1 Samuel 30

30:1 Ziklag: See study note on 27:6. • Perhaps the Amalekites were retaliating for David’s raids against them (27:8).

30:2 There were no fighting men left in Ziklag to protect the women and children. The Amalekites had a reputation for preying on the weak and vulnerable (see Deut 25:17-18). • without killing anyone: The Amalekites were not being compassionate; women and children were more useful alive than dead.

30:5 Ahinoam: See study note on 25:43. • Abigail: See 25:3-42.

30:6 in great danger: Saul had used the same expression about himself: When “in deep trouble” (28:15), Saul turned to necromancy, with disastrous results. David, by contrast, found strength and success in the Lord his God.

30:7 the ephod: See study notes on 2:18; 23:6.

30:8 Unlike Saul (28:6), David inquired of the Lord successfully (see 23:9-12; 2 Sam 2:1; 5:19, 23).

30:9 Besor was a large brook in Philistine territory that emptied into the Mediterranean southwest of Gaza.

30:10 too exhausted: David’s men had traveled for three days (30:1) and were now in hot pursuit of the Amalekites without having rested. David did not upbraid them or drive them on mercilessly. See 30:23-25.

30:11-12 David had once received bread when he was famished (21:3-7). He and his men helped this Egyptian man before they even knew his identity or his ability to help their cause.

30:13 because I was sick: Only healthy and vigorous slaves were valuable to the Amalekites; the rest were expendable.

30:14 The land of Caleb was in the wilderness of Judah, south of Hebron (see Josh 14:6-15).

30:17 The total number of Amalekite raiders must have been quite large if 400 young men escaped.

30:21-31 David generously divided the spoils among those who participated in the battle and those who were too exhausted to take part.30:21 greeted them joyfully: David did not reprimand them for not participating in the battle.

30:22 tell them to be gone: This heartless group wanted to drive away the nonparticipants with no reward.

30:23 what the Lord has given: Some of David’s men ascribed success to their own military prowess; David attributed victory to God and gave him the glory.

30:24 share and share alike: Cp. Num 31:25-47, where Moses divided the plunder of war between those who fought and the rest of the people.

30:26 elders of Judah . . . his friends: David extended his generosity to influential people throughout his own tribal area, possibly to secure their support for him as king.

30:27-30 The places mentioned here were all in southern Judah. David eventually emerged from this territory as king (see 2 Sam 2:1-4).

30:31 From Hebron, David reigned as king over Judah for 7½ years (2 Sam 2:1-7; 5:5).