1 Samuel 30:10

But David pursued, he and four hundred men: for two hundred abode behind, which were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor.

But David {H1732} pursued {H7291}, he and four {H702} hundred {H3967} men {H376}: for two hundred {H3967} abode behind {H5975}, which were so faint {H6296} that they could not go over {H5674} the brook {H5158} Besor {H1308}.

Then David continued in pursuit with four hundred men, while two hundred too exhausted to cross Vadi B'sor stayed behind.

because two hundred men were too exhausted to cross the brook. But David and four hundred men continued in pursuit.

But David pursued, he and four hundred men; for two hundred stayed behind, who were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor.

Commentary

1 Samuel 30:10 describes a pivotal moment in David's life, highlighting his unwavering determination and leadership during a severe crisis. After returning to Ziklag to find it plundered and their families captured by the Amalekites, David and his men embarked on a desperate pursuit.

Context

This verse immediately follows a period of intense distress for David and his men, who had just discovered their home city of Ziklag burned and their wives and children taken captive (1 Samuel 30:1-3). The men were so grieved that they wept until they had no more power to weep, and some even spoke of stoning David (1 Samuel 30:4-6a). Despite this overwhelming despair, David "encouraged himself in the LORD his God" (1 Samuel 30:6b) and sought divine guidance to pursue the raiding party. This verse details the logistical challenge of that pursuit: out of 600 men, 200 were too exhausted to cross the brook Besor, a natural barrier, leaving David to press on with 400.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Pursuit and Determination: David's resolve to recover what was lost is evident. Despite the physical and emotional toll, he did not give up, demonstrating a tenacious spirit in the face of adversity. This mirrors a spiritual principle of pressing toward the goal.
  • Leadership and Care for the Weary: David's decision to leave the 200 faint men behind, rather than abandon them or force them to continue, shows compassionate leadership. He recognized their genuine inability to proceed and made a practical decision that ultimately ensured their safety and participation in the spoils later (1 Samuel 30:21-25).
  • Faith in Action: Although not explicitly stated in this verse, the entire narrative of 1 Samuel 30 underscores David's reliance on God's direction. His pursuit was not reckless but a direct response to God's affirmation to "pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all" (1 Samuel 30:8).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "brook Besor" (Hebrew: נַחַל הַבְּשׂוֹר, Nachal HaBesor) refers to a specific wadi or stream in the Negev region, likely dry for much of the year but potentially a significant obstacle when flowing. Its mention anchors the narrative geographically and emphasizes the physical challenge faced by David's men, who were "so faint" (Hebrew: עֲיֵפִים, ‘ayefim), meaning utterly exhausted or worn out.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for modern life:

  • Perseverance Through Exhaustion: There are times when our physical or emotional resources are depleted. David's example reminds us that even when weary, with divine help and clear purpose, we can continue to advance in faith.
  • Compassionate Leadership: True leaders understand the limitations of their team and make decisions that care for everyone, even those who cannot keep pace. Not everyone can always carry the same load, and discerning this is crucial for unity and ultimate success.
  • Trusting God's Promise: Just as David pursued based on God's assurance, we are called to act on God's promises in our own lives, even when the immediate circumstances look daunting or require difficult decisions. This pursuit often leads to the recovery of what was lost, both spiritually and practically (1 Samuel 30:18-20).
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 30:9 (3 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Samuel 30:21 (3 votes)

    ¶ And David came to the two hundred men, which were so faint that they could not follow David, whom they had made also to abide at the brook Besor: and they went forth to meet David, and to meet the people that [were] with him: and when David came near to the people, he saluted them.

  • Judges 8:4 (2 votes)

    ¶ And Gideon came to Jordan, [and] passed over, he, and the three hundred men that [were] with him, faint, yet pursuing [them].

  • Judges 8:5 (2 votes)

    And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they [be] faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.

  • 1 Samuel 14:20 (2 votes)

    And Saul and all the people that [were] with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, [and there was] a very great discomfiture.

  • 1 Samuel 14:31 (2 votes)

    And they smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon: and the people were very faint.