1 Samuel 30:5

KJV

And David's two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David's {H1732} two {H8147} wives {H802} were taken captives {H7617}, Ahinoam {H293} the Jezreelitess {H3159}, and Abigail {H26} the wife {H802} of Nabal {H5037} the Carmelite {H3761}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David's two wives had been taken captive - Achino'am from Yizre'el and Avigayil the widow of Naval from Karmel.

Berean Standard Bible

David’s two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel, had been taken captive.

American Standard Version

And David’s two wives were taken captive, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 30:5 marks a profoundly personal and devastating moment for David, specifically naming his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess and Abigail the Carmelite, among those abducted by the Amalekites. This verse sharply focuses the widespread tragedy of the Ziklag raid onto David's immediate household, underscoring the intimate and agonizing nature of his loss and setting the stage for his subsequent emotional and spiritual journey.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the dramatic narrative of [1 Samuel chapter 30](/1_samuel/30 "1 Samuel 30 - David's Crisis and Recovery"), immediately following the horrifying discovery by David and his 600 men. Having been dismissed by the Philistine lords from accompanying them to battle against Israel, David's company returns to their base at Ziklag to find it utterly destroyed by fire and its inhabitants—their wives, sons, and daughters—taken captive ([1 Samuel 30:1-3](/1_samuel/30-1-3 "1 Samuel 30:1-3 - The Amalekite Raid on Ziklag")). Verse 5 zeroes in on David's personal anguish, explicitly naming his two wives. This personalization intensifies the collective grief, highlighting that David, despite his leadership, is deeply affected by the tragedy. It serves as a crucial setup for David's profound distress and his subsequent, pivotal act of "strengthening himself in the Lord his God" ([1 Samuel 30:6](/1_samuel/30-6 "1 Samuel 30:6 - David Strengthens Himself in the Lord")), demonstrating that even a divinely chosen leader must navigate personal despair. The mention of Ahinoam and Abigail also subtly recalls their respective introductions into David's life, adding depth to his personal stakes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Amalekites were a persistently hostile, nomadic people, long-standing enemies of Israel, known for their opportunistic and brutal raids on vulnerable communities (cf. [Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8-16 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Amalek Attacks Israel") and [Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17-19 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Remember Amalek")). Their attack on Ziklag, a Philistine town granted to David by King Achish of Gath, was characteristic of ancient Near Eastern warfare, where undefended settlements were prime targets for plunder and the capture of inhabitants. Women and children were particularly valuable as spoils of war, destined for ransom, slavery, or integration into the captors' society. David's precarious position, living in Philistine territory as a refugee from Saul, meant he and his men were constantly exposed to the volatile regional conflicts. The specific origins of his wives, Jezreel and Carmel, ground them geographically within the land of Judah, emphasizing their Israelite identity even while David was operating from a Philistine base.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Samuel. Firstly, it underscores the **personal vulnerability and suffering** inherent in the human condition, even for those divinely chosen and highly favored like David. His anointing and military prowess do not exempt him from devastating personal loss and the harsh realities of a fallen world. Secondly, it emphasizes **David's shared humanity and solidarity** with his men; his grief is not detached but deeply intertwined with that of his followers, fostering a crucial bond of empathy and shared experience. This shared distress is foundational for understanding David's compassionate and effective leadership in the subsequent recovery effort. Thirdly, the explicit naming of his wives, Ahinoam and Abigail, reinforces the theme of **family, lineage, and the continuity of David's household**. Abigail's presence specifically recalls her dramatic story from [1 Samuel chapter 25](/1_samuel/25 "1 Samuel 25 - Nabal, Abigail, and David"), reminding the reader of David's growing influence and the personal dimensions of his journey towards kingship. This event tests not only David's faith but also the very fabric of his nascent royal household.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Captives (Hebrew, _shâbâh'_):** The verb שָׁבָה (H7617, _shâbâh_) is a primitive root meaning "to transport into captivity," "to carry away," or "to lead away." It vividly describes the violent and involuntary act of seizing individuals, typically in warfare, to be held as prisoners or slaves. In this context, its use emphasizes the profound loss of freedom, security, and agency experienced by David's wives and the other inhabitants of Ziklag, conveying the gravity of their subjugation.
* **Jezreelitess (Hebrew, _Yizrᵉʻêʼlîyth'_):** This term (H3159, _Yizrᵉʻêʼlîyth_) is the feminine form identifying Ahinoam as originating from Jezreel. This was likely the city in southern Judah mentioned in [Joshua 15:56](/joshua/15-56 "Joshua 15:56 - Cities in Judah"), distinct from the more famous Jezreel in the north. This geographical identifier provides specific detail about David's first wife, whom he took after Saul had given Michal to Palti ([1 Samuel 25:43](/1_samuel/25-43 "1 Samuel 25:43 - David Takes Ahinoam")). Its inclusion grounds Ahinoam within the Israelite landscape, even as David resided in Philistine territory.
* **Carmelite (Hebrew, _Karmᵉlîy'_):** This descriptor (H3761, _Karmᵉlîy_) indicates Abigail's origin from Carmel, a town in the southern hill country of Judah mentioned in [Joshua 15:55](/joshua/15-55 "Joshua 15:55 - Cities in Judah"), known for its fertile pastures. The explicit mention of her being "the wife of Nabal (H5037, _Nâbâl_) the Carmelite" serves as a direct and poignant reference back to the detailed narrative in [1 Samuel chapter 25](/1_samuel/25 "1 Samuel 25 - David and Abigail"). This specific detail connects the current crisis to David's past and highlights the continuity of his personal story and the divine providence that brought Abigail into his household.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David's two wives were taken captives":** This opening clause immediately establishes the deeply personal nature of the tragedy for David. While the entire community suffered, the text highlights his specific loss, emphasizing the vulnerability of even a powerful leader. The passive voice "were taken captives" underscores the unexpected, overwhelming, and violent nature of the Amalekite raid, against which David and his men were powerless in their absence.
* **"Ahinoam the Jezreelitess":** This identifies David's first named wife, Ahinoam, and her place of origin. Her inclusion signifies that even his long-standing companion and the mother of his children (cf. [2 Samuel 3:2](/2_samuel/3-2 "2 Samuel 3:2 - David's Sons Born in Hebron")) was not spared, intensifying the sense of personal violation and loss for David.
* **"and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite":** The naming of Abigail, with the explicit reminder of her previous marriage to Nabal, serves multiple purposes. It confirms her identity as David's second wife and implicitly recalls her story of wisdom, courage, and divine intervention that brought her into David's household ([1 Samuel 25:39-42](/1_samuel/25-39-42 "1 Samuel 25:39-42 - Abigail Becomes David's Wife")). Her capture underscores that no one in David's inner circle, regardless of their past or future significance, was safe from this devastating attack, amplifying the scale of the crisis.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices to convey the depth of the crisis. **Specific Naming** is paramount, as the explicit mention of Ahinoam and Abigail, along with their geographical identifiers, grounds the narrative in concrete reality and intensely personalizes the tragedy for David. This detail creates profound **Pathos**, evoking immediate sympathy for David and his men, who return to find their homes destroyed and families abducted. The **Juxtaposition** of David's recent military engagement (accompanying the Philistines to battle) with his complete vulnerability and absence during the raid on his own home creates a stark contrast, highlighting the unpredictable nature of life and the limitations of human foresight. Furthermore, the concise, factual reporting of the capture, largely devoid of overt emotional adjectives in this specific verse, paradoxically amplifies the emotional impact through **Restraint**. By presenting the stark reality without embellishment, the text allows the reader to fully grasp the devastating implications and the profound shock experienced by David and his men.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 30:5, while detailing a moment of profound personal crisis for David, serves as a powerful theological statement about human vulnerability and the testing of faith. Even a man chosen by God and destined for kingship is not exempt from devastating loss and suffering. This event is not merely a setback but a crucible, designed to refine David's character and deepen his reliance on God. It demonstrates that God often works through adversity, allowing His servants to experience the depths of human despair so that their ultimate deliverance and strength are clearly seen as coming from Him alone. This narrative foreshadows the broader biblical truth that suffering can be a pathway to greater spiritual maturity and a deeper understanding of God's sustaining power, proving that God remains a present help in trouble.

* [1 Samuel 30:6](/1_samuel/30-6 "1 Samuel 30:6 - David Strengthens Himself in the Lord")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The capture of David's wives in 1 Samuel 30:5 presents a raw, relatable portrayal of unexpected personal crisis and profound loss. It serves as a stark reminder that even those in positions of strength, leadership, or divine favor are not immune to the harsh realities of life in a fallen world. David, the mighty warrior and future king, experiences the same gut-wrenching despair as his men, highlighting our shared human vulnerability. This moment of profound personal anguish became a pivotal point for David, compelling him to "strengthen himself in the Lord his God" ([1 Samuel 30:6](/1_samuel/30-6 "1 Samuel 30:6 - David Strengthens Himself in the Lord")). For us, this narrative underscores the vital importance of acknowledging our pain, lamenting our losses, and then intentionally turning to God as our ultimate source of strength and hope when life's unforeseen devastations strike. It challenges us to cultivate a faith that is resilient in the face of adversity, recognizing that God is present even in our darkest moments, and that He can sovereignly use our deepest losses to draw us closer to Him, refine our character, and prepare us for future purposes in His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we typically respond when unexpected personal crises or significant losses strike our lives or the lives of those we love, and what can we learn from David's initial reaction?**
* **In what specific ways can moments of profound vulnerability and distress become opportunities to deepen our reliance on God, rather than succumbing to despair or bitterness?**
* **What does David's shared suffering with his men teach us about empathy, compassionate leadership, and the importance of communal support in times of collective hardship?**

### FAQ
**Why are David's wives specifically named in this verse, rather than just saying "their families"?**

Answer: The specific naming of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess and Abigail the Carmelite serves several crucial purposes within the narrative. Firstly, it intensely personalizes the tragedy for David, highlighting that his immediate family, not just the general populace, was directly affected. This underscores the depth of his personal anguish, setting the stage for his subsequent emotional distress and spiritual resolve described in [1 Samuel 30:6](/1_samuel/30-6 "1 Samuel 30:6 - David Strengthens Himself in the Lord"). Secondly, it connects this event to David's broader narrative and the development of his household. Abigail, in particular, has a significant backstory detailed in [1 Samuel chapter 25](/1_samuel/25 "1 Samuel 25 - David and Abigail"), where her wisdom and Nabal's foolishness led to her becoming David's wife. Her mention here reminds the reader of David's growing influence and the personal stakes involved in his fugitive life. It emphasizes that even those closest to him were vulnerable, making his eventual recovery of them even more significant and a testament to divine favor.

**Who were the Amalekites, and why did they attack Ziklag?**

Answer: The Amalekites were a nomadic, predatory people, long-standing enemies of Israel, first encountered in [Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8-16 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Amalek Attacks Israel") and later marked for complete destruction due to their persistent hostility and attack on the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings (cf. [Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17-19 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Remember Amalek")). They attacked Ziklag opportunistically. David and his men, who were living in Ziklag (a Philistine town granted to David by King Achish), had left the city to accompany the Philistine army to battle. Seeing Ziklag undefended, the Amalekites seized the chance to raid it, plunder its goods, and take captives, a common practice in ancient warfare for economic gain and to weaken rival groups. Their attack was a continuation of their historical animosity towards any Israelite presence, even one allied with the Philistines, and a direct act of plunder against an undefended settlement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound personal crisis of David in 1 Samuel 30:5, where his beloved wives are taken captive, serves as a poignant foreshadowing of the ultimate loss and restoration found in Christ. David's experience of deep distress and his subsequent strengthening in the Lord ([1 Samuel 30:6](/1_samuel/30-6 "1 Samuel 30:6 - David Strengthens Himself in the Lord")) mirrors, in a limited but significant way, the suffering and ultimate triumph of Jesus. Christ, the greater David, truly knew what it meant to be vulnerable and to experience profound loss, ultimately laying down His life on the cross. Yet, His suffering was not for His own sin, but for the sake of humanity, which had been "taken captive" by sin and death. Through His death and resurrection, Christ triumphs over the ultimate enemy, bringing about a restoration far grander than David's recovery of his family. He reclaims those who were enslaved by sin and the devil ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Victory Over Powers and Authorities")), offering them freedom and abundant new life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life")). Just as David pursued and recovered "all that the Amalekites had carried away" ([1 Samuel 30:18](/1_samuel/30-18 "1 Samuel 30:18 - David Recovers All")), so Christ, through His victorious work, restores us to fellowship with God, promising a future where there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning")), fulfilling the ultimate recovery of all that was lost through the Fall.

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 25:42

And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife.

1 Samuel 25:43

David also took Ahinoam of Jezreel; and they were also both of them his wives.

2 Samuel 2:2

So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal's wife the Carmelite.

1 Samuel 27:3

And David dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, [even] David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal's wife.

2 Samuel 3:2

And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;

2 Samuel 3:3

And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;

1 Samuel 1:2

And he had two wives; the name of the one [was] Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.