2 Samuel 1:3

And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.

And David {H1732} said {H559} unto him, From whence comest {H935} thou? And he said {H559} unto him, Out of the camp {H4264} of Israel {H3478} am I escaped {H4422}.

David said to him, "Where are you coming from?""I escaped from the camp of Isra'el," he replied.

“Where have you come from?” David asked. “I have escaped from the Israelite camp,” he replied.

And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.

Commentary

Context of 2 Samuel 1:3

This verse opens a pivotal scene in David's life, immediately following the tragic news of King Saul's death and the devastating defeat of Israel by the Philistines on Mount Gilboa. David, having recently returned to Ziklag after a raid, is unaware of the battle's outcome. His direct question, "From whence comest thou?" reflects his urgent need for information regarding the fate of the Israelite army and, critically, of Saul and his son Jonathan, David's beloved friend.

The messenger, an Amalekite, is the first to bring news from the battlefield, setting the stage for one of the Bible's most poignant moments of grief and a significant transition in Israel's leadership.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Anticipation and Uncertainty: David's question highlights a moment of intense anticipation and anxiety. He is desperate for news, symbolizing the nation's collective uncertainty about its leadership and future after a major defeat.
  • The Bearing of Crucial News: The messenger's arrival signifies the delivery of vital, life-altering information. His response, "Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped," immediately signals a dire situation, implying defeat and heavy losses.
  • Survival Amidst Devastation: The word "escaped" (Hebrew: nimlat, נִמְלַט) conveys a sense of narrow deliverance from extreme danger. It immediately tells David that the situation in the camp was catastrophic, forcing flight for survival.

Linguistic Insights

David's inquiry, "From whence comest thou?" (מֵאַיִן תָּבֹא - me'ayin tavo), is a direct and urgent demand for the messenger's origin, indicating his immediate focus on the source of information about the battle. The messenger's reply, "Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped" (מִמַּחֲנֵה יִשְׂרָאֵל נִמְלַטְתִּי - mimmaḥăneh yisra'el nimlaṭtî), uses the Hebrew verb nimlat (נִמְלַט), which means "to escape," "to deliver oneself," or "to flee to safety." This word choice immediately conveys the perilous nature of the situation from which he has come, hinting at a major disaster.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

This brief exchange reminds us of the human experience of waiting for crucial news, especially in times of conflict or uncertainty. It highlights:

  • The Weight of Information: News, whether good or bad, carries significant weight and can dramatically alter circumstances and emotions. Leaders and individuals must be prepared to receive and process difficult truths.
  • The Reality of Survival: The messenger's escape emphasizes the harsh realities of war and the instinct for self-preservation amidst chaos.
  • The Beginning of Transition: For David, this moment marks the beginning of his transition from a fugitive to the undisputed king of Israel, a path that begins with sorrow over his predecessor and friend.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 5:25 (2 votes)

    But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence [comest thou], Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither.

  • Job 1:15 (2 votes)

    And the Sabeans fell [upon them], and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

  • Job 1:19 (2 votes)

    And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.