testament to God's providential orchestration, demonstrating how seemingly insignificant encounters can become instrumental in divine deliverance and the recovery of all that was lost.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at a critical juncture in David's narrative, immediately after the traumatic Amalekite attack on Ziklag. The city was burned, and its inhabitants, including David's two wives and the families of his men, were taken captive. David and his men were plunged into deep distress, with the men even contemplating stoning him in their bitter grief and anguish of soul. In this desperate moment, David found strength in the Lord his God and, after inquiring of the Lord through the ephod, received clear divine affirmation to pursue the raiders, accompanied by the promise of complete recovery of all that was taken. As David and his 600 men embarked on the pursuit, 200 became too exhausted to continue, remaining at the brook Besor. It was during this relentless pursuit, after crossing the brook, that David's company providentially discovered the abandoned Egyptian slave in a field, setting the stage for the crucial dialogue and agreement recorded in this verse. This encounter is the turning point that enables the successful recovery.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for 1 Samuel 30:15 is the tumultuous period of early Israelite monarchy, a time frequently marked by inter-tribal conflicts and predatory raids. The Amalekites were a notorious nomadic people, consistently hostile to Israel, known for their opportunistic and cruel attacks on vulnerable settlements. The practice of taking captives during raids was a common and devastating aspect of ancient warfare, often leading to enslavement or worse. The Egyptian servant's profound fear of being killed or forcibly returned to a harsh master vividly illustrates the precarious and often brutal reality of servitude in the ancient Near East, where masters wielded absolute power over their slaves, and abandonment could mean certain death. Furthermore, the demand for an oath "by God" underscores the immense sanctity and binding nature of such vows in the cultural milieu. Invoking a deity meant calling upon a divine witness and enforcer, making the oath an unbreakable covenant, a concept deeply embedded in the legal, social, and religious fabric of the time.

* **Key Themes:** The immediate context of 1 Samuel 30:15 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of 1 Samuel and the broader narrative of David's life. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence and Guidance**, demonstrating how God meticulously orchestrates seemingly coincidental events—like the discovery of an abandoned slave—to fulfill His sovereign purposes and provide deliverance for His chosen leader. This unexpected source of aid underscores God's ability to work through unlikely means. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **David's Leadership and Compassion**, as he demonstrates mercy and strategic wisdom in dealing with the vulnerable Egyptian. This compassionate act stands in stark contrast to the Amalekites' cruelty in abandoning their sick slave. David's kindness secures vital intelligence, foreshadowing his later reign characterized by justice and mercy, as seen in his care for Mephibosheth in [2 Samuel 9](/2_samuel/9 "2 Samuel 9 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth"). Thirdly, the exchange emphasizes the **Significance of Oaths and Covenants**, revealing the profound cultural and spiritual weight placed on a solemn promise made in the name of God, which was considered an unbreakable bond. This theme resonates with other instances of covenant-making in David's life, such as his enduring covenant with Jonathan in [1 Samuel 20](/1_samuel/20 "1 Samuel 20 - David and Jonathan's Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Swear (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** From H7650, this primitive root properly means "to be complete," but is used as a denominative from the word for "seven." It signifies "to seven oneself," meaning to take an oath or make a solemn promise, as if by repeating a declaration seven times, implying a binding and complete agreement. To "swear by God" meant invoking the divine as a witness and guarantor of the truthfulness and binding nature of the promise. Breaking such an oath was considered a grave offense, inviting divine retribution. In this context, the Egyptian's demand for an oath underscores his profound distrust and fear, seeking the highest possible assurance of safety and commitment from David.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** From H430, this plural noun refers to "gods in the ordinary sense," but specifically, and especially with the article, it refers to the supreme God of Israel. It can also be applied by way of deference to magistrates or as a superlative. The Egyptian, though not necessarily an Israelite, understood the gravity of invoking a deity in an oath. His choice to use "God" suggests a recognition of the universal power and authority associated with such a vow, or perhaps an understanding that David's God was the one whose name would make the oath truly binding for David, ensuring his protection.
* **Company (Hebrew, _gᵉdûwd'_):** From H1416, this term refers to "a crowd (especially of soldiers)," an "army," "band (of men)," or "troop (of robbers)." It specifically denotes a military unit, often one engaged in predatory or plundering activities. The Egyptian's use of this term accurately describes the Amalekite group as a mobile, aggressive, and dangerous force, emphasizing the strategic importance of locating precisely this type of marauding party. It is not merely a group of people, but a specific, hostile, armed contingent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David said to him, Canst thou bring me down to this company?"**: David's direct and urgent question reveals his singular focus: locating the Amalekite raiders who had devastated Ziklag and abducted his family. The phrase "bring me down" implies leading him to their current location, likely a lower or more accessible place where they might be encamped, or simply guiding him to their whereabouts. This question is born out of desperation and the critical need for intelligence, as David's family and the families of his men are still captive, and time is of the essence for their rescue.
* **"And he said, Swear unto me by God,"**: The Egyptian's immediate response is not an affirmation but a conditional demand, prioritizing his personal safety above all else. Given his vulnerable position as an abandoned slave, his request for an oath "by God" signifies the utmost seriousness of his condition. He is not merely asking for a promise but a divinely attested vow, indicating his deep-seated fear and the high stakes involved in trusting David, a leader of men, with his life.
* **"that thou wilt neither kill me, nor deliver me into the hands of my master,"**: This clause articulates the two critical fears of the Egyptian servant. His first fear is of immediate death, either by David's hand if he proved uncooperative or by being left to die in the wilderness. His second, equally potent fear, is of being returned to his former master, who had cruelly abandoned him to die when he fell ill. This highlights the harsh realities of slavery in the ancient world and the potential for severe punishment, torture, or death at the hands of a cruel master.
* **"and I will bring thee down to this company."**: This final clause is the Egyptian's promise, contingent entirely upon David's solemn oath. It reveals that he possesses the crucial intelligence David needs—the precise location of the Amalekite raiding party. His willingness to guide David is directly tied to the assurance of his own life and freedom, demonstrating the transactional nature of the agreement forged under duress and desperation, yet providentially orchestrated by God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Dialogue** to advance the plot and reveal character. The concise, direct exchange between David and the Egyptian slave immediately establishes the terms of their crucial interaction, conveying urgency and high stakes. There is a strong element of **Irony**, as the key to David's deliverance and the recovery of all that was lost comes not from a mighty warrior, a trusted ally, or a prophetic vision, but from a discarded, near-dead slave, highlighting God's ability to work through unexpected and seemingly insignificant means. This unexpected source of help underscores the theme of divine providence working through unlikely instruments. Furthermore, the Egyptian's demand for an oath functions as **Foreshadowing**, signaling that David's word and integrity will be tested, and that the successful outcome of the pursuit hinges on this initial, solemn agreement. The **Contrast** between the Amalekites' cruelty (abandoning their sick slave to die) and David's willingness to show mercy and make a binding promise highlights David's emerging character as a compassionate, just, and honorable leader, a stark difference from the ruthless practices of his enemies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal encounter in 1 Samuel 30:15 serves as a powerful illustration of God's meticulous providence, demonstrating how He orchestrates seemingly random events and uses unexpected individuals to fulfill His divine purposes. David, in his deepest hour of despair, having strengthened himself in the Lord, finds his answer not through a miraculous vision or a direct angelic intervention, but through a human encounter with a discarded, vulnerable individual. This highlights a recurring biblical pattern where God's hand is evident in the ordinary and the overlooked, turning a moment of human desperation into an opportunity for divine intervention and miraculous recovery. The Egyptian's fear and David's compassionate, yet strategic, response underscore the importance of integrity, mercy, and the binding nature of a solemn promise before God, which ultimately paves the way for a miraculous recovery and victory.

* [Genesis 24:2-4](/genesis/24-2 "Abraham's Servant's Oath")
* [Joshua 9:15-20](/joshua/9-15 "The Gibeonite Deception and Oath")
* [Psalm 15:4](/psalms/15-4 "One Who Keeps His Oath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 30:15 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that God's provision often comes through unexpected channels and that our character, particularly our integrity and compassion, plays a vital role in navigating life's challenges. In moments of crisis, when we feel overwhelmed and desperate, this verse encourages us to inquire of the Lord, as David did, and then to remain open to the seemingly insignificant encounters or individuals God might place in our path. Our willingness to extend kindness, even to those we might deem "unimportant" or "other," can unlock crucial insights, assistance, or opportunities for divine intervention. This passage challenges us to look beyond superficial appearances and recognize the inherent dignity and potential for divine use in every person. Furthermore, the emphasis on the oath reminds us of the enduring power of our word. In a world where promises are often broken and trust is eroded, the integrity of our commitments, especially those made before God, remains a powerful testimony to our faith and a foundational element for meaningful relationships and successful endeavors, reflecting the trustworthiness of God Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what desperate situations have you seen God provide through unexpected or overlooked sources, demonstrating His providential care?**
* **How does David's willingness to make a solemn oath challenge your own commitment to keeping your word, especially in difficult or inconvenient circumstances?**
* **What opportunities might you be overlooking to show compassion or extend kindness to someone vulnerable or marginalized, which could lead to unforeseen blessings or solutions?**

### FAQ
**Why was the Egyptian servant so insistent on an oath "by God"?**

Answer: The Egyptian servant's insistence on an oath "by God" (Hebrew: _shebha‘-lî bē’lōhîm_) was born out of profound fear and a deep understanding of the cultural and spiritual weight of such a vow in the ancient Near East. As an abandoned slave, he was in an extremely vulnerable position, facing potential death from exposure or a cruel return to his former master. In this context, a mere promise from David would not suffice. An oath "by God" invoked a divine witness and guarantor, meaning that if David broke his promise, he would be accountable to a higher power. This made the oath the strongest possible form of assurance, providing the Egyptian with the confidence that his life and freedom would be protected, allowing him to trust David and lead him to the Amalekites. This practice is seen throughout the Old Testament, where solemn oaths were considered binding covenants, as exemplified in the oath between Abimelech and Isaac in [Genesis 26:28](/genesis/26-28 "Abimelech's Oath with Isaac") or the deep covenantal oath between Jonathan and David in [1 Samuel 20:42](/1_samuel/20-42 "Jonathan's Oath with David").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 30:15, while a narrative of David's pursuit and recovery, ultimately points to a greater fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David, as a type of Christ, demonstrates compassion and integrity, securing deliverance for his people through an act of mercy towards an outcast. This foreshadows Christ's ultimate act of compassion and salvation. Just as David sought out the lost and recovered what was stolen, Jesus came to seek and to save the lost, to recover humanity from the bondage of sin and death, declaring His mission in [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Jesus Came to Seek and to Save the Lost"). The abandoned Egyptian, left for dead and without hope, finds life and purpose through David's mercy, echoing how Christ extends grace to those abandoned by the world, those who are spiritually sick and helpless, bringing them into His company and giving them new life and a place in His kingdom. Jesus Himself stated that He came not for the healthy but for the sick, calling sinners to repentance, as seen in [Matthew 9:12-13](/matthew/9-12-13 "Jesus Came for Sinners, Not the Righteous"). The binding oath David makes also finds its ultimate fulfillment in God's unbreakable covenant promises in Christ. God swore an oath by Himself to Abraham, promising blessing and a multitude of descendants, a promise recorded in [Genesis 22:16-18](/genesis/22-16-18 "God's Oath to Abraham"). This divine oath is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, through whom all the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" for the glory of God, as affirmed in [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "God's Promises are Yes in Christ"). Thus, the desperate pursuit, the unlikely guide, and the solemn oath in 1 Samuel 30:15 all beautifully prefigure the greater rescue accomplished by the Lamb of God, who, through His own self-sacrifice on the cross, secures eternal life and recovery for all who trust in Him, as proclaimed by John the Baptist: "Behold, the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")"

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

Ezekiel 17:19

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; [As] I live, surely mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head.

Ezekiel 17:16

[As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely in the place [where] the king [dwelleth] that made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he brake, [even] with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die.

Deuteronomy 23:15

¶ Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee:

Deuteronomy 23:16

He shall dwell with thee, [even] among you, in that place which he shall choose in one of thy gates, where it liketh him best: thou shalt not oppress him.

Joshua 9:19

But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.

Joshua 9:20

This we will do to them; we will even let them live, lest wrath be upon us, because of the oath which we sware unto them.

1 Samuel 29:6

¶ Then Achish called David, and said unto him, Surely, [as] the LORD liveth, thou hast been upright, and thy going out and thy coming in with me in the host [is] good in my sight: for I have not found evil in thee since the day of thy coming unto me unto this day: nevertheless the lords favour thee not.