On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down. On the third dayThis phrase indicates the passage of time since David and his men left the Philistine army. The "third day" often signifies a period of completion or transition in biblical narratives, as seen in the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day ( Matthew 16:21). It suggests a significant event is about to unfold. David and his men arrived in Ziklag
Ziklag was a city given to David by Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, as a place of refuge (1 Samuel 27:6). It served as a base for David during his time of exile from King Saul. The arrival in Ziklag marks a return to their home base, expecting safety and rest. This city is located in the Negev region, a semi-arid area in the southern part of ancient Israel, which was strategically important. and the Amalekites had raided the Negev
The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe and long-standing enemies of Israel, first encountered in Exodus 17:8-16. Their raid on the Negev, a region south of Judah, reflects their opportunistic and hostile nature. This act of aggression fulfills the ongoing conflict between Israel and Amalek, as God had declared perpetual war against Amalek (Exodus 17:16). attacked Ziklag
The attack on Ziklag was a direct assault on David's temporary home and his people. This event highlights the vulnerability of David's position while living among the Philistines. It also sets the stage for David's leadership and reliance on God in times of crisis, foreshadowing his future role as king. and burned it down
The burning of Ziklag signifies total destruction and loss, leaving David and his men without a home. This devastation is reminiscent of the trials faced by God's people throughout history, often leading to a deeper dependence on God. It also prefigures the ultimate deliverance and restoration that God promises to His people, as seen in the prophetic hope of a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1). Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed future king of Israel, currently leading a group of men while in exile from King Saul. David's leadership and faith are central to this account. 2. David's MenA group of warriors loyal to David, who have been following him during his time of exile. They are deeply affected by the events at Ziklag. 3. ZiklagA town given to David by Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, where David and his men had been residing. It becomes a place of significant trial and testing for David. 4. AmalekitesA nomadic tribe and long-standing enemies of Israel. They are known for their raids and are responsible for the attack on Ziklag. 5. NegevA desert region in southern Israel. The Amalekites' raid extended to this area, indicating the breadth of their attack. Teaching Points The Reality of TrialsEven those anointed and chosen by God, like David, face significant trials. This reminds us that being in God's will does not exempt us from challenges. Leadership in CrisisDavid's response to the crisis at Ziklag provides a model for godly leadership. He seeks God's guidance and encourages his men, demonstrating faith and resilience. The Consequences of DisobedienceThe Amalekite raid is a reminder of the long-term consequences of disobedience to God's commands, as seen in Saul's failure to fully obey God in dealing with the Amalekites. God's Sovereignty and FaithfulnessDespite the devastation, God remains sovereign and faithful. David's eventual victory over the Amalekites shows that God can restore and redeem even the most desperate situations. Community and SupportThe unity and support among David's men, despite their initial distress, highlight the importance of community and mutual encouragement in times of trial. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's experience at Ziklag challenge our understanding of God's protection and provision during difficult times? 2. In what ways can we see the consequences of past disobedience affecting our present circumstances, as seen in the account of the Amalekites? 3. How can David's leadership during the crisis at Ziklag inspire us to lead with faith and courage in our own areas of influence? 4. What role does community play in overcoming trials, and how can we foster a supportive community like David's men? 5. How can we apply the lessons of God's sovereignty and faithfulness from this passage to our current life challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 15The Amalekites' attack on Ziklag can be seen as a consequence of Saul's incomplete obedience in dealing with them, highlighting the importance of full obedience to God's commands. Psalm 34David's psalm of praise and trust in God during times of trouble, reflecting his reliance on God even in dire circumstances like the one at Ziklag. Exodus 17The Amalekites' first attack on Israel, establishing them as persistent adversaries and illustrating the ongoing spiritual battle against forces opposed to God's people. People Abiathar, Abigail, Ahimelech, Ahinoam, Amalekites, Caleb, Cherethites, David, Eshtemoa, Jerahmeelites, Jezreel, Jezreelitess, Jizreelitess, Kenites, Kerethites, NabalPlaces Besor, Bethel, Bor-ashan, Carmel, Egypt, Eshtemoa, Hebron, Hormah, Jattir, Negeb, Negev, Racal, Ramoth, Siphmoth, ZiklagTopics Amalekites, Amal'ekites, Attack, Attacked, Burn, Burned, David, Fire, Invaded, Negeb, Negev, Overcome, Overthrown, Pass, Pushed, Raid, Raided, Reached, Smite, Smitten, South, Struck, Third, ZiklagDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 30:1-2 5398 loss 1 Samuel 30:1-3 5246 captivity Library At the Front or the Base
'As his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff.'--1 Samuel xxx. 24. David's city of Ziklag had been captured by the Amalekites, while he and all his men who could carry arms were absent, serving in the army of Achish, the Philistine king of Gath. On their return they found ruin, their homes harried, their wives, children, and property carried off. Wearied already with their long march, they set off at once in pursuit of the spoilers, who had had a …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Secret of Courage
'But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.'--1 Samuel xxx. 6. David was at perhaps the very lowest ebb of his fortunes. He had long been a wandering outlaw, and had finally been driven, by Saul's persistent hostility, to take refuge in the Philistines' country. He had gathered around himself a band of desperate men, and was living very much like a freebooter. He had found refuge in a little city of the Philistines, far down in the South, from which he and his men had marched as a contingent …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Statute of David for the Sharing of the Spoil
THOSE WHO ASSOCIATE themselves with a leader must share his fortunes. Six hundred men had quitted their abodes in Judaea; unable to endure the tyranny of Saul they had linked themselves with David, and made him to be a captain over them. They were, some of them, the best of men, and some of them were the worst: in this, resembling our congregations. Some of them were choice spirits, whom David would have sought, but others were undesirable persons, from whom he might gladly have been free. However, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891 Thirdly, for Thy Actions.
1. Do no evil, though thou mightest; for God will not suffer the least sin, without bitter repentance, to escape unpunished. Leave not undone any good that thou canst. But do nothing without a calling, nor anything in thy calling, till thou hast first taken counsel at God's word (1 Sam. xxx. 8) of its lawfulness, and pray for his blessings upon thy endeavour; and then do it in the name of God, with cheerfulness of heart, committing the success to him, in whose power it is to bless with his grace …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Bright Dawn of a Reign
'And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And He said, Unto Hebron. 2. So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail, Nabal's wife, the Carmelite. 3. And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. 4. And the men of Judah came, and there …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Canaan
Canaan was the inheritance which the Israelites won for themselves by the sword. Their ancestors had already settled in it in patriarchal days. Abraham "the Hebrew" from Babylonia had bought in it a burying-place near Hebron; Jacob had purchased a field near Shechem, where he could water his flocks from his own spring. It was the "Promised Land" to which the serfs of the Pharaoh in Goshen looked forward when they should again become free men and find a new home for themselves. Canaan had ever been …
Archibald Sayce—Early Israel and the Surrounding Nations Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 30:1 NIV1 Samuel 30:1 NLT1 Samuel 30:1 ESV1 Samuel 30:1 NASB1 Samuel 30:1 KJV
1 Samuel 30:1 Commentaries
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