1 Samuel 30:16-20

David’s successful victory over the Amalekites 30:16-20

The 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 the vehicle of choice at this time; it was the fastest means of transportation (cf. Judges 7:12). David recovered everything substantial (cf. 1 Samuel 30:16) that the Amalekites had taken plus booty from this enemy (cf. 1 Samuel 30:26).