1 samuel 30:12 - They gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins. When he had eaten, his spirit came again to him; for he had eaten no bread, and drank no water for three days and three nights.

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 30:12

What does "1 samuel 30:12" mean?


This verse from 1 Samuel 30:12 describes a moment of restoration and revitalization for a man found near death. Let's break it down:

"They gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins." This indicates that the men with David are providing sustenance to a man they found. The food is specifically figs and raisins, which were common and nourishing foods in that region. The choice of dried fruits suggests they were practical and easily transported.

"When he had eaten, his spirit came again to him..." This highlights the man's extreme weakness and near-death state. The phrase "his spirit came again to him" is a way of saying he regained his vitality and consciousness. He was essentially revived by the food.

"...for he had eaten no bread, and drank no water for three days and three nights." This explains the reason for his desperate condition. He had been without food and water for a full three days, which would have left him severely dehydrated and malnourished. This underscores the dire circumstances and emphasizes the life-saving impact of the figs and raisins.

In summary, the verse illustrates:

The importance of basic necessities: Food and water are essential for survival.
The effects of deprivation: Going without sustenance for an extended period leads to severe weakness and potential death.
The restorative power of nourishment: Even a small amount of food can have a significant impact on someone who is starving and dehydrated.
The kindness of the men with David: Their willingness to share their limited resources to help a stranger.

Contextual Significance:

This verse is part of a larger narrative in 1 Samuel 30, where David and his men are returning to Ziklag to find that the Amalekites have raided the city, taken the women and children captive, and burned it to the ground. The man they find is an Egyptian slave who had been abandoned by his master because he became sick. His ability to then give David information is significant, and his physical restoration is key to the plot moving forward.

The restoration of the Egyptian slave serves as a small, personal victory within the larger context of David's pursuit of the Amalekites and the recovery of his family and the people of Ziklag. It shows compassion in a difficult situation and highlights the importance of human life, even for those of low status.

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