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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
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Therefore David rescued everything, etc. By conquering or correcting or avenging, or exposing the wicked doctrine of the heresies' founders, the Lord rescues the souls they had deceived and brings them back to the unity of Catholic peace.
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Summary
1 Samuel 30:19 stands as a powerful declaration of God's complete and comprehensive restoration for David and his men following the devastating Amalekite raid on Ziklag. After experiencing profound despair over the loss of their families and possessions, this verse triumphantly confirms that absolutely nothing was lost—neither person nor possession—as David, empowered by divine promise, recovered all. It marks the glorious fulfillment of God's explicit assurance to David, showcasing divine faithfulness and complete reversal of fortune.
Context
Literary Context
This verse serves as the triumphant climax to a narrative arc of profound distress and divine intervention in David's life. Upon returning to Ziklag after being dismissed by the Philistine lords, David and his men discovered their city burned and their families taken captive by the Amalekites. This catastrophic loss plunged them into such deep grief that David's own men considered stoning him, highlighting the depth of their despair (1 Samuel 30:1-6). In this moment of utter desolation, David chose to "strengthen himself in the Lord his God" (1 Samuel 30:6), turning to God for guidance. Through the ephod, the Lord gave an unequivocal promise: "Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all" (1 Samuel 30:8). Verse 19 is the glorious, detailed fulfillment of this divine assurance, demonstrating God's perfect faithfulness and David's obedient leadership. The subsequent narrative, detailing David's just distribution of the recovered spoil, further underscores his character and God's provision (1 Samuel 30:20-31).
Historical & Cultural Context
The Amalekites were a long-standing, tenacious, and predatory enemy of Israel, first encountered in the wilderness after the Exodus (Exodus 17:8-16). God had even commanded King Saul to utterly destroy them, a command Saul famously failed to fully obey, contributing to his rejection as king (1 Samuel 15:2-3). Their raid on Ziklag, a city granted to David by the Philistine king Achish, was characteristic of the opportunistic tribal warfare and plunder common in the ancient Near East. The practice of taking women and children captive was a common strategy, often for enslavement, ransom, or assimilation, rather than immediate slaughter. David's recovery of "all" was therefore not merely a military victory but a remarkable and divinely orchestrated reversal of a devastating defeat, affirming God's protective hand over His chosen leader and His people, and serving as a partial fulfillment of the long-standing divine judgment against Amalek.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully encapsulates several pivotal themes woven throughout the book of 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it strikingly illustrates Divine Restoration, showcasing God's sovereign power to completely reverse seemingly irreversible losses and restore what was stolen. Secondly, it highlights God's Unwavering Faithfulness to His promises; the explicit assurance given in 1 Samuel 30:8 finds its perfect and comprehensive fulfillment in 1 Samuel 30:19. Thirdly, David's exemplary response to crisis emphasizes the critical importance of Seeking God's Guidance in times of despair, demonstrating that reliance on divine direction is foundational to true success and deliverance. Finally, the repeated emphasis on "nothing lacking" and "recovered all" underscores the Completeness of God's Deliverance, illustrating that when God acts on behalf of His people, His restoration is total and exhaustive, leaving no aspect of the loss unaddressed.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This root means "to arrange as a battle, a vineyard (to hoe); hence, to muster and so to miss (or find wanting); dig, fail, keep (rank), lack." In the negative construction "nothing lacking," it conveys that absolutely nothing was found missing or wanting. This emphasizes the perfect completeness of the recovery, indicating that the inventory of what was taken perfectly matched what was returned. It signifies a state of absolute wholeness and restoration, where no single item or person was overlooked or unrecovered.
Meaning "great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent." In the phrase "neither small nor great," this word contributes to the exhaustive scope of the recovery. It signifies that the restoration extended to items of significant value or importance, encompassing the full spectrum of possessions from the most valuable to the least. Its inclusion, alongside "small," ensures that the reader understands the recovery was truly comprehensive, leaving no category of property unaddressed.
A primitive root meaning "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again." Its use here is crucial, indicating not merely a retrieval but a full restoration to the original state. It implies a complete reversal of fortunes, where what was violently taken away is brought back to its rightful owners. The active voice highlights David's agency in the recovery, but the broader narrative context clearly attributes the ultimate success to God's enabling power and faithfulness to His promise.
Verse Breakdown
"And there was nothing lacking to them"
This opening clause immediately declares the perfect and complete outcome of David's pursuit. It signifies a state of absolute restoration, where every single person and possession that had been taken by the Amalekites was returned. The negative construction ("nothing lacking") powerfully emphasizes the totality of the recovery, leaving no room for partial success or remaining loss.
"neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any [thing] that they had taken to them"
This exhaustive enumeration provides a detailed and comprehensive inventory of what was recovered. "Neither small nor great" covers all possessions, from the most insignificant household item to the most valuable treasure. "Neither sons nor daughters" explicitly includes the human captives, who were undoubtedly the most precious and irreplaceable loss. "Neither spoil" refers to the material goods and plunder taken by the Amalekites from Ziklag. This meticulous listing reinforces the preceding statement, leaving no doubt that the recovery was absolute and without exception across all categories of loss.
"David recovered all"
This concluding phrase acts as a powerful summary and triumphant affirmation. It directly attributes the successful recovery to David, underscoring his leadership and obedience. However, within the broader narrative of 1 Samuel 30, it is profoundly understood as the glorious fulfillment of God's explicit promise to David in 1 Samuel 30:8. This final declaration reiterates the completeness of the restoration, serving as a resounding testament to divine faithfulness and human instrumentality.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of complete and miraculous restoration. Exhaustive Enumeration is prominently featured, as the text meticulously lists "neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any [thing] that they had taken to them." This detailed cataloging serves to emphasize the utter comprehensiveness of the recovery, leaving no category of loss unaddressed and building a sense of overwhelming triumph. Furthermore, Repetition of the concept of "all" and "nothing lacking" acts as a powerful rhetorical device, reinforcing the absolute nature of the restoration. The phrase "David recovered all" functions as a Summary Statement that encapsulates the entire preceding list, providing a concise and emphatic declaration of the outcome. The overall effect is one of profound Affirmation of Fulfillment, as the verse directly and triumphantly declares the realization of God's explicit promise to David found in 1 Samuel 30:8.
Theological and Thematic Connections
1 Samuel 30:19 is a profound theological statement on God's sovereignty, unwavering faithfulness, and magnificent restorative power. It demonstrates that even when circumstances appear utterly hopeless and the enemy has seemingly gained a complete and devastating victory, God is able to intervene and bring about a total reversal. This narrative serves as a powerful testament to the truth that God is not limited by human despair, the extent of loss, or the power of the adversary. David's experience foreshadows a broader biblical theme of divine restoration, where God pledges to return what was stolen or lost, often in even greater measure. It teaches that our ultimate hope in times of devastation lies not in our own strength or strategies, but in strengthening ourselves in the Lord and seeking His direction, trusting implicitly in His unfailing promises.
Reflection and Application
The narrative of David's complete recovery in 1 Samuel 30:19 offers profound encouragement and vital practical lessons for believers today. In a world fraught with various forms of loss—whether of health, cherished relationships, financial stability, or even the very hope for the future—this verse serves as a powerful reminder that our God is fundamentally a God of restoration. Like David, we are called to actively strengthen ourselves in the Lord when despair threatens to overwhelm us, turning to Him in earnest prayer, seeking His wisdom through His Word, and recalling His past faithfulness. This passage challenges us to cultivate a steadfast belief in God's power to bring about a complete turnaround, even when the enemy appears to have taken everything of value. It invites us to trust that God's faithfulness extends to every intricate detail of our lives, promising that nothing is truly lost forever if it is within His sovereign will to restore. Our faith is not in the absence of trials, but in the ever-present reality of a God who can redeem, restore, and make all things new.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "recovered all" truly mean in this context?
"Recovered all" in 1 Samuel 30:19 signifies a complete and total restoration of everything that was taken by the Amalekites. The verse explicitly details this comprehensiveness by stating "neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any [thing] that they had taken to them." This exhaustive enumeration emphasizes that absolutely nothing was left behind, lost, or unrecovered. It was a comprehensive and perfect recovery, fulfilling God's direct and unequivocal promise to David in 1 Samuel 30:8 that he would "without fail recover all."
How did David strengthen himself in the Lord?
1 Samuel 30:6 states that "David was greatly distressed... but David strengthened himself in the Lord his God." While the text doesn't explicitly detail the exact method, it implies an intentional act of faith, reliance, and spiritual resilience amidst overwhelming despair. This likely involved deep prayer, recalling God's past faithfulness in his life, meditating on God's character and promises, and perhaps seeking direct divine counsel through the ephod, as he did immediately afterward in 1 Samuel 30:7-8. It signifies a conscious and deliberate choice to lean into God's presence and power rather than succumbing to grief, fear, or the anger of his men.
What is the significance of the Amalekites in this passage?
The Amalekites were a long-standing, persistent, and divinely condemned enemy of Israel, first attacking them in the wilderness after the Exodus (Exodus 17:8). God had even commanded King Saul to utterly destroy them, a command Saul failed to fully obey, leading to his rejection as king (1 Samuel 15:2-3). David's decisive victory and complete recovery from the Amalekites in this chapter therefore carry significant theological weight. It represents a partial fulfillment of God's long-standing judgment against this persistent enemy of His people and highlights David's emerging role as God's chosen leader who would eventually succeed where Saul failed, bringing justice and deliverance to Israel.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The complete and comprehensive recovery experienced by David in 1 Samuel 30:19 serves as a powerful earthly shadow and profound type of the ultimate and perfect restoration accomplished by Jesus Christ. Just as David, empowered by God's explicit promise, recovered "all" that was lost to the enemy, so too does Christ, the greater Son of David, ensure that none of those given to Him by the Father will be lost. Jesus unequivocally declares, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand" (John 10:28). He further states, "And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day" (John 6:39). Christ's triumphant victory on the cross disarmed the spiritual enemies—Satan, sin, and death—who had held humanity captive, recovering what was truly lost: our relationship with God, our spiritual inheritance, and the promise of eternal life (Colossians 2:15). He is the true Shepherd who seeks out the lost sheep and brings them back into the fold, ensuring a complete and eternal restoration for all who are His. This ultimate recovery culminates in the promise of a new heaven and new earth, where God will "wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4). David's triumph at Ziklag, though remarkable, ultimately points forward to the infinitely more comprehensive and eternal triumph of Christ, who recovers all that truly matters for His redeemed people.