1 Samuel · Chapter 30

V. 1. The south-Namely, the southern part of Judah, and the adjacent parts.

Verse 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 have avenged themselves by slaying all they found in Ziklag.

Verses 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 them away — Toward their own country. Being a poor and very covetous people, they doubtless intended to sell them for slaves, and make money of them. How great must have been the surprise, and how inexpressible the grief of David and his men, when they came to the town, to find it utterly desolated, and burned down to the ground, and all the persons and property left therein taken away!

DAVID’S RETURN TO ZIKLAG, AND REVENGE UPON THE AMALEKITES, 1-31.

1. On the third day — The third day after his removal from the Philistine army. So David must have this time been absent from Ziklag at least five or six days. The Amalekites — Another predatory horde of the same nation as those whom David had but recently smitten. 1 Samuel 27:8.

Verses 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 them away — Toward their own country. Being a poor and very covetous people, they doubtless intended to sell them for slaves, and make money of them. How great must have been the surprise, and how inexpressible the grief of David and his men, when they came to the town, to find it utterly desolated, and burned down to the ground, and all the persons and property left therein taken away!

2. Taken the women captives — The men were all absent with David, but the wives and children (see 1 Samuel 27:3, and note) remained in Ziklag. Upon finding the town burned and their wives and children gone, David and his men probably thought first of all that plunderers from the south had been wreaking vengeance for David’s late conquests in that country, and had every reason to suppose that their families had been massacred.

DAVID’S RETURN TO ZIKLAG, AND REVENGE UPON THE AMALEKITES, 1-31.

1. On the third day — The third day after his removal from the Philistine army. So David must have this time been absent from Ziklag at least five or six days. The Amalekites — Another predatory horde of the same nation as those whom David had but recently smitten. 1 Samuel 27:8.

V. 4. Wept-It is no disparagement to the boldest, bravest spirits, to lament the calamities of friends or relations.

Verse 4. Wept, until they had no more power to weep.] This marks great distress; they wept, as says the Vulgate, till their tears failed them.

Verse 4. David and his people lift up their voice and wept — As was natural, they thus gave way to the first transports of their grief on this sad sight. “It is no disparagement,” says Henry, “to the boldest, bravest spirits to lament the calamities of friends or relations.”

DAVID’S RETURN TO ZIKLAG, AND REVENGE UPON THE AMALEKITES, 1-31.

1. On the third day — The third day after his removal from the Philistine army. So David must have this time been absent from Ziklag at least five or six days. The Amalekites — Another predatory horde of the same nation as those whom David had but recently smitten. 1 Samuel 27:8.

DAVID’S RETURN TO ZIKLAG, AND REVENGE UPON THE AMALEKITES, 1-31.

1. On the third day — The third day after his removal from the Philistine army. So David must have this time been absent from Ziklag at least five or six days. The Amalekites — Another predatory horde of the same nation as those whom David had but recently smitten. 1 Samuel 27:8.

V. 6. Stoning him-As the author of their miseries, by coming to Ziklag at first, by provoking the Amalekites to this cruelty, and by his forwardness in marching away with Achish, and leaving their wives and children unguarded. Encouraged himself-That is, in this that the all-wise, and all-powerful Lord, was his God by covenant and special promise, and fatherly affection, as he had shewed himself to be in the whole course of his providence towards him. It is the duty of all good men, whatever happens, to encourage themselves in the Lord their God, assuring themselves, that he both can and will bring light out of darkness.

Verse 6. The people spake of stoning him] David had done much to civilize those men; but we find by this of what an unruly and ferocious spirit they were; and yet they strongly felt the ties of natural affection, they “grieved every man for his sons and for his daughters.” David encouraged himself in the Lord] He found he could place very little confidence in his men; and, as he was conscious that this evil had not happened either through his neglect or folly, he saw he might the more confidently expect succour from his Maker.

Verse 6. The people spake of stoning him — As the cause of this calamity, by coming to Ziklag at first, by provoking the Amalekites so grievously as he had done, and by his forwardness in marching away with Achish, and leaving the town, their wives and children unguarded. But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God — Who had never failed him in his greatest distresses; and in whom he still had confidence. He encouraged himself — By believing that this all-wise and all-powerful Lord was his God by covenant and special promise, and fatherly affection, as he had showed himself to be in the whole course of his providence toward him. It is the duty of all good men, whatever happens, to encourage themselves in the Lord their God, assuring themselves that he both can and will bring light out of darkness.

6. The people spake of stoning him — They may have thought at first that David’s readiness to go to the war with Achish was unwise, and now as they felt their loss, they blamed him as the cause of all, and in the emotion of the hour were ready to mutiny. This was not strange when we consider the antecedents of many of these men. See 1 Samuel 22:2. David encouraged himself in the Lord — Betook himself to prayer, and through the ephod of the priest, as narrated in the following verses, received counsel and promise from Jehovah. Happy he, who in the hour of trouble knows how to encourage himself in Jehovah, for such a man shall surely triumph over all foes.

V. 7. The ephod-And put it upon thyself, that thou mayst enquire of God according to his ordinance, David was sensible of his former error in neglecting to ask counsel of God by the ephod, when he came to Achish, and when he went out with Achish to the Battle; and his necessity now brings him to his duty, and his duty meets with success.

Verse 7. Bring me hither the ephod.] It seems as if David had put on the ephod, and inquired of the Lord for himself; but it is more likely that he caused Abiathar to do it.

Verse 7. Bring hither the ephod — And put it on thyself, that thou mayest inquire of God according to his ordinance. David was sensible of his former error, in neglecting to ask counsel of God by the ephod, when he came to Achish, and when he went out with Achish to the battle; and his necessity now brings him to his duty, and his duty meets with success.

Verse 7. Abiathar brought the ephod. None but the priest could wear this, and as the highpriest could not consult the oracle without the knowledge of his sovereign, Abiathar wore the ephod, and enquired at David’s command, in the place of devotion.

DAVID’S RETURN TO ZIKLAG, AND REVENGE UPON THE AMALEKITES, 1-31.

1. On the third day — The third day after his removal from the Philistine army. So David must have this time been absent from Ziklag at least five or six days. The Amalekites — Another predatory horde of the same nation as those whom David had but recently smitten. 1 Samuel 27:8.

V. 8. He answered-Before, God answered more slowly and gradually, 1 Samuel 23:11,12, but now he answers speedily, and fully at once, because the business required haste. So gracious is our God, that he considers even the degree of our necessities, and accommodates himself to them.

Verse 8. He answered — Before God answered more slowly and gradually, 1 Samuel 23:11, 12; but now he answers speedily, and fully at once, because the business required haste. So gracious is our God, that he considers even the degree of our necessities, and accommodates himself to them.

DAVID’S RETURN TO ZIKLAG, AND REVENGE UPON THE AMALEKITES, 1-31.

1. On the third day — The third day after his removal from the Philistine army. So David must have this time been absent from Ziklag at least five or six days. The Amalekites — Another predatory horde of the same nation as those whom David had but recently smitten. 1 Samuel 27:8.

Verse 9. The brook Besor] This had its source in the mountain of Idumea, and fell into the Mediterranean Sea beyond Gaza. Some suppose it to have been the same with the river of the wilderness, or the river of Egypt. The sense of this and the following verse is, that when they came to the brook Besor, there were found two hundred out of his six hundred men so spent with fatigue that they could proceed no farther. The baggage or stuff was left there, 1 Samuel 30:24, and they were appointed to guard it.

Verses 9, 10. Where those that were left behind stayed — Those that were left to look after the stuff, verse 24; who were so tired, that they were not able to march any further. David pursued, he and four hundred men — A small number for such an attempt; but David was strong in faith, giving God the glory of his power and faithfulness.

9. The brook Besor — Some have supposed this might be the Wady Sheriah, a few miles to the south of Gaza; but it is more likely to have been far south of this, for Ziklag must have been situated far south of Gaza. Compare 1 Samuel 27:6, note. Those that were left behind stayed — As further explained in verse 10, 21, two hundred became so faint and weary that they were unable to proceed, and so they stationed themselves on the banks of this wady, and there remained till David and the four hundred returned.

V. 10. Four hundred-A small number for such an attempt: but David was strong in faith, giving God the glory of his power and faithfulness.

Verses 9, 10. Where those that were left behind stayed — Those that were left to look after the stuff, verse 24; who were so tired, that they were not able to march any further. David pursued, he and four hundred men — A small number for such an attempt; but David was strong in faith, giving God the glory of his power and faithfulness.

DAVID’S RETURN TO ZIKLAG, AND REVENGE UPON THE AMALEKITES, 1-31.

1. On the third day — The third day after his removal from the Philistine army. So David must have this time been absent from Ziklag at least five or six days. The Amalekites — Another predatory horde of the same nation as those whom David had but recently smitten. 1 Samuel 27:8.

DAVID’S RETURN TO ZIKLAG, AND REVENGE UPON THE AMALEKITES, 1-31.

1. On the third day — The third day after his removal from the Philistine army. So David must have this time been absent from Ziklag at least five or six days. The Amalekites — Another predatory horde of the same nation as those whom David had but recently smitten. 1 Samuel 27:8.

V. 12. Three days and nights-One whole day and part of two others, as appears from the next verse, where he saith, three days ago I fell sick, but in the Hebrew it is, this is the third day since I fell sick.

Verse 12. A cake of figs] See on 1 Samuel 25:18.

Verses 12, 13. Three days and nights — One whole day, and part of two others, as appears from the next verse, where he says, Three days ago I fell sick; but in the Hebrew it is, This is the third day since I fell sick. A young man of Egypt — God of his providence so ordering it that he was not one of the race of the Amalekites, devoted to destruction, but an Egyptian, that might be spared. And my master left me — In this place and condition; a barbarous act this, to leave him there to perish, when they had good store of camels for the carriage of men, as well as of their spoil, verse 17. But this inhumanity cost them dear; for, through it, they lost their own lives, and David recovered what they had taken at Ziklag. Such is the wonderful providence of God, ordering or overruling every thing for his own glory and the good of those that trust in him, even the thoughts and desires, the counsels, works, and ways of men, both the good and the bad! So that there is no fighting against him, who can make the smallest actions serviceable to the production of the greatest effects.

12. His spirit came again to him — That is, he revived from the half-unconscious and dreamlike state into which, through anxiety and lack of food, he had fallen.

V. 13. Egypt-God by his providence so ordering it, that he was not one of that cursed race of the Amalekites, who were to be utterly destroyed, but an Egyptian, who might be spared. Left me-In this place and condition: which was barbarous inhumanity: for he ought, and easily might have carried him away with the prey which they had taken. But he paid dear for this cruelty, for this was the occasion of the ruin of him and all their company. And God by his secret providence ordered the matter thus for that very end. So that there is no fighting against God, who can make the smallest accidents serviceable to the production of the greatest effects.

Verse 13. My master left me, because three days agone I fell sick.] This was very inhuman: though they had booty enough, and no doubt asses sufficient to carry the invalids, yet they left this poor man to perish; and God visited it upon them, as he made this very person the means of their destruction, by the information which he was enabled to give to David and his men.

Verses 12, 13. Three days and nights — One whole day, and part of two others, as appears from the next verse, where he says, Three days ago I fell sick; but in the Hebrew it is, This is the third day since I fell sick. A young man of Egypt — God of his providence so ordering it that he was not one of the race of the Amalekites, devoted to destruction, but an Egyptian, that might be spared. And my master left me — In this place and condition; a barbarous act this, to leave him there to perish, when they had good store of camels for the carriage of men, as well as of their spoil, verse 17. But this inhumanity cost them dear; for, through it, they lost their own lives, and David recovered what they had taken at Ziklag. Such is the wonderful providence of God, ordering or overruling every thing for his own glory and the good of those that trust in him, even the thoughts and desires, the counsels, works, and ways of men, both the good and the bad! So that there is no fighting against him, who can make the smallest actions serviceable to the production of the greatest effects.

DAVID’S RETURN TO ZIKLAG, AND REVENGE UPON THE AMALEKITES, 1-31.

1. On the third day — The third day after his removal from the Philistine army. So David must have this time been absent from Ziklag at least five or six days. The Amalekites — Another predatory horde of the same nation as those whom David had but recently smitten. 1 Samuel 27:8.

V. 14. Cherethites-That is, the Philistines. Caleb-This is added by way of explication: that part of the south of Judah which belongs to Caleb’s posterity.

Verse 14. Upon the south of the Cherethites] Calmet and others maintain, that the ytrk kerethi, which, without the points, might be read Creti, were not only at this time Philistines, but that they were aborigines of Crete, from which they had their name Cherethites or Cretans, and are those of whom Zephaniah speaks, Zephaniah 2:5: Wo to the inhabitants of the sea-coasts, the nation of the Cherethites. And by Ezekiel, Ezekiel 25:16: Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines, and will cut off the Cherethim. In 2 Samuel 15:18 we find that the Cherethites formed a part of David’s guards.

South of Caleb] Somewhere about Kirjath-arba, or Hebron, and Kirjath-sepher; these being in the possession of Caleb and his descendants.

Verse 14. Upon the south of the Cherethites — That is, of the Philistines; for it is explained, verse 16, to have been the land of the Philistines. Hence it appears that the Amalekites were enemies to the Philistines. So that David did not act against the interests of his benefactor, Achish, in making incursions upon those people. And upon the south of Caleb — We read nowhere else of this land; but, in all probability, it was that south part of Judah which was given to Caleb, and which his posterity inherited, Joshua 14:13.

Ver. 14. The Cherethites; Cretans and islanders who had settled among these less occupied lands.

14. The Cherethites — The inhabitants of southern Philistia. Compare Ezekiel 25:16; Zephaniah 2:5. The origin of the name is involved in obscurity, but the most plausible opinion is, that both the Cherethites and the Philistines came from Crete, and that the Cherethites, as distinguished from the Philistines, were the later immigrants who settled in the land after the colonial origin of their neighbours had become generally forgotten or ignored. See note on 2 Samuel 8:18. Compare Deuteronomy 2:23; Amos 9:7; Jeremiah 47:4. The south of Caleb — The neighbourhood just south of Hebron. Compare Joshua 14:14.

V. 15. Will bring thee-For his master had told him whither they intended to go, that he might come after them, as soon as he could.

Verse 15. Swear unto me] At the conclusion of this verse, the Vulgate, Syriac, and Arabic add, that David swore to him. This is not expressed in the Hebrew, but is necessarily implied.

Verse 15. Nor deliver me into the hand of my master — It is likely his master had been cruel to him, and therefore he had no mind to serve him any longer. I will bring thee down to this company — For, it is probable, his master had told him whither they intended to go, that he might come after them as soon as he could.

DAVID’S RETURN TO ZIKLAG, AND REVENGE UPON THE AMALEKITES, 1-31.

1. On the third day — The third day after his removal from the Philistine army. So David must have this time been absent from Ziklag at least five or six days. The Amalekites — Another predatory horde of the same nation as those whom David had but recently smitten. 1 Samuel 27:8.

V. 16. Upon all the earth-Secure and careless, because they were now come almost to the borders of their own country, and the Philistines and Israelites both were otherwise engaged, and David, as they believed, with them. So they had no visible cause of danger; and yet then they were nearest to destruction.

Verse 16. Out of the land of the Philistines] That these Amalekites were enemies to the Philistines is evident, but it certainly does not follow from this that those whom David destroyed were enemies also. This, I think, has been too hastily assumed by Dr. Chandler and others, in order the better to vindicate the character of David.

Verses 16, 17. They were spread upon all the earth — Secure and careless, because they were now come almost to the borders of their own country, and the Philistines and Israelites both were otherwise engaged, and David, as they believed, with them. So they had no visible cause of danger; and yet then they were nearest to destruction! David smote them from the twilight — The word signifies both the morning and evening twilight. But the latter seems here intended, partly because their eating, and drinking, and dancing, was more proper work for the evening than the morning; and partly because the evening was more convenient for David, that the fewness of his forces might not be discovered by the daylight. It is probable that, when he came near them, he reposed himself and his army in some secret place, whereof there were many in those parts, for a convenient season; and then marched on so as to come to them at the evening time.

DAVID’S RETURN TO ZIKLAG, AND REVENGE UPON THE AMALEKITES, 1-31.

1. On the third day — The third day after his removal from the Philistine army. So David must have this time been absent from Ziklag at least five or six days. The Amalekites — Another predatory horde of the same nation as those whom David had but recently smitten. 1 Samuel 27:8.

V. 17. Twilight-The word signifies both the morning and evening twilight. But the latter seems here intended, partly because their eating, and drinking, and dancing, was more proper work for the evening, than the morning; and partly, because the evening was more convenient for David, that the fewness of his forces might not be discovered by the day-light. It is probable, that when he came near them, he reposed himself, and his army, in some secret place, whereof there were many parts, for a convenient season; and then marched on so as to come to them at the evening time.

Verse 17. There escaped not a man of them] It is well known to every careful reader of the Bible, that the Amalekites were a proscribed people, even by God himself, and that in extirpating them it has been supposed David fulfilled the express will of God. But all this depends on whether he had an express commission to do so, received from God himself, as Saul had.

Verses 16, 17. They were spread upon all the earth — Secure and careless, because they were now come almost to the borders of their own country, and the Philistines and Israelites both were otherwise engaged, and David, as they believed, with them. So they had no visible cause of danger; and yet then they were nearest to destruction! David smote them from the twilight — The word signifies both the morning and evening twilight. But the latter seems here intended, partly because their eating, and drinking, and dancing, was more proper work for the evening than the morning; and partly because the evening was more convenient for David, that the fewness of his forces might not be discovered by the daylight. It is probable that, when he came near them, he reposed himself and his army in some secret place, whereof there were many in those parts, for a convenient season; and then marched on so as to come to them at the evening time.

DAVID’S RETURN TO ZIKLAG, AND REVENGE UPON THE AMALEKITES, 1-31.

1. On the third day — The third day after his removal from the Philistine army. So David must have this time been absent from Ziklag at least five or six days. The Amalekites — Another predatory horde of the same nation as those whom David had but recently smitten. 1 Samuel 27:8.

DAVID’S RETURN TO ZIKLAG, AND REVENGE UPON THE AMALEKITES, 1-31.

1. On the third day — The third day after his removal from the Philistine army. So David must have this time been absent from Ziklag at least five or six days. The Amalekites — Another predatory horde of the same nation as those whom David had but recently smitten. 1 Samuel 27:8.

DAVID’S RETURN TO ZIKLAG, AND REVENGE UPON THE AMALEKITES, 1-31.

1. On the third day — The third day after his removal from the Philistine army. So David must have this time been absent from Ziklag at least five or six days. The Amalekites — Another predatory horde of the same nation as those whom David had but recently smitten. 1 Samuel 27:8.

V. 20. Other cattle-Before those that belonged to Ziklag. David’s spoil-The soldiers, who lately were so incensed against David, that they spake of stoning him: now upon this success magnify him, and triumphantly celebrate his praise; and say concerning this spoil, David purchased it by his valour and conduct, and he may dispose of it as he pleaseth.

Verse 20. And David took all the flocks] He and his men not only recovered all their own property, but they recovered all the spoil which these Amalekites had taken from the south of Judah, the Cherethites, and the south of Caleb. When this was separated from the rest, it was given to David, and called David’s spoil.

Verse 20. David took all the flocks — Which had been taken by the Amalekites from the Philistines and others. Which they drave before those other cattle — His soldiers drave them before those cattle that belonged to Ziklag, which the Amalekites had taken from David and his men. And said, This is David’s spoil — Not that he claimed it all to himself. But the soldiers, who lately were so incensed against him that they spake of stoning him, now, upon his success, magnify him, and triumphantly celebrate his praise; and say, concerning this spoil, David purchased it by his valour and conduct, and he may dispose of it as he pleaseth.

20. David took all the flocks and the herds — Which belonged to the Amalekites. Which they drave before those other cattle — Those other cattle mean the cattle which belonged to David and his men. So David not only recovered his own cattle, but he took all that belonged to the Amalekites besides, and called it his spoil. Of this spoil he sent to his friends in Judah. Verses 26-31.

V. 21. Saluted them-He spoke kindly to them, and did not blame them because they went no further with them.

Verses 21, 22. He saluted them — He spoke kindly to them, and did not blame them because they went no further with them. We will not give them aught of the spoil — This was the resolution of such as feared not God, nor regarded man; and it was as ungenerous and unjust as it was unkind; for their brethren had stayed behind, not from choice, but from mere necessity, being unable to travel further.

DAVID’S RETURN TO ZIKLAG, AND REVENGE UPON THE AMALEKITES, 1-31.

1. On the third day — The third day after his removal from the Philistine army. So David must have this time been absent from Ziklag at least five or six days. The Amalekites — Another predatory horde of the same nation as those whom David had but recently smitten. 1 Samuel 27:8.

Verse 22. Men of Belial] This is a common expression to denote the sour, the rugged, the severe, the idle, and the profane.

Verses 21, 22. He saluted them — He spoke kindly to them, and did not blame them because they went no further with them. We will not give them aught of the spoil — This was the resolution of such as feared not God, nor regarded man; and it was as ungenerous and unjust as it was unkind; for their brethren had stayed behind, not from choice, but from mere necessity, being unable to travel further.

22. All the wicked men — Envious, avaricious, selfish persons, who wished to appropriate all the booty among themselves.

V. 23. My brethren-He useth his authority to over-rule them; but manageth it with all sweetness, tho’ they were such wicked and unreasonable men, calling them brethren; not only as of the same nation and religion with him, but as his fellow-soldiers. What God hath freely imparted to us, we should not unkindly and injuriously withhold from our brethren.

Verse 23. That which the Lord hath given us] He very properly attributes this victory to God; the numbers of the Amalekites being so much greater than his own. Indeed, as many fled away on camels as were in the whole host of David.

Verses 23-25. Ye shall not do so, my brethren — He uses his authority to overrule their intention; but manages the matter with all sweetness, though they were such wicked and unreasonable men, calling them brethren; not only as being of the same nation and religion with him, but as his fellow-soldiers. With that which the Lord hath given us — As much as to say, When God hath been so good to us, we ought not to be unkind to our brethren, nor what he hath freely imparted, ought we churlishly and injuriously to withhold from them. For who will hearken unto you? — No disinterested person, he tells them, would be of their opinion, if the matter were referred to them. They shall part alike — A prudent and equitable constitution, and therefore practised by the Romans, as Polybius and others note. The reason of it is manifest; because they were exposed to hazards as well as their brethren; and were a reserve to whom they might retreat in case of a defeat; and they were now in actual service, and in the station in which their general had placed them. And it was so from that day forward — This law, concerning the division of the spoil taken from an enemy, seems to have continued to the time of the Maccabees, as appears from the second book of their history, 1 Samuel 8:28, 30.

23. Ye shall not do so — Strong in the glory of his victory, and in his confidence in God, David is not now afraid of mutiny among his men, and bravely speaks his mind. Which the Lord hath given us — They owed their victory to the overruling providence of Jehovah, but of this David’s men were prone to be forgetful.

V. 24. Part alike-A prudent and equitable constitution, and therefore practiced by the Romans, as Polybius and others note. The reason of it is manifest; because they were exposed to hazards, as well as their brethren: and were a reserve to whom they might retreat in case of a defeat; and they were now in actual service, and in the station in which their general had placed them.

Verses 23-25. Ye shall not do so, my brethren — He uses his authority to overrule their intention; but manages the matter with all sweetness, though they were such wicked and unreasonable men, calling them brethren; not only as being of the same nation and religion with him, but as his fellow-soldiers. With that which the Lord hath given us — As much as to say, When God hath been so good to us, we ought not to be unkind to our brethren, nor what he hath freely imparted, ought we churlishly and injuriously to withhold from them. For who will hearken unto you? — No disinterested person, he tells them, would be of their opinion, if the matter were referred to them. They shall part alike — A prudent and equitable constitution, and therefore practised by the Romans, as Polybius and others note. The reason of it is manifest; because they were exposed to hazards as well as their brethren; and were a reserve to whom they might retreat in case of a defeat; and they were now in actual service, and in the station in which their general had placed them. And it was so from that day forward — This law, concerning the division of the spoil taken from an enemy, seems to have continued to the time of the Maccabees, as appears from the second book of their history, 1 Samuel 8:28, 30.

DAVID’S RETURN TO ZIKLAG, AND REVENGE UPON THE AMALEKITES, 1-31.

1. On the third day — The third day after his removal from the Philistine army. So David must have this time been absent from Ziklag at least five or six days. The Amalekites — Another predatory horde of the same nation as those whom David had but recently smitten. 1 Samuel 27:8.

Verse 25. He made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel] Nothing could be more just and proper than this law: he who stays at home to defend house and property, has an equal right to the booty taken by those who go out to the war. There was a practice of this kind among the Israelites long before this time; see Numbers 31:27; Joshua 22:8; and the note on this latter verse. See Clarke “Joshua 22:8”. Unto this day.] This is another indication that this book was composed long after the facts it commemorates. See the hypothesis in the preface.

Verses 23-25. Ye shall not do so, my brethren — He uses his authority to overrule their intention; but manages the matter with all sweetness, though they were such wicked and unreasonable men, calling them brethren; not only as being of the same nation and religion with him, but as his fellow-soldiers. With that which the Lord hath given us — As much as to say, When God hath been so good to us, we ought not to be unkind to our brethren, nor what he hath freely imparted, ought we churlishly and injuriously to withhold from them. For who will hearken unto you? — No disinterested person, he tells them, would be of their opinion, if the matter were referred to them. They shall part alike — A prudent and equitable constitution, and therefore practised by the Romans, as Polybius and others note. The reason of it is manifest; because they were exposed to hazards as well as their brethren; and were a reserve to whom they might retreat in case of a defeat; and they were now in actual service, and in the station in which their general had placed them. And it was so from that day forward — This law, concerning the division of the spoil taken from an enemy, seems to have continued to the time of the Maccabees, as appears from the second book of their history, 1 Samuel 8:28, 30.

25. He made it a statute — But it had been known in Israel before. See Numbers 31:27; Joshua 22:8.

V. 26. Elders of Judah-Partly in gratitude for their former favours to him: and partly, in policy, to engage their affections to him.

Verse 26. Unto the elders of Judah] These were the persons among whom he sojourned during his exile, and who had given him shelter and protection. Gratitude required these presents.

Verse 26. He sent of the spoil unto the elders of Judah — Partly in gratitude for their former favours to him; and partly in policy to engage their affections to him. Behold a present for you — In the Hebrew, a blessing. So he calls the present, because it was a token that he wished all prosperity to them, who had been kind to him in his banishment, and had helped to maintain and protect him. Of the spoil of the enemies of the Lord — The success of David in this pursuit of the Amalekites, will, upon examination, appear so extraordinary that it is not easy to account for it, otherwise than from the peculiar superintendence of Providence over David and his concerns. Indeed, the interposition of Providence is seen in every circumstance of this adventure; the number, the perseverance, the issue. That they might not think their number did the work, God reduced them to four hundred, as he did Gideon’s company to three, Judges 7. Many others have been as fortunate in surprising, and as successful in slaughtering their enemies; but to have strength both for the slaughter and pursuit, for so many hours together, is altogether extraordinary. But what is yet more remarkable is, that he should recover all the captives unhurt, out of the hands of a people so abandoned, and so execrable as the Amalekites! We have intimated that these Amalekites, being poor, spared their captives from a prospect of profiting greatly by the sale of them. Others, however, perhaps with as much reason, think they only respited their cruelty to execute it to more advantage at their leisure. How beautiful a contemplation is it to observe the signal goodness of God and malignity of man co-operating to the same end! See Delaney.

26. To his friends — Those who had given him shelter and encouragement during the time of his wanderings. “Sending these gifts could not fail to make the elders of these cities well disposed towards him, and so to facilitate his recognition as king after the death of Saul, which occurred immediately afterwards.” — Keil.

Verse 27. To them which were in Beth-el] This was in the tribe of Ephraim.

South Ramoth] So called to distinguish it from Ramoth Gilead, beyond Jordan. This Ramoth belonged to the tribe of Simeon, Joshua 19:8. In Jattir] Supposed by Calmet to be the same as Ether, Joshua 15:42, but more probably Jattir, Joshua 15:48. It was situated in the mountains, and belonged to Judah.

27. Beth-el — Not the Beth-el of the tribe of Benjamin, but the Bethul of Simeon. Joshua 19:4. Its site has not been identified; nor has that of South Ramoth, or Ramath of the south. Joshua 19:8. Jattir — The modern Attar, ten miles south of Hebron. Joshua 15:48.

Verse 28. In Aroer] Situated beyond Jordan, on the banks of the river Arnon, in the tribe of God.

Siphmoth] Supposed to be the same with Shepham, Numbers 34:10, on the eastern border of the promised land.

Eshtemoa] Another city in the tribe of Judah. See Joshua 15:50.

28. Aroer — By Dr. Robinson identified with the ruins of an ancient town in a valley twenty miles south of Hebron, called Wady Ar’arah. Siphmoth — This place is never mentioned again, and its site is unknown. Eshtemoa — Identical with es-Semna, eight miles south of Hebron. Joshua 15:50.

Verse 29. Them which were in Rachal] We know not where this place was; it is mentioned nowhere else in the Bible. Calmet conjectures that Hachilah, 1 Samuel 23:19, may be the same place; here we know David did conceal himself for some time, till the Ziphites endeavoured to betray him to Saul.

The cities of the Jerahmeelites] See before, 1 Samuel 27:10. And-the cities of the Kenites] A very small tract on the southern coast of the Dead Sea.

29. Rachal — This place, like Siphmoth, is now utterly unknown. On the Jerahmeelites and Kenites see note on 1 Samuel 27:10. What cities they possessed we are not told.

Verse 30. Hormah] The general name of those cities which belonged to Arad, king of Canaan; and were devoted to destruction by the Hebrews, and thence called Hormah. See Numbers 21:1-3. In Chor-ashan] Probably the same as Ashan in the tribe of Judah: see Joshua 15:42. It was afterwards ceded to Simeon, Joshua 19:7. To them which were in Athach] Probably the same as Ether, Joshua 19:7.

30. Hormah — A city formerly inhabited by Canaanites and called Zephath. Robinson identified it with the pass es-Sufah, some forty miles south of Hebron, but Professor E.H. Palmer finds a much more probable identification of it in the extensive ruins, twenty-five miles southwest of Beer-sheba, called Sebaita. The ruins cover an area of about five hundred yards long and from two hundred to three hundred yards wide. See on Judges 1:17. Chorashan and Athach are now unknown.

Verse 31. To them which were in Hebron] This was a place strongly attached to David, and David to it, and the place where he was proclaimed king, and where he reigned more than seven years previously to the death of Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, who was, for that time, his competitor in the kingdom.

David’s having sent presents to all these places, not only shows his sense of gratitude, but that the booty which he took from the Amalekites must have been exceedingly great. And we learn from this also that David sojourned in many places which are not mentioned in the preceding history; for these are all said to be places where David and his men were wont to haunt. WE are not to suppose that the transactions mentioned here and in the preceding chapter took place after Saul’s interview with the woman of En-dor, they were considerably antecedent to this, but how long we do not know. What is recorded in the following chapter must have taken place the next day after Saul left En-dor.

I SAMUEL

31. Hebron — See on Joshua 10:3. In these and other places in the same section of country David and his men were accustomed to wander, and received kindness from the elders.