1 Samuel 30:1-8

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 30:1

On the third day - This was the third day after he had left the Philistine army at Aphek. Calmet supposes that Aphek was distant from Ziklag more than thirty leagues. The Amalekites had invaded - These were, doubtless, a travelling predatory horde, who, availing themselves of the war between the Philistines and the Israelites, plundered several unprotected towns, and among them Ziklag. It is likely they had not heard of what David did to some of their tribes, else they would... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 30:4

Wept , until they had no more power to weep - This marks great distress; they wept, as says the Vulgate, till their tears failed them. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 30:6

The people spake of stoning him - David had done much to civilize those men; but we find by this of what an unruly and ferocious spirit they were; and yet they strongly felt the ties of natural affection, they "grieved every man for his sons and for his daughters." David encouraged himself in the Lord - He found he could place very little confidence in his men; and, as he was conscious that this evil had not happened either through his neglect or folly, he saw he... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 30:7

Bring me hither the ephod - It seems as if David had put on the ephod, and inquired of the Lord for himself; but it is more likely that he caused Abiathar to do it. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 30:1

DAVID RESCUES HIS WIVES FROM THE AMALEKITES ( 1 Samuel 30:1-31 ). EXPOSITION DAVID UPON HIS RETURN FINDS ZIKLAG BURNT BY THE AMALEKITES ( 1 Samuel 30:1-6 ). On the third day. David evidently could not have gone with the Philistines As far as to Shunem; for, as noticed in the previous chapter, it would have been impossible to march back to Ziklag in so short a time. But as he had gone first to Gath, where no doubt Achish collected his vassals,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 30:1-10

The spiritual uses of calamity. The facts are— 1 . David, on returning to Ziklag with his men, discovers that the Amalekites had smitten it and carried off the families as captives. 2 . In their deep distress David and his men weep bitterly. 3 . On a mutiny arising among his men, threatening his life, David betakes himself to God for comfort and guidance. 4 . Inquiring of God through the high priest, he receives assurance of success in pursuing the Amalekites, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 30:2-5

They slew not any. No resistance was made, as the men of war were all away. It was probably for thus leaving their wives and families absolutely defenceless that David's people were so angry with him. As we are told in 1 Samuel 27:3 that the refugees with David had brought each his household with him into the Philistine territory, the number of women must have been large. The Amalekites spared their lives, not because they were more merciful than David, but because women and children were... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 30:6

The soul of all the people was grieved. Hebrew, "was bitter." Their great sorrow is pathetically described in 1 Samuel 30:4 . But, as is often the case with those in distress, from grief they turned to anger, and sought relief for their feelings by venting their rage upon the innocent. Possibly David had not taken precautions against a danger which he had not apprehended; but, left almost friendless in the angry crowd who were calling out to stone him, he encouraged himself in Jehovah,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 30:6

Faith reviving in distress. I. CORRECTION . David, being a true but faulty child of God, was corrected by the rod. Quickly fell stroke after stroke. First he had to bear the galling scorn and suspicion of the Philistine lords. This was all he had gained by cajoling their king. Next he had to see Ziklag plundered and burnt. This was all he had gained by attacking the Amalekites and concealing the deed. Next, and in some respects most trying of all, he saw the loyalty of his own followers... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 30:7-8

Looking only to Jehovah for aid, David sends for Abiathar , who seems to have remained constantly with him, and bids him consult Jehovah by the Urim. In strong contrast to the silence which surrounds Saul ( 1 Samuel 28:6 ), the answer is most encouraging. Literally it is, "Pursue; for overtaking thou shalt overtake, and delivering thou shalt deliver." read more

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