1 Samuel 30:2

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

This verse describes the immediate aftermath of the Amalekite raid on Ziklag, the city that King Achish of Gath had given to David (1 Samuel 27:6). David and his men had been away with the Philistine army, leaving their homes and families vulnerable. The Amalekites, a long-standing enemy of Israel known for their aggression and cruelty (see Exodus 17:16 and Deuteronomy 25:19), took advantage of David's absence to plunder Ziklag and carry away its inhabitants. This verse specifically highlights a crucial detail about their actions: they did not kill anyone, but rather took all the women and children captive.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Preserving Hand Amidst Disaster: The most striking detail in this verse is the statement, "they slew not any, either great or small." While the raid was devastating, leading to great distress and weeping among David and his men upon their return (1 Samuel 30:4), the preservation of life was an act of divine providence. This seemingly unusual mercy from a typically ruthless enemy was instrumental in setting the stage for the miraculous recovery that follows. It suggests that even in moments of profound loss and despair, God's unseen hand can be at work, preserving hope and opening a path for restoration.
  • Setup for Restoration and Recovery: The fact that the women and children were taken captive rather than massacred is pivotal to the narrative. It means that what was lost could potentially be regained. This detail directly sets up David's pursuit of the Amalekites and the subsequent complete recovery of "all that the Amalekites had carried away" (1 Samuel 30:18-19), demonstrating God's faithfulness to David.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "slew not any, either great or small" directly translates the Hebrew, emphasizing the completeness of the sparing of life. This detail is significant because it highlights an unusual restraint from the Amalekites, who were known for their brutality. This restraint, often seen as a subtle act of God's providence, ensured that David's family and the families of his men were preserved, allowing for their eventual rescue and the fulfillment of God's plan for David.

Practical Application

This verse offers a powerful message for believers facing loss and adversity. Even when circumstances appear dire and everything seems to be stripped away, the absence of the "final blow" or complete destruction can be a subtle sign of God's hidden mercy. It reminds us that even in the midst of trials and the actions of adversaries, God can be at work, preserving what is vital and leaving room for future restoration. It encourages us to look for glimmers of hope and to trust in God's preserving hand, knowing that He can orchestrate events to bring about good, even from seemingly devastating situations. This narrative provides an enduring example of finding strength and hope in God during distress, leading to eventual recovery and divine blessing, much like God working all things for good for those who love Him.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 27:11 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 30:19 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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