1 samuel 30:11 - They found an Egyptian in the field, and brought him to David, and gave him bread, and he ate; and they gave him water to drink.

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 30:11

What does "1 samuel 30:11" mean?


This verse, 1 Samuel 30:11, is a small but significant detail in the story of David pursuing the Amalekites who had raided his city of Ziklag and taken his wives and possessions captive. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"They found an Egyptian in the field...": David and his men were pursuing the Amalekites, likely exhausted and desperate to rescue their families and belongings. Finding an Egyptian man alone in the field was unusual and suggests he was abandoned or left behind.

"...and brought him to David...": This highlights David's leadership. They recognized the potential value of this Egyptian man and brought him to their leader for guidance.

"...and gave him bread, and he ate; and they gave him water to drink.": This demonstrates the compassion and humanity of David and his men. They were in a difficult situation themselves, but they still took the time and resources to care for a stranger in need. This act of kindness contrasts sharply with the Amalekites, who had shown no mercy to the inhabitants of Ziklag.

Overall Meaning and Significance:

Foreshadowing and Divine Providence: The rescue of the Egyptian man is an act of divine providence. The Egyptians can lead David to victory and recover his family and belongings. The fact that the Amalekites abandoned him hints at their overconfidence and potential weakness.
Kindness and Righteousness: The act of providing food and water to the Egyptian emphasizes the moral character of David and his men. Their kindness, even in a dire situation, sets them apart and suggests that they are acting righteously.
Practical Value: The Egyptian ends up providing crucial information about the location of the Amalekite camp, making his rescue pivotal to David's success. This highlights the importance of compassion, as it can lead to unexpected benefits.
Contrast to Amalekite behavior: It highlights the difference between David's men and the Amalekites. David's men help someone in need, while the Amalekites left the Egyptian behind. This emphasizes that David is more morally upright than the Amalekites.

In short, 1 Samuel 30:11 is a small but crucial verse that underscores the character of David and his men, foreshadows their success, and highlights the importance of compassion and righteousness, ultimately contributing to the narrative of divine favor and just victory.

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