1 Samuel 30:9
So David and his six hundred men went to the Brook of Besor, where some stayed behind
So David
The name "David" in Hebrew is דָּוִד (Dawid), meaning "beloved." David, as a central figure in the Old Testament, is often seen as a type of Christ, a shepherd-king who prefigures the coming Messiah. His leadership and reliance on God are pivotal throughout his narrative. In this context, David's actions are a testament to his role as a leader who seeks God's guidance, even in times of distress.

and the six hundred men with him
The mention of "six hundred men" highlights the loyal following David had amassed. These men were not just soldiers; they were a community bound by shared experiences and loyalty to David. Historically, this group of men had been with David through various trials, indicating a deep bond and trust in his leadership. This number also signifies completeness and readiness for the task ahead, as they prepare to pursue the Amalekites.

went to the Brook Besor
The "Brook Besor" is a geographical location that serves as a significant point in David's pursuit of the Amalekites. The Hebrew word for "brook" is נַחַל (nachal), which can mean a stream or a valley. This brook represents a place of decision and division, as it becomes the point where some of David's men are too exhausted to continue. The Brook Besor is a reminder of the physical and spiritual challenges faced in the journey of faith.

where some stayed behind
This phrase indicates a moment of human limitation and the need for rest. Not all of David's men could continue the pursuit, which speaks to the reality of human frailty. In a broader spiritual sense, it reflects the understanding that not everyone is called to every task, and that God uses different people in different ways. Those who stayed behind were still part of the community and would later share in the victory, illustrating the principle of shared blessings and the importance of every member in the body of Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The anointed future king of Israel, known for his leadership and reliance on God. At this point, he is leading his men in pursuit of the Amalekites who had raided Ziklag.

2. The Six Hundred Men
These are David's loyal followers, warriors who have been with him through various trials and battles. They represent a community of faith and support.

3. The Brook of Besor
A geographical location that serves as a point of rest and division for David's men. It symbolizes a place of decision and testing.

4. The Amalekites
A nomadic tribe that had attacked Ziklag, taking captives and plundering the city. They are often seen as enemies of Israel throughout the Old Testament.

5. Ziklag
A city given to David by the Philistine king Achish, which was attacked and burned by the Amalekites, prompting David's pursuit.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Decision-Making
David's leadership is marked by decisiveness and reliance on God. In our lives, we should seek God's guidance in our decisions, especially in times of crisis.

Community and Support
The six hundred men represent the importance of community. We are called to support one another in our spiritual journeys, recognizing that some may need to rest while others continue the fight.

Rest and Renewal
The Brook of Besor symbolizes a place of rest. It is crucial to recognize when we need to pause and renew our strength, trusting that God will provide for us and our community.

Perseverance in Trials
Despite exhaustion, David and his men continue their pursuit. We are encouraged to persevere in our spiritual battles, knowing that God is with us.

Trust in God's Provision
The division of the men at the Brook of Besor shows that God can work through both those who continue and those who stay behind. Trust in God's provision and plan for each person.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's leadership in this passage reflect his trust in God, and how can we apply this to our own leadership roles?

2. What does the Brook of Besor teach us about the importance of rest and renewal in our spiritual lives?

3. In what ways can we support our community of faith, especially when some members are weary or unable to continue?

4. How does the account of David's pursuit of the Amalekites encourage us to persevere in our own spiritual battles?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's provision despite limited resources or strength. How did this experience strengthen your faith?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 30:10
This verse continues the account, showing that two hundred men stayed behind at the Brook of Besor due to exhaustion, highlighting the theme of human limitation and divine provision.

Psalm 23
David's reliance on God as his shepherd is evident in his leadership and decision-making, reflecting the trust and guidance he seeks from the Lord.

Exodus 17:8-16
The Amalekites' attack on Israel during the Exodus parallels their continued opposition to God's people, emphasizing the ongoing spiritual battle.

Galatians 6:9
The encouragement not to grow weary in doing good connects to the perseverance required by David and his men in their pursuit.
Confidence in GodB. Dale 1 Samuel 30:1-10
David in Three SituationsC. Bradley, M. A.1 Samuel 30:1-31
People
Abiathar, Abigail, Ahimelech, Ahinoam, Amalekites, Caleb, Cherethites, David, Eshtemoa, Jerahmeelites, Jezreel, Jezreelitess, Jizreelitess, Kenites, Kerethites, Nabal
Places
Besor, Bethel, Bor-ashan, Carmel, Egypt, Eshtemoa, Hebron, Hormah, Jattir, Negeb, Negev, Racal, Ramoth, Siphmoth, Ziklag
Topics
Behind, Besor, Brook, David, Hundred, Ravine, Six, Stayed, Stood, Stream, Torrent
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 30:8

     8648   enquiring of God

1 Samuel 30:7-8

     8129   guidance, examples

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 Scripture

The 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

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