1 Samuel 30:8 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 30:7-20

Solomon observes that the righteous is delivered out of trouble and the wicked cometh in his stead, that the just falleth seven times a-day and riseth again; so it was with David. Many were his troubles, but the Lord delivered him out of them all, and particularly out of this of which we have here an account. I. He enquired of the Lord both concerning his duty?Shall I pursue after this troop? and concerning the event?Shall I overtake them? 1 Sam. 30:8. It was a great advantage to David that he... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 30:8

And David inquired of the Lord ,.... That is, by Abiathar, who reported his questions to the Lord in his name: saying, shall I pursue after this troop ? the large company of the Amalekites, as it appears by what follows they were: shall I overtake them ? two questions are here put together, and answers returned to them, contrary to a notion of the Jews; See Gill on 1 Samuel 23:11 , and he answered him, pursue ; which respects the first question: for thou shall surely... 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 30:7-8

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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 30:8

1 Samuel 30:8. He answered Before God answered more slowly and gradually, 1 Samuel 23:11-12; but now he answers speedily, and fully at once, because the business required haste. So gracious is our God, that he considers even the degree of our necessities, and accommodates himself to them. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 30:1-31

David’s victory and Saul’s defeat (30:1-31:13)When David’s men returned to Ziklag, they found it a deserted, burnt out ruin. The Amalekites had raided the cities of Philistia and Judah while all the fighting men were away at war. The shock of losing everything - wives, families and possessions - drove David to total dependence on God. It was the kind of dependence that seems to have been lacking during his sixteen months in Philistia (30:1-8).Assisted by some capable Israelite military... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 1 Samuel 30:8

1 Samuel 30:8.— We may just note here, what we have frequently observed, how much the insertion of particles in our version flattens the sense. Every reader of taste will discern it in the last clause of this verse. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 30:7-10

God’s provision of guidance 30:7-10David obtained an answer through the Urim and Thummim, which the high priest carried in the breast pocket of his ephod (cf. 1 Samuel 23:2; 1 Samuel 23:4; 1 Samuel 23:9). God no longer responded to Saul’s prayers (1 Samuel 28:15), but He did answer David’s (1 Samuel 30:8). David divided his troops into two groups as he had when he organized his attack against Nabal (1 Samuel 25:13). The many comparisons and contrasts between this chapter and chapter 25 point... read more

John Dummelow

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

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - 1 Samuel 30:1-31

The Golden Art of Self-encouragement 1 Samuel 30:6 'He ran to his cordial' is the sententious comment of John Trapp. He sorely needed a cordial. What mercy that he knew where the cordial was! He discovered it in the heart of God. David's soul was overwhelmed within him. Every prospect was doleful. Black skies frowned over his head. He was exhausted. All the springs seemed dried up. 'But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.' Yes, He knew his cordial, and in the exigent hour he ran to... read more