1 Samuel 30 10

1 Samuel 30:10 kjv

But David pursued, he and four hundred men: for two hundred abode behind, which were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor.

1 Samuel 30:10 nkjv

But David pursued, he and four hundred men; for two hundred stayed behind, who were so weary that they could not cross the Brook Besor.

1 Samuel 30:10 niv

Two hundred of them were too exhausted to cross the valley, but David and the other four hundred continued the pursuit.

1 Samuel 30:10 esv

But David pursued, he and four hundred men. Two hundred stayed behind, who were too exhausted to cross the brook Besor.

1 Samuel 30:10 nlt

But 200 of the men were too exhausted to cross the brook, so David continued the pursuit with 400 men.

1 Samuel 30 verses

1 Samuel 30 10 Meaning

1 Samuel 30:10 describes David's determined continuation of his pursuit against the Amalekites with a reduced force. Of his initial six hundred men, four hundred remained resolute and pressed on, while two hundred were compelled to stay behind at the Brook Besor, utterly exhausted and unable to proceed. This verse highlights David's resolve in the face of adversity and his pragmatic leadership, acknowledging the physical limitations of his men while prioritizing the immediate objective.

1 Samuel 30 10 Context

The context of 1 Samuel 30 is a dark period for David and his men. Having been forced to flee from Saul and residing in Ziklag under the Philistine king Achish, David's absence on a campaign with the Philistines provided an opportunity for the Amalekites, ancient enemies of Israel, to raid Ziklag. They burned the city with fire, captured the wives, children, and possessions of David and his men, leaving nothing behind (v. 1-2). Upon their return, David and his men found their home desolate, leading to intense grief and bitter weeping (v. 3-4). Furthermore, David's two wives were also taken, and his men, deeply distressed and contemplating stoning him, caused David immense anguish (v. 5-6). In this extreme crisis, David, though greatly distressed, found strength in the LORD his God (v. 6). He immediately sought the LORD's guidance through the High Priest Abiathar, inquiring if he should pursue the raiders and whether he would overtake them (v. 7-8). The LORD affirmed his pursuit and promised success (v. 8). David then led his six hundred men to pursue the Amalekites. The physical and emotional toll of the preceding events and the demanding journey were immense, leading to the situation described in verse 10 where two hundred of his men became too exhausted to continue the pursuit. The brook Besor serves as a critical geographic marker, separating the determined pursuers from the exhausted who remained.

Word Analysis

• But David pursued: The conjunction "But" (וַיִּרְדֹּף / vayyirdof) indicates a contrast, highlighting David's resolve against the weariness and despair. "Pursued" (radap) implies a vigorous and determined chase, not a leisurely walk, reflecting David's intense commitment to recover what was lost. His pursuit was directly linked to God's command and promise of success (v.8).
• he and four hundred men: This highlights a significant reduction from the original 600 men David had. This remnant of 400 represents a dedicated, able core who remained resolute despite the overwhelming circumstances. The emphasis shifts from quantity to the quality and readiness of the fighting force, often seen as a pattern in biblical warfare where God's victory is not reliant on numbers (e.g., Gideon's 300 in Jdg 7).
• for two hundred stayed behind: The Hebrew ‘amad (עָמַד) means to stand, remain, or endure. Here, it signifies their enforced cessation due to a clear physical limit, not a lack of willingness. It underscores the practical reality and David's discernment not to push his men beyond their breaking point.
• who were too exhausted: The Hebrew word ayef (עָיֵף) powerfully conveys physical and mental fatigue, weariness, faintness, or being utterly drained of strength. It suggests that these men were literally too weak to continue, unable to even cross the obstacle. This reveals a pragmatic and compassionate aspect of David's leadership—recognizing and accommodating the limits of his men.
• to cross the brook Besor: The "brook" (nachal) indicates a wadi, a seasonal stream bed that could be either dry or contain water depending on the season, potentially posing a difficult crossing. "Besor" (בְּשׂוֹר / Besor) means "cold" or "fresh," possibly referring to its water. This geographical detail sets a physical boundary, marking the point where the pursuit was effectively split. The decision made here would be critical, and later, the sharing of spoil principle would arise from it, affirming the value of those who guarded the provisions at Besor (1 Sam 30:21-25).

1 Samuel 30 10 Commentary

1 Samuel 30:10 encapsulates key principles of leadership, trust, and practical care amidst crisis. After strengthening himself in the LORD (v.6) and receiving divine authorization to pursue (v.8), David, as a faithful leader, acted immediately. However, he encountered the very real limits of human endurance. The reduction of his force from 600 to 400 demonstrates that divine promise does not negate physical reality. David wisely chose to press on with those who were able, rather than risk total failure by overburdening the weak. This pragmatic decision speaks to his maturity and his care for his men. The physical "exhaustion" of the 200 men, vividly depicted by ayef, also sets the stage for David's crucial decree later in the chapter (v. 21-25) regarding the equal sharing of spoils between those who fought and those who stayed behind to guard the baggage. This act established a lasting principle in Israel, emphasizing the value and contribution of every individual in God's work, even those in less prominent or physically taxing roles. Spiritually, this verse echoes themes that God often works through small, dedicated forces (e.g., Gideon), and that even when weak, strength is found in pursuing God's will. It also models compassionate leadership, knowing when to push and when to rest, understanding that human limitations are not always spiritual failings.

Bonus Section

• The Amalekites: This is not Israel's first encounter with the Amalekites. They were perpetual enemies of Israel, attacked the Israelites in the wilderness (Ex 17:8-16), and Saul was commanded by God to utterly destroy them, a command he failed to fully obey (1 Sam 15). David's pursuit here thus aligns with God's ongoing judgment against Amalek.
• Remnant Principle: The idea of a smaller, dedicated group accomplishing God's will, often seen as a "remnant," is a recurring biblical theme. The 400 fit men here serve a similar symbolic function as Gideon's 300 (Jdg 7) or even Elijah feeling he was the "only one left" (1 Ki 19:10, though God corrects him). It underscores that divine power is made perfect in human weakness, not human might.
• Brook Besor: Beyond its literal geographical function, the Brook Besor acts as a point of division and decision. It is the place where David must make a judgment call about his men's capacity, and it becomes the grounding point for his later legislative act regarding spoil, showing its narrative significance.