1 Samuel 30:9

KJV

So David went, he and the six hundred men that [were] with him, and came to the brook Besor, where those that were left behind stayed.

KJV (with Strong's)

So David {H1732} went {H3212}, he and the six {H8337} hundred {H3967} men {H376} that were with him, and came {H935} to the brook {H5158} Besor {H1308}, where those that were left behind {H3498} stayed {H5975}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So David went, he and the six hundred men with him. They came to Vadi B'sor, where those who were to stay behind waited.

Berean Standard Bible

So David and his six hundred men went to the Brook of Besor, where some stayed behind

American Standard Version

So David went, he and the six hundred men that were with him, and came to the brook Besor, where those that were left behind stayed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 30:9 details the immediate and resolute action taken by David and his six hundred men following God's explicit command to pursue the Amalekites who had raided Ziklag. This verse marks the physical commencement of their arduous journey, leading them to the brook Besor, a natural boundary where a portion of David's exhausted company would be compelled to remain behind, highlighting the demanding nature of their mission and the initial division of his forces.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the direct narrative consequence of David's desperate situation and his subsequent seeking of the Lord's guidance. David and his men had just returned to Ziklag to find their city burned and their families abducted by the Amalekites, plunging them into deep distress and even causing his own men to speak of stoning him ([1 Samuel 30:1-6](/1_samuel/30-1 "1 Samuel 30:1-6 - David's Distress at Ziklag")). In this moment of profound crisis, David "encouraged himself in the Lord his God" ([1 Samuel 30:6](/1_samuel/30-6 "1 Samuel 30:6 - David Encourages Himself in the Lord")) and inquired of the Lord through the ephod. God's response was unequivocal: "Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all" ([1 Samuel 30:8](/1_samuel/30-8 "1 Samuel 30:8 - God's Promise to David")). Verse 9 immediately follows this divine promise, demonstrating David's swift obedience and the physical initiation of the recovery mission. It sets the stage for the subsequent events of the pursuit, the division of the men at Besor, and the ultimate recovery of all that was lost.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold in the Negev region, a semi-arid area characterized by wadis (dry riverbeds that become brooks during rainy seasons), such as the brook Besor. Ziklag was a Philistine city granted to David by Achish, King of Gath, serving as his base during his exile from Saul ([1 Samuel 27:6](/1_samuel/27-6 "1 Samuel 27:6 - Ziklag Given to David")). The Amalekites were a nomadic, predatory people, ancient enemies of Israel, known for their opportunistic raids, often targeting the weak and stragglers ([Deuteronomy 25:17-18](/deuteronomy/25-17 "Deuteronomy 25:17-18 - Remember Amalek")). Their raid on Ziklag was typical of such incursions, aiming to plunder and enslave. David's pursuit was not merely a personal vendetta but an act of warfare against a persistent enemy of God's people, reflecting the harsh realities of tribal conflict and the necessity of swift, decisive military action in that era to recover captives and property.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within 1 Samuel and the broader narrative of David's life. Foremost is the theme of **Obedience to Divine Command**, as David's immediate departure is a direct response to God's clear instruction to pursue. It highlights **Leadership in Crisis**, showcasing David's ability to transition from deep personal distress to decisive action, leading his men despite their collective grief and exhaustion. The mention of the "brook Besor" and "those that were left behind" introduces the theme of **Human Limitation and Divine Enablement**, foreshadowing the physical toll of the pursuit and the necessity of God's strength to overcome obstacles, even when not all can keep pace ([1 Samuel 30:10](/1_samuel/30-10 "1 Samuel 30:10 - The 200 Men Left at Besor")). Ultimately, it underpins the overarching theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Restoration**, as this pursuit, initiated in faith, leads to the promised recovery of all things.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **went (Hebrew, הָלַךְ, _halakh_):** This verb signifies movement, often with purpose. In this context, it denotes David's immediate and purposeful departure. It’s not a hesitant step but a decisive march, reflecting his faith-filled obedience to God's command. The action implies a commitment to the journey, despite the known difficulties.
* **brook (Hebrew, נַחַל, _nachal_):** A "brook" or "wadi" is a seasonal stream or dry riverbed common in arid regions like the Negev. Its mention is not merely geographical but carries narrative weight. A wadi can be a significant obstacle, especially if it's flowing, or a place of rest if dry. Here, it functions as a natural barrier and a point of decision, marking the physical limits of some of the men.
* **left behind (Hebrew, נִשְׁאַר, _nish'ar_):** This verb means "to remain," "to be left over," or "to survive." Its passive form here emphasizes that these men were not choosing to stay behind out of laziness, but were physically unable to continue. It highlights their exhaustion and the severity of the journey, setting up the subsequent narrative of David's care for them and the principle of sharing spoils with those who could not fight ([1 Samuel 30:21-25](/1_samuel/30-21 "1 Samuel 30:21-25 - David's Law of Sharing the Spoil")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So David went, he and the six hundred men that [were] with him":** This clause emphasizes David's leadership and the full complement of his fighting force at the outset. "So David went" signifies his immediate and obedient response to God's command in [1 Samuel 30:8](/1_samuel/30-8 "1 Samuel 30:8 - God's Command to Pursue"). The "six hundred men" represent his entire loyal company, underscoring the collective nature of their distress and their shared commitment to the pursuit. Their unity in setting out is crucial, even though this unity will soon be tested by physical limitations.
* **"and came to the brook Besor":** This phrase marks a significant geographical and narrative waypoint. The brook Besor, located in the southern part of Judah, likely near the border with the Negev, served as a natural barrier or landmark. Reaching it signifies progress in their pursuit but also introduces the first major physical challenge. It is the place where the physical toll of their journey, grief, and previous battles would become evident.
* **"where those that were left behind stayed":** This final clause provides crucial foreshadowing and introduces a key element of the narrative. It immediately informs the reader that not all 600 men continued the pursuit beyond Besor. The implication is that a portion of the men were too exhausted or faint to cross the brook, necessitating their staying behind. This detail is vital for understanding David's subsequent actions regarding the division of spoils and his compassionate leadership, setting up the "law of Besor" ([1 Samuel 30:24-25](/1_samuel/30-24 "1 Samuel 30:24-25 - The Law of Besor")).

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and advance the narrative. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the mention of "those that were left behind stayed" at the brook Besor subtly hints at the division of David's forces that will be explicitly detailed in the next verse ([1 Samuel 30:10](/1_samuel/30-10 "1 Samuel 30:10 - The 200 Men Left Behind")). This creates a sense of anticipation and immediately introduces a challenge to the unified pursuit. The brook Besor itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing a threshold or a point of trial. It is a natural barrier that tests the endurance and resolve of David's men, separating the able from the exhausted. This physical separation at the brook also **Metonymically** represents the "breaking point" for some of the men, where their physical limits are reached. The concise, direct language also contributes to the **Narrative Pacing**, indicating David's swift and decisive action in response to God's command, maintaining the momentum of the story.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 30:9 powerfully illustrates the principle of immediate obedience to divine instruction, even when circumstances are dire and the path ahead is uncertain. David, having just experienced profound personal and communal loss, and having found strength in God, acts without delay on the Lord's promise to recover all. This highlights God's faithfulness to His promises and the human responsibility to respond with active trust. The subsequent division of the men at the brook Besor, while a practical necessity, also serves as a theological lesson: not everyone will have the same capacity or endurance on the spiritual journey, but God's work can still be accomplished through those who press on, and His grace extends to those who, through no fault of their own, cannot keep pace. This event lays the groundwork for David's compassionate "law of Besor," demonstrating that those who support the mission, even indirectly, share in its victory, reflecting God's inclusive nature and His care for the weak.

* [Psalm 27:14](/psalm/27-14 "Psalm 27:14 - Wait for the Lord")
* [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous")
* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 30:9 offers profound lessons for believers navigating life's inevitable setbacks and losses. David's journey from deep distress to immediate, faith-filled action is a powerful model. When confronted with overwhelming circumstances, our first and most crucial step, like David's, is to "encourage ourselves in the Lord" and seek His specific guidance. This verse then challenges us to move beyond lament into resolute obedience. The physical demands of David's pursuit, leading to the division at the brook Besor, remind us that the spiritual journey is often arduous, and not everyone in our community may possess the same physical, emotional, or spiritual stamina. True leadership, and indeed true Christian community, involves both pressing forward with unwavering determination in our calling and showing compassion and care for those who, for legitimate reasons, cannot keep the same pace. We are called to pursue God's will with all our might, trusting in His promise of recovery, while also extending grace and ensuring that no one is left behind in spirit or provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when faced with significant loss or distress, and what can I learn from David's immediate shift from grief to seeking God's guidance?**
* **What "brook Besors" (points of physical or spiritual exhaustion) have I encountered in my own journey, and how did I or others navigate them?**
* **In what ways can I demonstrate compassionate leadership or support within my community for those who may be "left behind" due to their limitations, while still pursuing God's call with diligence?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the brook Besor in this narrative?**

Answer: The brook Besor is significant for several reasons. Geographically, it was a prominent wadi (seasonal stream) in the Negev region, serving as a natural landmark and often a barrier. Narratively, it marks the point where David's pursuit of the Amalekites became so physically demanding that 200 of his 600 men were too exhausted to continue ([1 Samuel 30:10](/1_samuel/30-10 "1 Samuel 30:10 - The Men Left at Besor")). Theologically, it becomes a symbol of human limitation and a test of leadership. It's the place where David demonstrates his compassionate and equitable leadership by establishing the "law of Besor," decreeing that those who guarded the supplies at the brook should share equally in the spoils with those who went into battle ([1 Samuel 30:24-25](/1_samuel/30-24 "1 Samuel 30:24-25 - David's Law of Sharing")). This highlights the value of all contributions to God's work, whether active fighting or supportive service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The pursuit initiated by David in [1 Samuel 30:9](/1_samuel/30-9 "1 Samuel 30:9 - David Pursues the Amalekites") and the subsequent recovery of "all that was lost" ([1 Samuel 30:19](/1_samuel/30-19 "1 Samuel 30:19 - David Recovers All")) serves as a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate mission of recovery and restoration. Just as David, empowered by God's promise, pursued the enemy to reclaim what was stolen, so too did Jesus Christ embark on a divine mission to reclaim humanity from the dominion of sin and death. He is the true and greater David, who, through His life, death, and resurrection, confronted the ultimate enemy, Satan, and triumphed over all the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The "recovery of all" in Ziklag points to the comprehensive salvation offered by Christ, where He not only redeems individuals but also promises the restoration of all creation ([Romans 8:19-21](/romans/8-19 "Romans 8:19-21 - Creation Groans for Redemption")). While David's men faced physical limits at the brook Besor, Christ's pursuit knew no such bounds, for He "endured the cross, despising the shame" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")) to secure our eternal recovery and bring us into His glorious inheritance ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). His victory ensures that in Him, we are "more than conquerors" ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ")), having recovered not just earthly possessions, but eternal life and fellowship with 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.