1 samuel 30:21 - David came to the two hundred men, who were so faint that they could not follow David, whom also they had made to stay at the brook Besor; and they went out to meet David, and to meet the people who were with him. When David came near to the people, he greeted them.

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 30:21

What does "1 samuel 30:21" mean?


This verse from 1 Samuel 30:21 describes a situation of inequality and potential conflict after David and his men have successfully retrieved their families and possessions from the Amalekites. Let's break it down:

"David came to the two hundred men, who were so faint that they could not follow David..." This introduces a group of 200 men from David's band who were too exhausted to participate in the battle against the Amalekites. Their physical condition prevented them from keeping up with the main group.
"...whom also they had made to stay at the brook Besor..." These men were left behind at the brook Besor (a place name) for their own safety because they weren't able to continue. It implies a decision was made (presumably by David or his officers) to leave them behind for practical reasons.
"...and they went out to meet David, and to meet the people who were with him." Once David and his victorious men returned, the 200 who had stayed behind came out to greet them. They showed respect and acknowledgment of David's leadership and the success of the mission.
"When David came near to the people, he greeted them." This highlights David's courteous and respectful behavior towards the men who had been unable to fight. He didn't ignore them or treat them with disdain. His greeting was a sign of acknowledgement and perhaps gratitude for their willingness to support him even in their weakened state.

Significance and Interpretation:

This verse sets the stage for a potential conflict or division within David's group. The men who fought might feel entitled to a larger share of the spoils, while the men who stayed behind might feel they deserve something as well. It raises questions about fairness, entitlement, and how a leader should treat those who were unable to contribute directly to a victory.

The following verses will reveal how David handles this situation. The verse's emphasis on the greetings is a way of showing the tension between the two groups, while also highlighting David's character. He chose to greet the weak and tired men, a sign that he has not forgotten them despite their inability to fight.