1 Samuel 30 21

1 Samuel 30:21 kjv

And David came to the two hundred men, which were so faint that they could not follow David, whom they had made also to abide at the brook Besor: and they went forth to meet David, and to meet the people that were with him: and when David came near to the people, he saluted them.

1 Samuel 30:21 nkjv

Now David came to the two hundred men who had been so weary that they could not follow David, whom they also had made to stay at the Brook Besor. So they went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him. And when David came near the people, he greeted them.

1 Samuel 30:21 niv

Then David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow him and who were left behind at the Besor Valley. They came out to meet David and the men with him. As David and his men approached, he asked them how they were.

1 Samuel 30:21 esv

Then David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow David, and who had been left at the brook Besor. And they went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him. And when David came near to the people he greeted them.

1 Samuel 30:21 nlt

Then David returned to the brook Besor and met up with the 200 men who had been left behind because they were too exhausted to go with him. They went out to meet David and his men, and David greeted them joyfully.

1 Samuel 30 verses

1 Samuel 30 21 Meaning

This verse describes David's encounter with the two hundred men who were too exhausted to continue the pursuit of the Amalekites and had been left at the Besor Valley. Upon his victorious return, David, with the spoil, proactively went to meet these men and graciously inquired about their well-being. This interaction sets the stage for David's just decree regarding the equal distribution of the spoil to all, regardless of their direct participation in the battle, emphasizing compassion, unity, and shared blessings within his company.

1 Samuel 30 21 Context

Chapter 30 of 1 Samuel narrates a pivotal event in David's life following his and his men's departure from the Philistine camp (1 Sam 29). Returning to Ziklag, they discovered their city had been raided and burned by the Amalekites, and their wives and children taken captive. Deeply distressed, David sought God's guidance and received assurance to pursue. He set out with his six hundred men, but by the Besor Valley, two hundred men were too exhausted to continue. David allowed them to remain there with the baggage. This verse details David's actions upon returning from his successful recovery mission, where he not only rescued all captives but also gained abundant spoil. His treatment of the weary men is a critical moment demonstrating his leadership qualities of compassion and justice, which would become foundational to his kingship, ultimately culminating in the principle laid out in the verses immediately following this one. Historically, this incident reveals David as a leader who prioritizes unity and care for every member, distinguishing himself from self-serving leadership common in the ancient Near East and embodying a divinely-inspired equity principle for spoils of war.

1 Samuel 30 21 Word analysis

• When David came: Signifies David's active initiation. His physical movement toward them underscores his intentional leadership and personal attention, rather than waiting for them to approach him.
• to the two hundred men: Specifies the exact number. This was a significant portion (one-third) of his original 600-man fighting force, making their fatigue a substantial issue for troop morale and the equitable distribution of success.
• who had been too exhausted: Hebrew: נֶחְלֶפוּ (nekhlefu) - derived from a root meaning "to be weary," "faint," or "carry a heavy burden." This implies legitimate, overwhelming physical debilitation, not a lack of courage or willingness, justifying their inability to participate further.
• to follow him: Highlights their previous commitment and desire to pursue, which was overridden by their physical limitations. Their loyalty, though tested, remained.
• and had been left behind: Hebrew: יַסַּד (yasash) - "to be settled," "to be stationed," or "to remain." It does not mean abandoned, but intentionally positioned there by David's decision, acknowledging their state and role in guarding the supplies.
• at the Besor Valley: A specific geographic location, west of Ziklag, which acted as a natural point where their pursuit halted due to the extreme conditions or exhaustion. It represents the limit of physical endurance.
• they came out to meet David: Indicates their eagerness and proactive response. It suggests their loyalty and relief at his return, implying anticipation for the outcome. They did not hide in shame or fear.
• and the men with him: Acknowledges the returning victorious contingent. The distinction is made between the combatants and those who remained.
• David went up to them: David, the victorious commander, initiated the approach to the "left behind" men. This action symbolizes humility, compassion, and a disregard for hierarchical pretense, emphasizing his concern for their well-being.
• and asked them how they were: Hebrew: לִשְׁל֣וֹם לָהֶם֮ (lishlom lahem) - literally "to ask concerning their peace/well-being." This is more than a casual inquiry; it conveys genuine concern for their shalom (wholeness, prosperity, peace). It implies checking on their physical and emotional state after a strenuous period, rather than immediately demanding an accounting or assessing blame. This benevolent query immediately set a compassionate tone for the impending spoil distribution discussion.

• "the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow him and had been left behind at the Besor Valley": This phrase precisely defines the group. It emphasizes their specific, justifiable condition (exhaustion), their past inability (to follow), and their appointed location (Besor Valley), underscoring that their absence from the battle was due to physical limits, not a failure of character or will. This context is vital for understanding David's compassionate approach.
• "they came out to meet David and the men with him. David went up to them and asked them how they were": This combined action highlights mutual respect and proactive engagement. The men show readiness to meet their leader, and David responds by going directly to them and immediately prioritizing their well-being. This mutual posture is key to establishing and maintaining unity within the ranks and resolving potential conflict over spoils. It is a powerful display of servant leadership, characteristic of God's ways.

1 Samuel 30 21 Bonus section

This incident at Besor Valley and David's subsequent decree in 1 Sam 30:24-25 established a legal principle in Israel, ensuring that those who guarded the supplies, though not directly engaged in combat, would share equally in the spoils with those who fought. This principle reflects an advanced understanding of the "body" concept within the community, where all parts contribute and are valued. It stands as an important example of Old Testament justice and equity, reinforcing the idea that contributions can take different forms and that the community's welfare is paramount. David's actions here are seen as a divine enablement, solidifying his reputation as a just and empathetic leader, attributes essential for a shepherd of God's people. This approach contrasts sharply with common ancient Near Eastern practices where spoil typically belonged to the king or the direct combatants, elevating a unique biblical standard for care for the less able and for maintaining unity.

1 Samuel 30 21 Commentary

1 Samuel 30:21 presents a significant moment of Davidic leadership that foreshadows his reign. Rather than prioritizing only the warriors, David personally greeted and inquired about the welfare of the two hundred exhausted men left at Besor Valley. This act of genuine compassion, "asking concerning their peace," was crucial for unit cohesion and set the ethical foundation for the subsequent ruling on spoil distribution. David's wisdom in extending grace and inclusivity prevented resentment and schism within his ranks, establishing a precedent of fairness and care for the vulnerable, reflecting a leadership guided by divine principles of equity and unity, even before he was crowned king over all Israel.