1 Samuel 30:2

KJV

And had taken the women captives, that [were] therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried [them] away, and went on their way.

KJV (with Strong's)

And had taken the women {H802} captives {H7617}, that were therein: they slew {H4191} not any {H376}, either great {H1419} or small {H6996}, but carried them away {H5090}, and went {H3212} on their way {H1870}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and they had taken captive the women and everyone there, great and small. They hadn't killed anyone but had carried them off as they went on their way.

Berean Standard Bible

They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way.

American Standard Version

and had taken captive the womenand allthat were therein, both small and great: they slew not any, but carried them off, and went their way.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Samuel 30:2 describes the aftermath of an Amalekite raid on Ziklag, David's city, while he and his men were absent with the Philistine army. This pivotal verse reveals that the Amalekites, a notoriously brutal enemy, did not kill anyone, "either great or small," but instead took all the women and children captive and departed. This unusual act of preservation, contrary to their typical practice of wholesale slaughter, sets the stage for David's subsequent pursuit and the miraculous recovery of all that was lost, profoundly underscoring God's sovereign hand of providence and preservation even in moments of profound devastation and despair.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows David's forced departure from the Philistine army, as the Philistine lords, distrusting his loyalty, sent him and his men away before their battle against Israel ([1 Samuel 29](/1_samuel/29 "1 Samuel 29 - David's Dismissal from Philistine Army")). David's three-day journey back to Ziklag culminates in the horrific discovery detailed in this chapter: his city burned, and his family and the families of his men taken captive. The profound shock and grief that engulf David and his loyal followers are vividly portrayed in the subsequent verses ([1 Samuel 30:3-4](/1_samuel/30-3 "1 Samuel 30:3-4 - David's Grief and Despair")), highlighting their utter desperation. The specific, crucial detail in [1 Samuel 30:2](/1_samuel/30-2 "1 Samuel 30:2 - The Amalekite Raid on Ziklag")—that no one was killed—serves as a critical narrative pivot. This detail transforms what would have been an irreversible tragedy into a recoverable loss, thereby establishing the narrative foundation for David's divinely inspired pursuit and God's miraculous intervention, leading to a complete and total recovery.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Amalekites were an ancient, nomadic, and persistently hostile enemy of Israel, descended from Esau. They were infamous for their opportunistic and cruel attacks, particularly targeting the weak and vulnerable, such as Israel's stragglers during the exodus ([Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17-19 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Remember Amalek")). God had commanded Israel to utterly blot out the memory of Amalek ([Exodus 17:14-16](/exodus/17-14-16 "Exodus 17:14-16 - War Against Amalek")), a command King Saul notoriously failed to fully execute, leading to his rejection as king ([1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience Regarding Amalek")). The practice of raiding and taking captives was a common aspect of warfare in the ancient Near East, often motivated by the desire for ransom, slave trade, or as a demonstration of power, rather than indiscriminate slaughter, which might yield less tangible profit. Ziklag itself was a Philistine border town, strategically vulnerable, which had been granted to David by Achish, the king of Gath ([1 Samuel 27:6](/1_samuel/27-6 "1 Samuel 27:6 - Achish Gives Ziklag to David")). The Amalekites likely perceived David's absence as a prime opportunity for plunder, unaware of the divine purpose behind their unusual restraint.

* **Key Themes:** This verse serves as a profound introduction to the themes of **divine providence and preservation** amidst overwhelming disaster. The Amalekites' uncharacteristic restraint in not killing anyone, despite their well-documented brutality, is a powerful indication of God's unseen, controlling hand at work, actively preserving life for a higher purpose. This divine preservation directly facilitates the subsequent theme of **restoration and recovery**, as the fact that the families were taken captive rather than massacred means they could be, and indeed were, miraculously rescued ([1 Samuel 30:18-19](/1_samuel/30-18-19 "1 Samuel 30:18-19 - David Recovers All")). The narrative also implicitly highlights the theme of **consequences and divine discipline**, as David's alliance with the Philistines and his presence in their camp left his own people vulnerable to this devastating crisis. Yet, even within this moment of disciplinary consequence, God's unwavering faithfulness to David and His overarching plan for him as the future king of Israel is unmistakably evident through the preservation of his family and the families of his loyal men.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **women (Hebrew, _ʼishshâh'_):** The Hebrew word אִשָּׁה (_ʼishshâh_), the feminine of אִישׁ, refers to a woman. In this context, it broadly encompasses the female inhabitants of Ziklag, including wives, daughters, and potentially other female dependents. The focus on "women" highlights the vulnerability of those left behind and the devastating impact of their abduction on the community's fabric. Their capture, rather than their slaughter, is the crucial detail that sets the stage for the narrative's resolution.
* **slew (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** The Hebrew verb מוּת (_mûwth_) means "to die" or, in the causative, "to kill" or "to slay." The explicit negation, "slew not," is profoundly significant. Given the Amalekites' historical reputation for ruthless violence and their typical practice of total destruction against their enemies (as seen in other biblical accounts), their decision to spare lives here is remarkably atypical and stands out as an extraordinary act of restraint, widely interpreted as a direct manifestation of divine intervention.
* **carried them away (Hebrew, _nâhag'_):** The Hebrew verb נָהַג (_nâhag_) means "to drive forth," "to lead," or "to carry away." It implies a forceful removal or abduction, often of persons, animals, or chariots. In this verse, its use emphasizes the thoroughness and deliberateness of the Amalekites' action. They didn't just take a few; they "carried them away," signifying a complete removal of the captives from Ziklag, which, paradoxically, also provided David with a clear trail to follow.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And had taken the women captives, that [were] therein:"** This initial clause establishes the primary devastating action of the Amalekite raid: the abduction of the women and children (implied by "women" in this context) who were present in Ziklag. The term "captives" emphasizes their forced removal and their status as spoils of war, highlighting the immediate and profound loss experienced by David and his men upon their return.
* **"they slew not any, either great or small,"** This is the most crucial and surprising statement of the verse. It explicitly declares that no one, regardless of age, status, or importance ("great or small"), was killed by the Amalekites. This detail is highly counter-cultural for the brutal Amalekites and is widely understood as a direct act of God's providential hand, preventing a total massacre and preserving lives for a greater purpose. It transforms an otherwise complete and irreversible tragedy into a situation where recovery and restoration are still possible.
* **"but carried [them] away, and went on their way."** This concluding clause reiterates the act of abduction, emphasizing the thoroughness of the Amalekites' operation ("carried them away"). Their subsequent departure, "went on their way," signifies the successful completion of their raid from their perspective. However, from David's perspective, this departure, leaving a clear trail, paradoxically provides the means for him to pursue them, setting the stage for the dramatic and divinely orchestrated recovery that follows.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning and underscore its theological implications. **Contrast** is powerfully evident in the juxtaposition of the devastating consequences of the raid (the city burned, families abducted) with the unexpected preservation of life ("they slew not any"). This stark difference creates a profound tension, highlighting God's hidden but active hand. There is also a strong sense of **Irony**, as the Amalekites, a people notoriously merciless and divinely commanded to be utterly destroyed, are here seen exercising an unusual restraint that ultimately serves God's sovereign purposes for David and his lineage. Furthermore, the preservation of life functions as a crucial piece of **Foreshadowing**, signaling to the reader that while the situation is dire and seemingly hopeless, it is not beyond divine intervention. This specific detail directly sets up the narrative of David's pursuit and the complete recovery of all that was lost, powerfully demonstrating God's faithfulness and His ability to bring about good and restoration even out of the most calamitous and despairing circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The sparing of lives in [1 Samuel 30:2](/1_samuel/30-2 "1 Samuel 30:2 - The Amalekite Raid on Ziklag"), despite the Amalekites' notorious reputation for brutality, serves as a profound testament to God's sovereign control over all circumstances, extending even to the actions of His enemies. It powerfully illustrates that even in moments of deep distress, apparent defeat, and profound vulnerability, God's providential hand can be actively at work, preserving what is vital for the unfolding of His divine plan. This seemingly small detail transforms an otherwise irreversible catastrophe into a recoverable loss, demonstrating that God can limit the destructive power of evil and create opportunities for restoration where none seem humanly possible. It reminds believers that even when circumstances appear bleakest, God's ultimate purposes cannot be thwarted, and He often works in unseen, unexpected ways to protect His people and advance His kingdom, often through means that defy human logic or expectation.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Perspective on Evil for Good")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "All Things Work Together for Good")
* [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of [1 Samuel 30:2](/1_samuel/30-2 "1 Samuel 30:2 - The Amalekite Raid on Ziklag"), though describing a moment of profound loss and despair for David and his men, offers a deeply resonant message of hope and resilience for believers today. When we face situations where everything seems to be stripped away—whether it be financial security, physical health, cherished relationships, or long-held dreams—this verse powerfully reminds us to look for the "slew not any" moments. These are the subtle but undeniable glimmers of God's preserving grace, the unexpected restraints on destructive forces, or the partial losses that, while undeniably painful, leave room for future restoration and divine intervention. It encourages us to trust that even when the enemy has seemingly done their worst, God's hidden mercy can be actively at work, preventing total annihilation and meticulously setting the stage for a miraculous divine recovery. Our faith is not predicated on the absence of trials, but rather on the unwavering presence of a sovereign God who can orchestrate events, even through the seemingly random actions of our adversaries, to bring about ultimate good and to fulfill His perfect purposes for our lives. This perspective empowers us to press into God with renewed fervor in our distress, knowing that His hand is always active, preparing the way for our eventual rescue and complete restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life have you experienced significant loss, yet can now identify a "slew not any" moment where God's preserving hand was unmistakably evident?**
* **How does the Amalekites' unusual restraint challenge and deepen your understanding of God's absolute sovereignty over evil and adversity?**
* **What practical steps can you take to actively cultivate a spiritual posture of looking for signs of God's hidden mercy and preservation in your current challenges?**
* **How does this narrative encourage you to persevere in faith and trust God's intricate process, even when the full extent of His redemptive plan is not yet clear?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Amalekites not kill anyone in Ziklag?**

Answer: While the biblical text does not explicitly state the Amalekites' specific motivation, the most compelling theological interpretation is that their unusual restraint was a direct act of divine providence. The Amalekites were well-known for their extreme brutality and often engaged in total destruction of their enemies. However, in this particular instance, God supernaturally limited their destructive capacity, preventing a massacre and preserving the lives of David's family and the families of his men. From a purely human or strategic perspective, taking captives was also a common practice in ancient warfare, as captives held value for ransom, as slaves, or as a display of power, which might have been more economically or politically advantageous than a wholesale slaughter. Nevertheless, the overarching biblical narrative consistently points to God's unseen hand guiding events to fulfill His sovereign purposes, particularly in the life of David, His anointed king. This preservation was absolutely crucial for the subsequent recovery of the families and, more significantly, for the continuation of David's lineage, through which the Messiah would eventually come, highlighting God's meticulous care for His covenant promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The preservation of life in [1 Samuel 30:2](/1_samuel/30-2 "1 Samuel 30:2 - The Amalekite Raid on Ziklag"), where the Amalekites "slew not any," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as David's family was taken captive but miraculously not destroyed, allowing for their eventual rescue, so too was humanity held captive by the devastating forces of sin and death, yet not utterly annihilated. The ultimate enemy, Satan, indeed came "to steal and kill and destroy" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Thief Comes to Steal, Kill, and Destroy")), but God, in His boundless mercy and sovereign plan, intervened decisively. Jesus Christ, the true and greater Davidic King, came into the world not to condemn it, but specifically "that the world through Him might be saved" ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Jesus Came to Save the World")). Through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, He decisively defeated the ultimate enemies—sin, death, and the devil—disarming the spiritual powers and authorities that held humanity captive ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the triumphant One who "led captivity captive," setting free those who were enslaved by the fear of death and the bondage of sin ([Ephesians 4:8](/ephesians/4-8 "Ephesians 4:8 - Christ Leads Captivity Captive"); [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Frees from Fear of Death")). The physical recovery of families in Ziklag serves as a potent earthly type, pointing to the profound spiritual recovery and eternal redemption offered exclusively in Christ, where believers are brought from spiritual death to new life ([Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1-5 "Ephesians 2:1-5 - Made Alive in Christ")) and will ultimately experience the full, glorious restoration of all things in the new heavens and new earth, where God Himself will "wipe away every tear" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - God Wipes Away Every Tear")).

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 Samuel 27:11

And David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring [tidings] to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell on us, saying, So did David, and so [will be] his manner all the while he dwelleth in the country of the Philistines.

Psalms 76:10

Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

1 Samuel 30:19

And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any [thing] that they had taken to them: David recovered all.

Isaiah 27:8

In measure, when it shooteth forth, thou wilt debate with it: he stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind.

Isaiah 27:9

By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged; and this [is] all the fruit to take away his sin; when he maketh all the stones of the altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder, the groves and images shall not stand up.

Job 38:11

And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?