Then David asked him, "To whom do you belong, and where are you from?" "I am an Egyptian," he replied, "the slave of an Amalekite. My master abandoned me three days ago when I fell ill. Then David asked him, “To whom do you belong, and where are you from?”David's inquiry reflects the importance of identity and allegiance in ancient cultures. Understanding a person's background was crucial for determining their intentions and potential threat. This question also highlights David's leadership and discernment, as he seeks to gather intelligence about the Amalekite raid. In biblical narratives, knowing one's origin often reveals God's providential hand in events, as seen in the stories of Joseph and Moses. “I am an Egyptian,” he replied,
The mention of Egypt connects this narrative to the broader biblical theme of Egypt as a place of both refuge and bondage. Egyptians were often seen as outsiders in Israelite society, yet God frequently used foreigners to fulfill His purposes, as seen with figures like Rahab and Ruth. This Egyptian's presence in the story underscores the diverse and interconnected nature of the ancient Near East. “the slave of an Amalekite.
The Amalekites were long-standing enemies of Israel, first appearing in Exodus 17. Their enmity with Israel is a recurring theme, symbolizing opposition to God's people. The fact that this Egyptian was a slave to an Amalekite highlights the complex social hierarchies and the harsh realities of servitude in the ancient world. It also sets the stage for David's eventual victory over the Amalekites, fulfilling God's judgment against them. My master abandoned me three days ago when I fell ill.
The abandonment of the slave reflects the harsh and often inhumane treatment of servants in ancient times. This detail emphasizes the Amalekites' cruelty and lack of compassion, contrasting with David's later kindness. The "three days" timeframe is significant in biblical literature, often symbolizing a period of trial or transition, as seen in the resurrection of Jesus Christ after three days. This period of abandonment becomes a turning point, leading to the Egyptian's role in aiding David. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe future king of Israel, known for his leadership and heart after God. At this point, he is leading a group of men and is in pursuit of the Amalekites who raided Ziklag. 2. Egyptian SlaveA young man who was left behind by his Amalekite master due to illness. His encounter with David becomes pivotal in David's pursuit of the Amalekites. 3. AmalekitesA nomadic tribe that frequently opposed Israel. They had raided Ziklag, taking captives and spoils, prompting David's pursuit. 4. ZiklagA Philistine town given to David by Achish, king of Gath. It was raided by the Amalekites while David and his men were away. 5. Three DaysThe period the Egyptian slave had been abandoned, highlighting his vulnerability and the urgency of David's mission. Teaching Points Compassion in LeadershipDavid's inquiry and care for the Egyptian slave demonstrate the importance of compassion, even towards those who might be considered enemies or outsiders. Divine ProvidenceThe encounter with the Egyptian slave was not coincidental but a part of God's provision for David's mission. It reminds us to see God's hand in unexpected places and people. The Value of Every PersonThe Egyptian slave, though abandoned and seemingly insignificant, played a crucial role in David's success. This teaches us to value every individual, recognizing that God can use anyone for His purposes. Faith in ActionDavid's pursuit of the Amalekites, despite the odds, shows a faith that is active and reliant on God's guidance. It encourages us to act in faith, trusting God to provide the means and direction. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's interaction with the Egyptian slave reflect the biblical principle of loving your neighbor, and how can we apply this in our daily lives? 2. In what ways does the account of the Egyptian slave illustrate God's providence, and how can we be more attentive to God's provision in unexpected circumstances? 3. Considering the role of the Egyptian slave in David's mission, how can we ensure that we do not overlook the value and potential contributions of those who might seem insignificant? 4. How does David's leadership style in this passage challenge or inspire you in your own leadership roles, whether at work, in the community, or at home? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to rely on faith in a challenging situation. How does David's pursuit of the Amalekites encourage you to trust God more fully in your current circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 17The Amalekites' initial attack on Israel, establishing them as persistent enemies of God's people. Deuteronomy 25:17-19God's command to remember what Amalek did and the eventual call to blot them out, showing the ongoing conflict. Luke 10:25-37The Parable of the Good Samaritan, which parallels the act of compassion David shows to the abandoned Egyptian. 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 Abandoned, Ago, Agone, Amalekite, Amal'ekite, Behind, Belong, Belongest, David, Egypt, Egyptian, Fell, Forsaketh, Ill, Master, Servant, Sick, Slave, Whence, YouthDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 30:13 5770 abandonment 1 Samuel 30:11-16 7266 tribes of Israel 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 30:13 NIV1 Samuel 30:13 NLT1 Samuel 30:13 ESV1 Samuel 30:13 NASB1 Samuel 30:13 KJV
1 Samuel 30:13 Commentaries
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