John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 30:1-31
The Amalekites raid Ziklag, and are pursued by David2. Slew not any] They would be valuable as slaves. 6. Spake of stoning him] They probably thought he had been negligent in leaving Ziklag without a guard. 8. Enquired at the lord] by means of the Urim in the ephod: see on Exodus 28:30. 13. My master left me] The life of a slave was of little more importance than that of a horse.14. The Cherethites] Cherethite is used with Pelethite, perhaps another name for Philistine: see 1 Samuel 30:16 and... read more
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 30:16-20
David’s successful victory over the Amalekites 30:16-20The Amalekites were feasting on the plunder that they had taken, although the Egyptian servant had received nothing to eat or drink when he fell ill (cf. 1 Samuel 30:12). David launched his attack early in the morning the next day and continued fighting until night fell. Since 400 of the Amalekites escaped, as many as the total number of David’s soldiers (1 Samuel 30:10), they obviously had a much larger army than David did. The camel was... read more