1 Samuel 30:1, 1 Samuel 30:2 WEB

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 30:1-6

Here we have, I. The descent which the Amalekites made upon Ziklag in David's absence, and the desolations they made there. They surprised the city when it was left unguarded, plundered it, burnt it, and carried all the women and children captives, 1 Sam. 30:1, 2. They intended, by this to revenge the like havoc that David had lately made of them and their country, 1 Sam. 27:8. He that had made so many enemies ought not to have left his own concerns so naked and defenceless. Those that make... read more

John Gill

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

And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag, on the third day ,.... Either from their departure from thence, when they went out with Achish, or rather from the time of their leaving Achish, and the camp of the Philistines; so long they were upon their march homewards, see 2 Samuel 1:1 ; and no wonder, if it was the distance of eighty eight miles; see Gill on 1 Samuel 29:11 , that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag ; the southern parts of the land of... read more

Adam Clarke

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

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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 30:1

On the third day - This indicates that Aphek was three days’ march from Ziklag, say about 50 miles, which agrees very well with the probable situation of Aphek (1 Samuel 4:1 note). From Ziklag to Shunem would not be less than 80 or 90 miles.The Amalekites, in retaliation of David’s raids 1 Samuel 27:8-9, invaded “the south” of Judah Joshua 15:21; but owing to the absence of all the men with David there was no resistance, and consequently the women and children were carried off as prey, and... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 30:1-2

1 Samuel 30:1-2. The Amalekites had invaded the south Namely, the southern part of Judah, and the adjacent country. This, probably, they had done to revenge themselves for David’s invading their country, mentioned 1 Samuel 27:8. And smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire Which they might easily do when David and his men were absent, and but a small, if any, guard left in the place. And had taken the women captives And among the rest David’s two wives. They slew not any, but carried... 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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Samuel 30:1

men . Hebrew. 'enosh. App-14 . the south = the Negeb. The hill-country S. of Judah. burned = burned up. See App-43 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 1 Samuel 30:1

DAVID PURSUED THE AMALEKITES AND DEFEATED THEM;DAVID AND HIS MEN RETURNED TO ZIKLAG"Now when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, the Amalekites had made a raid upon the Negeb and upon Ziklag. They had overcome Ziklag, and burned it with fire, and taken captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great; they killed no one, but carried them off and went their way. And when David and his men came to the city, they found it burned with fire, and their wives and sons and... read more

1 Samuel 30:1, 1 Samuel 30:2 Web