2 Samuel 1:3 kjv

And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.

2 Samuel 1:3 nkjv

And David said to him, "Where have you come from?" So he said to him, "I have escaped from the camp of Israel."

2 Samuel 1:3 niv

"Where have you come from?" David asked him. He answered, "I have escaped from the Israelite camp."

2 Samuel 1:3 esv

David said to him, "Where do you come from?" And he said to him, "I have escaped from the camp of Israel."

2 Samuel 1:3 nlt

"Where have you come from?" David asked. "I escaped from the Israelite camp," the man replied.

2 Samuel 1 verses

2 Samuel 1 3 Meaning

This verse captures the pivotal moment when David, receiving news after a significant battle, cautiously interrogates a lone messenger regarding his origin. The messenger's concise reply reveals his dire circumstances, having narrowly escaped from the midst of the main Israelite military encampment, thus implying a significant and widespread disaster had occurred. David's direct question and the man's direct answer set the urgent tone for the devastating information that follows, demonstrating David's meticulous approach to verifying information, especially concerning the fate of King Saul and the Israelite army.

2 Samuel 1 3 Context

This verse immediately follows 2 Samuel 1:1-2, establishing the time and circumstance: David has just returned to Ziklag after defeating the Amalekites. On the third day of his return, a man arrives from the camp, indicating the precise battle site from which he has come. Historically, this occurs shortly after the climactic battle of Mount Gilboa, where King Saul and his sons were slain by the Philistines (1 Sam 31). The arrival of this messenger is a crucial turning point, initiating David's receipt of news that will profoundly impact his life and the future of Israel. David, though divinely appointed as the next king, has been awaiting this moment while living as a refugee. The scene unfolds with anticipation, as David's direct questioning reveals his immediate concern for the outcome of the battle and the welfare of the nation's leadership. Culturally, messengers after major battles were the primary source of news, often bringing significant reports of victory or devastating defeat.

2 Samuel 1 3 Word analysis

• Then David said to him: This opening signifies David's proactive stance. He doesn't wait; he immediately takes charge, asserting his position even before knowing the man's full message.
• “From where have you come?” (מֵאֵ֨ין בָּ֙אתָּה֙ mē’ayin bā’tāh): This is a direct, interrogative inquiry seeking immediate provenance. David is not just asking where the man is from geographically, but from what event or circumstance he has come. It expresses urgency and David’s need to quickly ascertain the credibility and nature of the news source, as reports could be exaggerated or false in wartime. This shows David’s careful, discerning leadership, contrasting perhaps with Saul’s impulsive decision-making.
• And he said to him: Introduces the messenger's response, validating David’s inquiry.
• “Out of the camp of Israel (מִֽמַּחֲנֵ֥ה יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל mimmaḥaneh Yiśrā’ēl):
  • "Out of" (מִן min): A preposition indicating separation or origin. He has departed from that place.
  • "the camp" (מַחֲנֶה maḥaneh): Refers specifically to the military encampment, not just any settlement. This instantly informs David that the man is a survivor of the battlefield. It signifies the primary site of conflict and the collective military force of the nation. This was the center of the battle and the nation's struggle.
  • "of Israel" (יִשְׂרָאֵל Yiśrā’ēl): Specifies that this was not a localized skirmish but involved the full army representing the entire nation. It conveys the national scale of the disaster, impacting all of Israel. This suggests a severe national blow, not just a personal loss.
• have I escaped.” (נִמְלָֽטְתִּ֖י nimlaṭtî):
  • This is from the verb מָלַט (malaṭ), in the Niphal stem (meaning reflexive or passive), here implying "to be delivered" or "to escape."
  • This verb strongly emphasizes a narrow, perilous escape from a situation of extreme danger or destruction. It indicates that few, if any, others likely survived the direct encounter. The man's very presence implies a catastrophic event from which he alone, or very few, emerged. It is a declaration of survival against overwhelming odds, setting the stage for news of a major defeat rather than a mere setback.

2 Samuel 1 3 Bonus section

• Symbolic Garments: The later verses reveal that the messenger's clothes were torn and his head covered with dirt (2 Sam 1:2), traditional signs of extreme grief and mourning in ancient Israel (Job 2:12, Josh 7:6). While not directly in verse 3, this cultural context deepens the understanding of his "escape"—he is a survivor, but a deeply wounded one, physically showing the signs of national trauma before he even speaks.
• David's Discerning Nature: David's question is characteristic of his approach to leadership—prudent, discerning, and seeking to confirm information before reacting. This contrasts sharply with impulsive or emotional responses, preparing him to receive the devastating news in a controlled manner.
• Divine Timing: The messenger's arrival on the "third day" (2 Sam 1:2) is not explicitly given further significance but adds to the dramatic timing, marking a divinely appointed moment for the new era of David's kingship to unfold following the end of Saul's reign.

2 Samuel 1 3 Commentary

2 Samuel 1:3 initiates a dramatic and solemn dialogue following a period of intense waiting for David. David’s initial question, “From where have you come?” is not merely a polite greeting but a keen tactical inquiry. He needs to immediately gauge the source of information regarding the recent and pivotal battle involving Saul and the Philistines. This reveals David's practical and discerning leadership—he prioritizes verification and context.

The messenger's response is terse and impactful: "Out of the camp of Israel have I escaped." This single phrase is laden with grave implications. "The camp of Israel" points directly to the center of the nation’s military force, where King Saul and Jonathan would have been. His declaration of having "escaped" (a verb indicating a narrow deliverance from peril) signifies a devastating loss, not just a defeat. It means a complete rout, a major disaster, from which only a remnant or individual could possibly flee. This concise statement immediately informs David that the news will be of loss and national tragedy, creating an urgent and somber atmosphere for the full report that is about to unfold. This moment underscores David's calm under pressure, awaiting crucial information that will reshape the political landscape of Israel.