1 Samuel 30:6

KJV

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} was greatly {H3966} distressed {H3334}; for the people {H5971} spake {H559} of stoning {H5619} him, because the soul {H5315} of all the people {H5971} was grieved {H4843}, every man {H376} for his sons {H1121} and for his daughters {H1323}: but David {H1732} encouraged {H2388} himself in the LORD {H3068} his God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David was in serious trouble: the people were talking about stoning him to death, because all the people were in such deep grief, each man over his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in ADONAI his God.

Berean Standard Bible

And David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of every man grieved for his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

American Standard Version

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David strengthened himself in Jehovah his God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 30:6 captures David at a moment of profound crisis, facing not only the devastation of Ziklag and the abduction of his and his men's families by the Amalekites but also the existential threat of stoning from his own grief-stricken and enraged followers. In this crucible of personal anguish and leadership failure, when all human support and hope seemed to vanish, David's response stands as a powerful and enduring testament to his unwavering faith and active reliance on the Lord his God, illustrating the divine source of true spiritual resilience in the face of overwhelming despair.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is situated within a dramatic and deeply personal narrative arc in David's life, immediately following his strategic dismissal from the Philistine army by King Achish and the Philistine lords in [1 Samuel 29](/1_samuel/29 "1 Samuel 29 - David's Dismissal from Philistine Army"). This apparent setback, preventing David from fighting against his own people, Israel, was in fact a profound act of divine providence. Upon returning to their base at Ziklag after a three-day journey, David and his men discovered their city ransacked and burned, and their wives, sons, and daughters taken captive by the marauding Amalekites ([1 Samuel 30:1-2](/1_samuel/30-1-2 "1 Samuel 30:1-2 - Ziklag Ransacked and Burned")). The verses immediately preceding [1 Samuel 30:6](/1_samuel/30-6 "1 Samuel 30:6 - David Encourages Himself in the Lord") vividly portray the overwhelming grief that consumed David and his men, so intense that "they lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep" ([1 Samuel 30:3-4](/1_samuel/30-3-4 "1 Samuel 30:3-4 - David and His Men Weep Bitterly")). It is out of this abyss of collective sorrow and despair that the men's grief tragically morphs into murderous rage against David, setting the stage for his profound and singular act of faith. The narrative then shifts to David's inquiry of the Lord, God's clear instruction to pursue, and the successful recovery of all that was lost, culminating in a demonstration of David's wise and generous leadership ([1 Samuel 30:7-31](/1_samuel/30 "1 Samuel 30 - David Recovers All")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [1 Samuel 30](/1_samuel/30 "1 Samuel 30 - David Recovers All") unfold during a tumultuous and transitional period in Israel's history, specifically the waning years of King Saul's reign and David's prolonged time as a fugitive. David, though divinely anointed by Samuel as the future king, was living as a Philistine vassal in Ziklag, a border town in the Negev region, to escape Saul's relentless pursuit. The Amalekites were a nomadic, predatory people, ancient and persistent enemies of Israel, against whom God had commanded perpetual warfare due to their unprovoked attack on Israel during the Exodus ([Exodus 17:16](/exodus/17-16 "Exodus 17:16 - War with Amalek from Generation to Generation")). Their raid on Ziklag was typical of the opportunistic tribal warfare prevalent in the era, targeting undefended settlements for plunder and captives. The threat of stoning was a recognized and severe form of capital punishment in ancient Israelite society, often prescribed for severe offenses against God or the community. Here, its mention highlights the extreme emotional distress and sense of betrayal felt by David's men, who, in their raw grief, viewed him as directly responsible for their catastrophic loss. The cultural expectation was that a leader would protect his people; David's perceived failure led to this violent outburst, underscoring the immense pressure on ancient leaders and the volatile nature of loyalty in times of crisis.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 30:6](/1_samuel/30-6 "1 Samuel 30:6 - David Encourages Himself in the Lord") powerfully encapsulates several enduring themes present throughout the book of Samuel and David's life narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Leadership Under Duress**, demonstrating that even God's anointed leaders face immense pressure, isolation, and opposition, sometimes from their closest and most trusted allies. David, despite his divine calling, was deeply human and vulnerable to the crushing weight of his circumstances. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Destructive Power of Despair**, as the overwhelming grief of the people leads them to irrational and violent thoughts, illustrating how unchecked sorrow can erode trust, ignite rebellion, and blind individuals to reason. Thirdly and most significantly, it champions the theme of **Finding Strength in God Alone**. When all human resources fail and the situation appears utterly hopeless, David's deliberate act of "encouraging himself in the LORD his God" provides a profound and timeless example of spiritual resilience and unwavering faith. This moment is a cornerstone in understanding David's character as a [man after God's own heart](/acts/13-22 "Acts 13:22 - David, a Man After God's Own Heart"), emphasizing that his strength, wisdom, and ability to lead were not inherent but derived from his intimate and active relationship with Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. It foreshadows the many psalms where David expresses his profound reliance on God in times of trouble, such as [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength") and [Psalm 62:5-8](/psalms/62-5-8 "My Soul Waits for God Alone").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Distressed (Hebrew, _yâtsar'_):** The Hebrew verb יָצַר (_yâtsar_) means "to press (intransitive)," "to be narrow," or "to be in distress." It conveys a profound sense of being hemmed in, confined, or under immense pressure, both physically by the threat of stoning and emotionally by the devastation and betrayal. David's distress was not merely sadness but a profound anguish, a feeling of being trapped with no apparent way out, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of his predicament.
* **Grieved (Hebrew, _mârar'_):** The word מָרַר (_mârar_) literally means "to be bitter" or "to be sorrowful." It denotes a deep, intense, and often agonizing sorrow, akin to the bitterness of gall. The text states "the soul of all the people was grieved," indicating a collective, profound, and soul-deep bitterness that permeated their entire being. This bitterness, a direct result of their devastating loss of family and possessions, led them to irrational and violent thoughts, highlighting the destructive power of unchecked sorrow.
* **Encouraged himself (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** The verb חָזַק (_châzaq_) means "to be strong," "to be firm," "to be courageous," or "to seize, grasp." When used reflexively, as here ("encouraged himself"), it signifies an active, deliberate, and intentional act of strengthening one's inner resolve. This was not a passive waiting for comfort or a mere wish for strength, but a conscious effort to lay hold of strength. The crucial addition "in the LORD his God" specifies the exclusive and divine source of this strength: it was not self-generated but derived from his active faith and intimate covenant relationship with Yahweh, indicating a deliberate turning to God's character, promises, and power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David was greatly distressed;":** This opening clause immediately establishes David's profound personal state. Despite his anointing, his military prowess, and his leadership, he was not immune to the crushing weight of his circumstances. His distress was not a superficial sadness but a deep, overwhelming anguish, a natural human reaction to the immense loss of his family and possessions, compounded by the betrayal and threat from his own loyal followers. It highlights his humanity and vulnerability, making his subsequent act of faith all the more remarkable.
* **"for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters:":** This section explains the immediate cause of David's distress and the depth of the leadership crisis. The people's grief, described as soul-deep and universal ("every man for his sons and for his daughters"), was so overwhelming that it morphed into a desire for violent retribution against David. This vividly demonstrates the irrationality and danger of unchecked despair, where loyalties can swiftly turn hostile and murderous under extreme pressure, viewing their leader as responsible for their calamity.
* **"but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.":** This final clause presents the dramatic pivot and the spiritual climax of the verse. The strong adversative conjunction "but" (וַיִּתְחַזֵּק, _vayyithchazzeq_) signals a sharp contrast to the surrounding despair, threat, and human failure. David's response was not to succumb to fear, anger, or self-pity, nor to retaliate against his mutinous men. Instead, he actively, deliberately, and intentionally sought strength and courage from his covenant relationship with Yahweh. This was an internal, spiritual act of faith, a conscious choice to remind himself of God's unchanging character, His past faithfulness, and His unfailing promises, thereby drawing strength from a divine source when all human sources had failed him.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound message and underscore David's unique response. The most prominent is **Juxtaposition** and **Contrast**, which powerfully sets David's profound personal distress and the people's murderous despair against his singular act of faith in God. This stark contrast highlights the unique nature of David's spiritual resilience and the divine source of his strength. The phrase "the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the all-consuming and universal nature of their sorrow, underscoring the extremity of the situation David faced and the depth of the threat. There is also a strong element of **Irony**, as David, the anointed king and a "man after God's own heart," finds himself threatened with death by the very men who had followed him faithfully through years of hardship, a testament to the unpredictable and volatile nature of human loyalty under duress. This moment serves as a powerful **Turning Point** in the narrative, shifting abruptly from utter despair and the brink of rebellion to a demonstration of divine reliance that precedes God's direct intervention and David's subsequent triumphant recovery.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 30:6 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of true faith and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. It teaches that even God's chosen leaders and most devout servants are not exempt from deep personal suffering, isolation, and the betrayal of those closest to them. However, it also powerfully illustrates that ultimate strength, encouragement, and hope are found not in human resources, self-pity, or retaliation, but in an active, intentional turning to God. David's deliberate act of "encouraging himself in the LORD his God" is a prototype for believers across all ages, demonstrating that when human understanding, comfort, and support fail, God remains the steadfast, sufficient, and unchanging source of hope and power. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, affirming God's role as our refuge and strength in times of trouble and our ever-present help.

* [Psalm 42:5](/psalms/42-5 "Why are you cast down, O my soul?")
* [Psalm 27:13-14](/psalms/27-13-14 "Wait on the Lord; Be of Good Courage")
* [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 30:6 offers timeless and deeply practical lessons for every believer navigating the complexities and inevitable trials of life. In a world where personal loss, professional setbacks, relational betrayals, and overwhelming despair are constant possibilities, David's experience provides a profound and actionable model for spiritual resilience. When we feel "greatly distressed," hemmed in by seemingly insurmountable circumstances, or even threatened by those we expected to support us, our natural inclination might be to succumb to despair, lash out in anger, or withdraw into self-pity. However, David's response challenges us to actively and intentionally turn to God. It's not about mustering strength from within ourselves, which is finite and often fails, but about deliberately reminding ourselves of who God is—His unchanging character, His unfailing promises, His past faithfulness in our lives and in history—and drawing courage and hope from that divine wellspring. This act of "encouraging oneself in the LORD" is a conscious, spiritual discipline: a deliberate choice to fix our gaze on the sovereign, unchanging God amidst chaotic and threatening circumstances, allowing His peace and power to sustain us when all else crumbles. It reminds us that our ultimate refuge, our deepest comfort, and our inexhaustible source of strength is always found in our intimate, active relationship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently feeling "greatly distressed" or overwhelmed by circumstances, perhaps even feeling betrayed by others?**
* **How do you typically react when those you trust or lead turn against you or express deep disappointment and anger?**
* **What does it practically mean for you to "encourage yourself in the LORD your God" when human support, comfort, and understanding fail?**
* **Can you recall a specific time when you actively drew strength from God in a moment of profound personal crisis? What was the outcome of that reliance?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that "David encouraged himself in the LORD his God"?**

Answer: This phrase signifies an active, deliberate, and intentional spiritual discipline on David's part. It means that David, rather than succumbing to despair, fear, or anger, consciously chose to recall God's unchanging character, His past faithfulness, and His unfailing promises. By meditating on who Yahweh is—His power, sovereignty, and covenant loyalty—David strengthened his own faith and resolve. It wasn't a passive waiting for comfort to descend, but a conscious act of turning his heart and mind to God, reminding himself of divine truths that transcended his immediate, devastating circumstances. In a moment when all human support had vanished and even turned hostile, David looked beyond his immediate plight and found his courage, hope, and direction in his personal relationship with God. This profound act of faith allowed him to transcend his despair and prepare for divine guidance and action, as seen in his immediate inquiry of the Lord in [1 Samuel 30:7-8](/1_samuel/30-7-8 "David Inquires of the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 30:6 offers a powerful prefigurement of Christ, showcasing David's experience as a type of the ultimate suffering servant and victorious King. Like David, who was rejected and threatened by his own people despite being God's anointed, Jesus faced profound distress and rejection, even from His closest disciples, particularly in the Garden of Gethsemane where He experienced overwhelming sorrow, "even to the point of death" ([Matthew 26:38](/matthew/26-38 "Jesus' Anguish in Gethsemane")). Yet, in His deepest anguish, Jesus, like David, did not succumb to despair or lash out. Instead, He "encouraged himself" by turning to His Father in prayer, submitting His will perfectly to God's divine plan, even to the point of sweating drops of blood ([Luke 22:42-44](/luke/22-42-44 "Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). David's reliance on "the LORD his God" foreshadows Christ's perfect dependence on the Father, a dependence that sustained Him even through the agony of the cross. Ultimately, Jesus, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"), suffered rejection and death not for His own perceived failures but for the sins of humanity. Through His resurrection, He became the ultimate source of strength, encouragement, and eternal hope for all who are distressed. We are called to fix our eyes on [Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith](/hebrews/12-2 "Looking to Jesus"), who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising its shame, and now sits at the right hand of the throne of God, offering us the very strength and unwavering hope that David found in his 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

Psalms 56:3

What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

Psalms 56:4

In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

Psalms 56:11

In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.

Psalms 62:5

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation [is] from him.

Psalms 27:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalms 27:3

Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this [will] I [be] confident.

Psalms 18:6

In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, [even] into his ears.