1 Samuel 30 11

1 Samuel 30:11 kjv

And they found an Egyptian in the field, and brought him to David, and gave him bread, and he did eat; and they made him drink water;

1 Samuel 30:11 nkjv

Then they found an Egyptian in the field, and brought him to David; and they gave him bread and he ate, and they let him drink water.

1 Samuel 30:11 niv

They found an Egyptian in a field and brought him to David. They gave him water to drink and food to eat?

1 Samuel 30:11 esv

They found an Egyptian in the open country and brought him to David. And they gave him bread and he ate. They gave him water to drink,

1 Samuel 30:11 nlt

Along the way they found an Egyptian man in a field and brought him to David. They gave him some bread to eat and water to drink.

1 Samuel 30 verses

1 Samuel 30 11 Meaning

This verse details David's men discovering an abandoned Egyptian man in a field and their subsequent act of compassion by providing him with food and water. This simple yet profound act becomes a pivotal moment, orchestrated by divine providence, which directly leads to David's success in recovering his people and possessions from the Amalekites. It demonstrates both David's leadership in embodying humane treatment and God's sovereign hand in providing the means for their recovery through an unlikely source.

1 Samuel 30 11 Context

Following the devastating raid on Ziklag by the Amalekites, which left David's base burned and their families abducted, David found himself and his men in deep distress. His own men even spoke of stoning him. In this moment of utter despair, David "strengthened himself in the Lord his God" (1 Sam 30:6) and sought divine guidance through the high priest Abiathar. The Lord commanded him to pursue the raiders, assuring him of complete success. David and his 600 men set out but 200 of them were too exhausted to cross the Wadi Besor, leaving 400 to continue the pursuit. It is in this challenging and critical phase of their pursuit that verse 11 occurs, highlighting a seemingly incidental discovery that turns out to be providentially orchestrated. The finding of this abandoned Egyptian is a direct answer to David's seeking God, serving as a vital clue for finding the Amalekites who had just caused them so much grief.

1 Samuel 30 11 Word analysis

• And they found (וַיִּמְצְאוּ - vayim'tzu): The verb suggests an unexpected discovery but also implies a watchful search. In this context, it signifies a providential encounter. David's pursuit was blind without intelligence, and God provides this critical lead precisely when it's needed. This 'finding' is an act of divine intervention, not mere coincidence, highlighting God's meticulous care for David.
• an Egyptian (אִישׁ מִצְרִי - ish Mitsri): "A man, Egyptian." This identifies his nationality and social standing – a non-Israelite and likely a slave or servant. The detail is significant because it emphasizes David's willingness to help a foreigner, possibly even a bondservant of an enemy (Amalekites were long-standing enemies). His abandoned state contrasts sharply with the Amalekite's brutality.
• in the field (בַּשָּׂדֶה - ba'sadeh): "In the open country," "in the wilderness." This indicates his abandonment in a desolate, potentially life-threatening place, implying he was left to die. This highlights his vulnerability and desperateness, making David's act of mercy even more pronounced. He was literally out in the open, exposed and helpless.
• and brought him to David (וַיָּבִאוּ אֹתוֹ אֶל-דָּוִד - vayavi'u oto el-David): This action demonstrates David's men immediately referring to their leader. It shows David's authority and wisdom, as they instinctively knew this matter should be handled by him. It also sets the stage for David's crucial decision-making regarding the Egyptian's treatment.
• and gave him bread to eat (וַיִּתְּנוּ-לוֹ לֶחֶם לֶאֱכוֹל - vayit'nu lo lechem le'echol): A basic necessity, an act of immediate hospitality and compassion. Providing food to a hungry and abandoned individual is a foundational act of human kindness, especially in a time of urgent pursuit and limited resources. It shows David's practical application of the Law's heart towards strangers and the needy.
• and water to drink (וּמַיִם לִשְׁקוֹת - u'mayim lish'qot): Another essential for survival, particularly in a dry region. The immediate provision of both food and water highlights the dire state of the Egyptian and the speed with which David's men attended to his critical needs before even questioning him. This demonstrates genuine humanitarian concern rather than purely strategic motives.

• "And they found an Egyptian... and brought him to David": This phrase underlines the unexpected yet opportune discovery. It highlights the divine orchestrating of events, bringing the necessary piece of the puzzle directly into David's path. David's men, perhaps initially viewing him simply as an abandoned individual, showed initiative in bringing him to their leader, trusting David's discernment.
• "and gave him bread to eat, and water to drink": This sequence of immediate care speaks volumes about David's character and the principles governing his men, reflecting God's own heart. Before demanding information, they offered sustenance. This act of hospitality, a core biblical virtue, sets the stage for trust and reciprocal helpfulness. It demonstrates a wisdom that understands compassion opens doors.

1 Samuel 30 11 Bonus section

• The Egyptian's Illness: Verses 12 and 13 reveal the Egyptian had been abandoned because he became ill. This detail emphasizes the Amalekites' ruthlessness—they cared only for themselves and discarded those who became a burden. This stands in stark contrast to David's compassionate approach and highlights the moral decay of David's enemies.
• Divine Timing: The finding of the Egyptian after "three days and three nights" of his abandonment indicates precise divine timing. Had David's men found him earlier, he might not have been weak enough to reveal vital information readily. Had they found him later, he might have died. God's orchestration ensured David found him precisely when needed for recovery.
• Unlikely Ally: The Lord uses an abandoned foreign slave to provide critical intelligence to David. This illustrates that God's ways are not human ways; He can use the weakest and most overlooked individuals to accomplish His grand purposes, confounding human expectations and demonstrating His sovereign power over all circumstances.

1 Samuel 30 11 Commentary

1 Samuel 30:11 illustrates a pivotal moment where divine providence converges with human compassion. As David's men were tirelessly pursuing the Amalekites, exhausted and unsure of their enemy's exact whereabouts, God orchestrated their discovery of a sick, abandoned Egyptian slave. This seemingly chance encounter was a direct answer to David's seeking the Lord's guidance. David, rather than interrogating the man immediately, showed exemplary compassion by ensuring he received bread and water, fundamental sustenance denied by his Amalekite masters. This act of mercy not only reflected David's adherence to God's law regarding kindness to strangers and the destitute but also strategically opened the way for crucial intelligence. The Egyptian, revitalized by David's generosity, then willingly revealed the Amalekites' position and recent actions, leading directly to the recovery of all that was lost and the complete rout of the enemy. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that simple acts of human kindness, motivated by Godly character, can be instrumental in fulfilling God's greater purposes. It underscores that God uses unlikely sources and validates that genuine care for others often brings unforeseen blessings and crucial insights.