This verse from 1 Samuel 30:15 describes a pivotal moment in David's pursuit of the Amalekite raiders who had plundered Ziklag and taken the women and children captive. Let's break it down:
"David said to him, “Will you bring me down to this troop?”: David is speaking to an Egyptian slave who was abandoned by the Amalekites because he was ill. David, needing information about the location of the Amalekite raiders, is asking the slave if he will lead him to them. "This troop" refers to the Amalekite band. David needs a guide to find them quickly.
"He said, “Swear to me by God that you will not kill me and not deliver me up into the hands of my master, and I will bring you down to this troop.”: The Egyptian slave, understandably, is wary of trusting David. He fears for his life. He requests an oath, a solemn promise made in God's name, guaranteeing his safety in two specific ways:
"that you will not kill me": He wants assurance that David and his men won't simply kill him for being associated with the Amalekites.
"and not deliver me up into the hands of my master": He fears being returned to his Amalekite master, who would likely punish him severely for being left behind.
In summary, the verse highlights a crucial negotiation. David needs information about the Amalekites' location, and the Egyptian slave has that information. However, the slave is rightfully afraid for his life and demands a guarantee of safety before agreeing to help David. This sets the stage for David's oath, which then allows him to pursue and ultimately defeat the Amalekites and recover the captives and stolen goods.
The verse is significant because:
It shows David's pragmatism: He's willing to negotiate with someone who might seem like an enemy to achieve his goal.
It demonstrates the Egyptian slave's vulnerability: He's a powerless individual seeking protection.
It underlines the importance of oaths in that culture: Swearing by God was a serious matter, and David's willingness to make such an oath speaks to his desperation and determination.
It illustrates God's providence: God provided David with a guide (the slave), who would ultimately help him succeed in his mission.
This verse from 1 Samuel 30:15 describes a pivotal moment in David's pursuit of the Amalekite raiders who had plundered Ziklag and taken the women and children captive. Let's break it down:
"David said to him, “Will you bring me down to this troop?”: David is speaking to an Egyptian slave who was abandoned by the Amalekites because he was ill. David, needing information about the location of the Amalekite raiders, is asking the slave if he will lead him to them. "This troop" refers to the Amalekite band. David needs a guide to find them quickly.
"He said, “Swear to me by God that you will not kill me and not deliver me up into the hands of my master, and I will bring you down to this troop.”: The Egyptian slave, understandably, is wary of trusting David. He fears for his life. He requests an oath, a solemn promise made in God's name, guaranteeing his safety in two specific ways:
"that you will not kill me": He wants assurance that David and his men won't simply kill him for being associated with the Amalekites.
"and not deliver me up into the hands of my master": He fears being returned to his Amalekite master, who would likely punish him severely for being left behind.
In summary, the verse highlights a crucial negotiation. David needs information about the Amalekites' location, and the Egyptian slave has that information. However, the slave is rightfully afraid for his life and demands a guarantee of safety before agreeing to help David. This sets the stage for David's oath, which then allows him to pursue and ultimately defeat the Amalekites and recover the captives and stolen goods.
The verse is significant because:
It shows David's pragmatism: He's willing to negotiate with someone who might seem like an enemy to achieve his goal.
It demonstrates the Egyptian slave's vulnerability: He's a powerless individual seeking protection.
It underlines the importance of oaths in that culture: Swearing by God was a serious matter, and David's willingness to make such an oath speaks to his desperation and determination.
It illustrates God's providence: God provided David with a guide (the slave), who would ultimately help him succeed in his mission.