David Recovers His Family and Defeats the Amalekites
1 Samuel 30:1-31
1 S.30.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בבא: PREP+VERB,qal,ptc,3,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואנשיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- צקלג: NOUN,prop,sg,f
- ביום: PREP
- השלישי: ADJ,m,sg,def
- ועמלקי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- פשטו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- נגב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- צקלג: NOUN,prop,sg,f
- ויכו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- צקלג: NOUN,prop,sg,f
- וישרפו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- באש: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 17:8-16 (thematic): Early episode of Amalek attacking Israel; establishes the Amalekites as Israel's recurring hostile foes and frames later raids like the attack on Ziklag.
- Deuteronomy 25:17-19 (allusion): Moses' command to remember and blot out Amalek provides theological/background motive for Israel's enmity toward Amalek following destructive raids such as the burning of Ziklag.
- Judges 6:3-6 (thematic): Description of Midianite (with Amalekite) incursions that ravaged the land, destroyed crops and dwellings and carried off people—parallels the devastation and plundering of Ziklag.
- 1 Samuel 27:6 (structural): Earlier narrative note that David was living at Ziklag (given by Achish); connects the location and David's presence there with the later Amalekite raid described in 1 Sam 30:1.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it came to pass, when David and his men had come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had raided the Negev and Ziklag and struck Ziklag and burned it with fire.
- And it came to pass, when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had made a raid against the Negeb and against Ziklag; they struck Ziklag and burned it with fire.
1 S.30.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הנשים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- מקטן: PREP,ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- גדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- המיתו: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וינהגו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- לדרכם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 30:18 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: David recovers all that the Amalekites had taken, including the women and children mentioned in v.2.
- Numbers 31:7-18 (thematic): Account of Israel taking women and children captive in war (Midian); contrasts with v.2 in that Moses orders the killing of males and non-virgin women, highlighting differing treatment of captives.
- Genesis 34:2-3 (thematic): Report of a violent seizure of a woman during an attack on a settlement (Dinah); thematically parallels the capture of women from a camp in 1 Sam 30:2.
- Judges 21:10-14 (thematic): After inter-tribal conflict, towns are attacked and women taken for the Benjamite survivors—another instance of wartime abduction and distribution of women in the narrative tradition.
Alternative generated candidates
- They carried off the women who were there, from the youngest even to the oldest; and they killed no one, but carried them off and went on their way.
- They carried off the women who were in it, from the youngest even to the oldest; and they did not kill any, but took them and went on their way.
1 S.30.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואנשיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- והנה: ADV
- שרופה: ADJ,qal,ptcp,f,sg
- באש: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ונשיהם: NOUN,f,pl,prsuf
- ובניהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3mp
- ובנתיהם: NOUN,f,pl,prsuf
- נשבו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,pl
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 30:18-19 (structural): Direct continuation: David pursues the Amalekites and recovers all who had been taken captive (including his wives), resolving the situation described in v.3.
- Judges 21:10-14 (thematic): After civil warfare the Israelites seize women from a town to supply wives for their men—parallels the wartime abduction and redistribution of women and families.
- Genesis 34:2 (thematic): Shechem seizes Dinah and defiles her—an earlier example of violent seizure/abduction of a woman in the tribal period, thematically akin to families taken in raids.
- Jeremiah 52:13-15 (thematic): Description of Jerusalem being burned and people carried into exile—parallels the motif of a town burned by fire and inhabitants taken captive.
- 2 Samuel 12:30-31 (verbal): Account of David's later capture and treatment of the people of Rabbah—connects to themes of warfare, city capture, and the fate of inhabitants taken in conflict.
Alternative generated candidates
- When David and his men came to the city, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters were taken captive.
- So David and his men came to the city, and behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive.
1 S.30.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והעם: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- את: PRT,acc
- קולם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- ויבכו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- עד: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אין: PART,neg
- בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- כח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבכות: VERB,qal,inf
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 1:11-12 (structural): David and his men tear their clothes and mourn bitterly after news of Saul and Jonathan's death—narrative parallel of communal, protracted lament and physical displays of grief.
- 2 Samuel 18:33 (thematic): David's intense, vocal lament for Absalom (repeated crying and deep sorrow) mirrors the overwhelming grief in 1 Samuel 30:4.
- Psalm 6:6 (verbal): The psalmist speaks of being 'weary with groaning' and flooding the bed with tears—language of exhausted, sustained weeping similar to 'until they had no strength to weep.'
- Psalm 42:3 (thematic): The motif of continuous weeping ('my tears have been my food day and night') resonates with the prolonged, debilitating grief described in 1 Samuel 30:4.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voice and wept until they had no more power to weep.
- Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voice and wept until they had no more strength to weep.
1 S.30.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושתי: CONJ+NUM,f,du
- נשי: NOUN,f,pl,abs,1cs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נשבו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,pl
- אחינעם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- היזרעלית: ADJ,f,sg,def
- ואביגיל: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשת: NOUN,f,sg,cns
- נבל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכרמלי: ADJ,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 30:2-3 (structural): Immediate context: describes the Amalekite raid that captured the city and carried off David’s family, explaining how his wives (Ahinoam and Abigail) were taken.
- 1 Samuel 30:18-19 (structural): Narrative resolution: reports that David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives, linking back to their capture in v.5.
- 1 Samuel 25:43 (verbal): Earlier episode identifying Abigail as David’s wife: after Nabal’s death David took Abigail as his wife, which is why she is named here as ‘wife of Nabal of Carmel.’
- 2 Samuel 3:2-5 (verbal): Listing of David’s sons and wives: explicitly names Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail of Carmel among David’s wives, corroborating their identities in 1 Sam 30:5.
- 1 Chronicles 14:3 (verbal): Chronicles’ parallel to Samuel: likewise records David’s wives as Ahinoam the Jezreelite and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite, repeating the same identification found in 1 Sam 30:5.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now David’s two wives had been taken—Ahinoam the Jezreelite and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.
- And David's two wives were taken: Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.
1 S.30.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותצר: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מאד: ADV
- כי: CONJ
- אמרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לסקלו: PREP+VERB,qal,infc+PRON,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- מרה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נפש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- בניו: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- בנתיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs+3ms
- ויתחזק: VERB,hitp,impf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביהוה: PREP+PN,sg
- אלהיו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Jeremiah 26:8 (thematic): A hostile popular reaction threatens the prophet/leader with death; like the people who propose stoning David, the crowd in Jeremiah seeks to kill Jeremiah for his message.
- John 10:31-33 (thematic): A Jewish crowd attempts to stone Jesus after a perceived offense; echoes the motif of an enraged people ready to stone a leader whom they believe has transgressed.
- Acts 7:58-60 (thematic): The stoning of Stephen illustrates the early‑Christian outworking of communal violence against a perceived offender—paralleling the threat against David and the danger of mob action.
- Psalm 27:14 (verbal): Urges courage and waiting on the LORD so God will 'strengthen' the heart; resonates with David 'strengthening himself in the LORD' as the means of endurance in crisis.
- Nehemiah 8:10 (thematic): Calls for renewed strength from the LORD ('the joy of the LORD is your strength') in a time of distress—paralleling David's turning to the LORD as his source of strength when threatened.
Alternative generated candidates
- And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because every man was bitter in soul for his sons and for his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
- And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him—each man's soul was bitter for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
1 S.30.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- אביתר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הגישה: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- נא: PART
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- האפד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויגש: VERB,qal,wayy,3,m,sg
- אביתר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- האפד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 22:20-23 (structural): Abiathar (son of Ahimelech) joins David and brings the ephod to him—this earlier episode explains how Abiathar and the ephod are available to David in 1 Sam 30:7.
- 1 Samuel 30:8 (verbal): Immediate continuation: after Abiathar brings the ephod, David inquires of the LORD and receives direction—this verse is the direct narrative follow-up to 30:7.
- 1 Samuel 23:2-6 (thematic): Another instance where David 'inquires of the LORD' before undertaking military action, reflecting the same pattern of seeking divine guidance prior to battle.
- Exodus 28:30 (allusion): Prescribes placing the Urim and Thummim in the ephod for priestly decision-making—background theology for why David requests the ephod to consult God's will.
- Judges 18:5, 18:17-20 (thematic): Narratives where an ephod/household priestly objects are used to obtain divine counsel or oracles, illustrating broader Israelite practice of consulting an ephod for decisions.
Alternative generated candidates
- And David said to Abiathar the priest, 'Bring me the ephod.' So Abiathar brought the ephod to David.
- Then David said to Abiathar the priest, 'Bring me the ephod.' So Abiathar brought the ephod to David.
1 S.30.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישאל: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביהוה: PREP+PN,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- ארדף: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- אחרי: PREP
- הגדוד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- האשגנו: VERB,qal,impf,1,pl
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- רדף: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- השג: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- תשיג: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- והצל: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- תציל: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Sam.5.23-24 (structural): David again 'inquires of the LORD' before battle; God gives a specific tactical command about pursuing the enemy and promises success — a close narrative parallel in form and function.
- 1 Chron.14.10-12 (verbal): Parallel account to 2 Samuel 5:23-24 (and to the pattern in 1 Samuel 30:8): David asks the LORD and receives direct instructions about engaging the Philistines, reflecting the same divine consultation motif.
- 1 Sam.23.2-4 (thematic): Earlier instance where David 'inquires of the LORD' (whether to attack/enter Keilah); God answers and provides guidance — same theme of seeking divine direction in military decisions.
- 1 Sam.23.10-12 (thematic): Another episode of David asking the LORD about Saul's movements and receiving a predictive answer (that Saul will come down), reinforcing the pattern of God revealing enemy movements and authorizing action.
- Exod.14.15 (thematic): God issues an imperative to move forward ('Why do you cry to me? Tell the people to move on'), coupling command with deliverance — thematically similar to God's 'Pursue... you shall overtake' directive in 1 Samuel 30:8.
Alternative generated candidates
- David inquired of the LORD, saying, 'Shall I pursue after this troop? Shall I overtake them?' He said to him, 'Pursue; for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.'
- And David inquired of the LORD, saying, 'Shall I pursue after this raiding party? Will I overtake them?' He said to him, 'Pursue; for you shall surely overtake them and recover all.'
1 S.30.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ושש: CONJ+NUM,card,m,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- עד: PREP
- נחל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבשור: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והנותרים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- עמדו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 30:10 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode: specifies that of the 600 men 200 stayed behind at the brook and 400 pursued — clarifies who 'the remnant' were.
- 1 Samuel 30:8 (structural): Contextual parallel in the same scene: David inquires of the LORD before pursuing the raiders, framing the action of David and his men at the brook Besor.
- 1 Samuel 22:2 (verbal): Earlier note about David’s followers — a fluctuating band of men (about 400) gathered to David; echoes the motif of David accompanied by a cohort of followers and the shifting numbers in his band.
- Judges 8:4 (thematic): Gideon pursues an enemy with a selected contingent (the 300) while others do not press on — similar tactical pattern of a leader pursuing raiders with part of his force while others remain behind.
Alternative generated candidates
- So David went, he and six hundred men who were with him; and they came to the brook Besor, and the remainder of the people stayed there.
- So David went, he and six hundred men of the people who were with him; and they came to the brook Besor; and those who were faint stayed there.
1 S.30.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירדף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- וארבע: CONJ,NUM,card,f,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויעמדו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- מאתים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- פגרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מעבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- נחל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבשור: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 30:9 (structural): Immediate context: the same episode—David sets out in pursuit of the raiders with his men; this verse continues the narrative of the pursuit and the division between those who followed and those left behind.
- 1 Samuel 30:16 (verbal): Describes the outcome of the pursuit—David overtakes the raiders and many are killed, with a remnant of about four hundred young men on camels escaping; echoes the numbers and the results of the chase.
- 1 Samuel 30:18–19 (thematic): Reports the recovery of all spoil and captives after the pursuit; thematically connected as the successful consequence of David’s pursuit with the four hundred men.
- 1 Samuel 27:8 (thematic): Earlier note that David struck the Geshurites, Girzites and Amalekites—background context for David’s recurring conflict with Amalekite groups and earlier military activity against them.
Alternative generated candidates
- But David pursued, he and four hundred men; two hundred remained behind, who were so faint they could not cross over to the battle at the brook Besor.
- But David pursued, he and four hundred men, while two hundred remained behind, who were so exhausted that they could not cross over the brook Besor.
1 S.30.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וימצאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מצרי: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- בשדה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויקחו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאכל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- וישקהו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 25:18 (thematic): Abigail brings food and provisions to David and his men — a scene of providing bread and sustenance to a weary contingent, similar hospitality and relief motif.
- 2 Samuel 17:27-29 (structural): People bring provisions (bread, cakes, wine, raisins) to David while he is fleeing Absalom — parallel episode of supporters supplying food and drink to David and his followers.
- 1 Kings 19:5-8 (thematic): An angel gives Elijah bread and water to strengthen him for his journey — the motif of food/water restoring an exhausted person.
- Ruth 2:14 (thematic): Boaz invites Ruth to eat and gives her bread and roasted grain — provision of food to a vulnerable/outsider reflecting hospitality and sustenance.
- Genesis 21:17-19 (thematic): God provides a well of water for Hagar and Ishmael in the desert — the life-saving provision of water for the distressed, echoing the water given to the found Egyptian.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they found an Egyptian in the field, and brought him to David; they gave him bread and he ate, and they gave him water and he drank.
- They found an Egyptian man in the field, and they brought him to David; they gave him bread, and he ate; and they gave him water, and he drank.
1 S.30.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- פלח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דבלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ושני: CONJ+NUM,card,m,pl
- צמקים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויאכל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ותשב: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- רוחו: NOUN,f,sg,prsuf3ms
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- אכל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- שתה: VERB,qal,impv,2,sg
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שלשה: NUM,m
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ושלשה: CONJ+NUM,card,pl,m
- לילות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 19:5-7 (thematic): An angel brings bread and water to the exhausted prophet (a cake and a cruse of water); after eating he is revived and enabled to continue his journey—parallel motif of food restoring life and strength.
- Jonah 1:17 (verbal): Uses the phrase 'three days and three nights'—the same time expression appears in 1 Sam 30:12 describing the Egyptian’s deprivation, linking both passages by the temporal motif of severe, multi-day want.
- Matthew 12:40 (allusion): New Testament citation of Jonah's 'three days and three nights' formula (applied to Jesus); useful as a cross-reference for the OT/NT use of that temporal expression and its theological resonance.
- 2 Kings 4:42-44 (thematic): Elisha receives food (loaves) that miraculously feed and sustain many; like 1 Sam 30:12, the passage emphasizes food as God's means to revive and provide for those in dire need.
Alternative generated candidates
- They gave him a piece of a fig-cake and two raisin cakes; he ate and was revived, for he had not eaten bread nor drunk water three days and three nights.
- They gave him a piece of a cake of figs and two clusters of raisins; and he ate and was revived, for he had not eaten bread nor drunk water three days and three nights.
1 S.30.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למי: PREP,interr
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- ואי: CONJ+INT
- מזה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מצרי: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- לאיש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמלקי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויעזבני: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- כי: CONJ
- חליתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שלשה: NUM,m
Parallels
- 1Sam.30.11-12 (verbal): Immediate context: the fuller description of the Egyptian servant found by David (details about being left by the Amalekites and cared for), essentially the continuation/parallel account of the same encounter.
- 1Sam.15:9 (allusion): Saul's sparing of Agag and the best livestock — an earlier failure to annihilate Amalek that explains why Amalekite bands (and their servants) remained to raid and take captives.
- Exod.17:8-16 (thematic): Earliest Israelite encounter with Amalek; establishes Amalek as a recurring enemy and background for later conflicts and raids involving Amalekite bands.
- Deut.25:17-19 (thematic): Command to remember Amalek's attack and to blot out their memory — theological/legal background for Israel's hostility toward Amalek and the narrative significance of encountering Amalekite captors.
Alternative generated candidates
- And David said to him, 'To whom do you belong, and where are you from?' He said, 'I am a young Egyptian, servant to an Amalekite man; my master left me because I became ill three days ago.'
- David said to him, 'To whom do you belong, and where are you from?' He said, 'I am an Egyptian, servant to an Amalekite. My master left me because I fell sick three days ago.'
1 S.30.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אנחנו: PRON,1,pl
- פשטנו: VERB,qal,perf,1,pl
- נגב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ליהודה: PREP+PN,masc,sg
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- נגב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כלב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- צקלג: NOUN,prop,sg,f
- שרפנו: VERB,qal,perf,1,pl
- באש: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 30:1-6 (structural): Immediate context describing the Amalekite raid on the Negev and the capture/burning of Ziklag; provides the narrative background for v.14's report of the burning.
- 1 Samuel 30:18-20 (structural): The subsequent recovery of Ziklag and its inhabitants from the Amalekites—direct narrative parallel showing the outcome to the burning reported in v.14.
- 1 Samuel 15:2-3 (thematic): God's command to Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites because of their crimes against Israel—connects thematically to Amalek's hostile raids such as the burning of Ziklag.
- Exodus 17:8-16 (allusion): The first recorded conflict with Amalek (attack at Rephidim) and Yahweh's declaration of perpetual enmity toward Amalek, framing later Amalekite raids like the one on Ziklag.
- Deuteronomy 25:17-19 (thematic): Instruction to remember Amalek's attack and to blot out their memory—legal/ethical background for Israel's response to Amalekite depredations exemplified by the burning of Ziklag.
Alternative generated candidates
- We raided the Negev of the Cherethites, and the portion that belongs to Judah, and the Negev of Caleb; and we burned Ziklag with fire.
- We made a raid upon the Negeb of the Cherethites, and upon the Negeb of Judah, and upon the Negeb of Caleb; and we burned Ziklag.
1 S.30.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- התורדני: VERB,hifil,impv,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- הגדוד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- השבעה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- באלהים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אם: CONJ
- תמיתני: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- ואם: CONJ
- תסגרני: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- ואורדך: VERB,hifil,impf,1,_,sg+PRON,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- הגדוד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- Joshua 2:12-14 (verbal): Rahab asks the Israelite spies to 'swear to me by the LORD' that they will spare her and her family, and in return she will bring them down to her house—language and conditional exchange closely parallel the Egyptian’s request for an oath.
- Joshua 6:22-25 (structural): The spies’ oath to Rahab is fulfilled when she and her family are spared and integrated into Israel—an outcome parallel to the protection the Egyptian seeks by securing David’s oath.
- Genesis 24:2-9 (verbal): Abraham’s servant and family members invoke the LORD in making and requesting oaths to guarantee future action (finding a wife for Isaac), paralleling the use of a divine oath to secure trustworthy conduct.
- 1 Samuel 30:16 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: after David swears, the Egyptian 'brought him down' to the raiding party—directly parallels and completes the promise-exchange in 30:15.
Alternative generated candidates
- David said to him, 'Can you lead me down to this troop?' He answered, 'Swear to me by God that you will not kill me and that you will not hand me over to my master, and I will lead you down to this troop.'
- David said to him, 'Can you lead me down to this raiding party?' He said, 'Swear to me by God that you will not kill me, nor give me into the hands of my master, and I will lead you down to them.'
1 S.30.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירדהו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- והנה: ADV
- נטשים: PTCP,niphal,ptc,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- כל: DET
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אכלים: VERB,ptc,qal,act,_,m,pl
- ושתים: NUM,f,pl,abs
- וחגגים: CONJ+PTCP,qal,ptc,3,m,pl
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השלל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הגדול: ADJ,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לקחו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- ומארץ: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 30:11-15 (verbal): The Egyptian's report to David earlier in the chapter describes the Amalekite camp ‘eating and drinking and making merry’ — the immediate source for the scene summarized in v.16.
- 1 Samuel 30:17-19 (structural): The verses that follow v.16 narrate David’s attack on the revelers and the recovery of the spoil and captives; v.16 sets the scene for this combat and retrieval.
- 1 Samuel 27:8 (thematic): Earlier in David’s career he conducts raids and takes spoil from neighboring peoples (including Amalekites); both passages treat marauding bands, the taking of plunder, and the movement of captives/spoil.
- Judges 6:4-6 (thematic): The report of raiding bands (Midianites/Amalekites) devastating Israel and living off its produce parallels the motif here of hostile bands plundering territory and feasting on the spoils.
Alternative generated candidates
- So he led them down; and behold, they were spread out over all the land, eating and drinking, and dancing for all the great spoil that they had taken, for there was much booty from the land of the Philistines and from the land of Judah.
- So he led them down, and behold, they were spread out over all the land, eating and drinking, and dancing because of all the spoil that they had taken; for there was great plunder from the land of the Philistines and from the land of Judah.
1 S.30.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויכם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מהנשף: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- הערב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- למחרתם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs,suff,3,m,pl
- ולא: CONJ
- נמלט: VERB,nip,perf,3,m,sg
- מהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- אם: CONJ
- ארבע: NUM,card,f
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- רכבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- הגמלים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- וינסו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 30:18 (structural): Immediate continuation of the episode: describes David’s recovery of all the spoil and captives, directly following the victory noted in 30:17.
- Exodus 17:8-16 (allusion): Earlier Israelite confrontation with the Amalekites; thematically linked as another victory over Amalek and a divine-ordained defeat of that people.
- Psalm 18:37-38 (verbal): Davidic poetic language about pursuing enemies and overtaking them—'I pursued my enemies and did not turn back'—parallels the pursuit and the statement that none escaped.
- Genesis 14:14-16 (thematic): Abraham's rapid pursuit to recover captives and goods after a raid; parallels the motif of immediate pursuit and full recovery of people and possessions.
Alternative generated candidates
- David struck them from the time of the evening until the evening of the next day; and none of them escaped, except four hundred young men who rode on camels and fled.
- David struck them from the twilight until the evening of the next day; not a man of them escaped, except four hundred young men who rode on camels and fled.
1 S.30.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לקחו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עמלק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- נשיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs,3,m
- הציל: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 14:16 (thematic): Abram pursues the captors, defeats them and recovers all the goods and captives—parallel motif of rescuing people and reclaiming spoil.
- Exodus 17:8-16 (thematic): First recorded conflict with Amalek; frames Amalek as Israel’s enemy and situates David’s later victory and recovery within that ongoing hostility.
- 1 Samuel 15:3 (thematic): God’s command to Saul to destroy Amalek and their spoil provides a thematic/legal background and a contrast to the later episode in which David defeats and recovers what Amalek took.
- Judges 8:2-3 (thematic): Gideon’s pursuit of Midianite fugitives and the liberation/collection of spoil echoes the pattern of pursuit, rescue of people and recovery of goods after a raid.
Alternative generated candidates
- David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and rescued his two wives.
- David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken; he rescued his two wives.
1 S.30.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- נעדר: VERB,nifal,perf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- מן: PREP
- הקטן: ADJ,m,sg,def
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- הגדול: ADJ,m,sg,def
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- בנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובנות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,cons
- ומשלל: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לקחו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- הכל: PRON,m,sg,abs
- השיב: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 30:18 (verbal): Immediate context: records David's recovery of everything the Amalekites had taken, closely mirroring the claim in v.19 that nothing was lacking.
- 1 Samuel 30:21-25 (structural): Continues the same event—David's ruling on distribution of the spoil, insisting on equal shares for those who stayed and those who fought, elaborating the principle behind v.19.
- Numbers 31:26-30 (thematic): After battle with Midian, instructions and practice for dividing spoils among soldiers and community—parallel concern for fair allocation of war booty.
- Deuteronomy 20:10-14 (thematic): Regulatory background for warfare and taking spoils: distinguishes treatment of cities taken in war and governs how plunder may be handled—provides legal-theological context for distribution practices like David's.
- Judges 8:24-27 (thematic): Gideon's handling of spoils (and the later making of an ephod from them) raises questions about appropriation and distribution of booty—a thematic parallel about leaders and the disposition of recovered goods.
Alternative generated candidates
- Nothing was missing to them, from the smallest to the greatest, sons and daughters, spoil and everything that they had taken; David recovered all.
- Nothing of theirs was lacking, from the least even to the greatest—sons and daughters, spoil and all that they had taken—David recovered all.
1 S.30.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- הצאן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והבקר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- נהגו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- המקנה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- שלל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam 30:18-19 (verbal): Immediate context — recounts that David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken and drove the flocks and herds before the other spoil, the same scene that leads to the declaration "This is David's spoil."
- 1 Sam 30:21-25 (structural): Continuation of the same episode dealing with distribution of the recovered spoil and David's ruling that those who stayed with the baggage receive equal shares — directly related to the claim of ownership in v.20.
- Num 31:27-30 (thematic): After battle with Midian, instructions and practices for dividing spoil among warriors and the community echo the concerns in 1 Sam 30 about rightful claims and allocation of booty from a raid.
- Deut 20:14 (thematic): Deuteronomic law concerning taking livestock and spoil from defeated cities as booty — provides legal/theological background for claims to and treatment of war spoil as reflected in David's declaration.
Alternative generated candidates
- David took all the flocks and herds, and drove them before the drovers; and the people said, 'This is David’s spoil.'
- David took all their flocks and herds and drove them before the drovers; and the people drove the droves before the other livestock, saying, 'This is David's spoil.'
1 S.30.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- מאתים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- פגרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מלכת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אחרי: PREP
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישיבם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בנחל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,const
- הבשור: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויצאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לקראת: PREP
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולקראת: CONJ+PREP
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- ויגש: VERB,qal,wayy,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וישאל: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- לשלום: PREP
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 30:13-16 (structural): Immediate context: the two hundred men left behind are described earlier at the brook Besor and their encounter with David’s returning party—same episode and narrative movement.
- 1 Samuel 30:22-25 (thematic): Direct follow-up: David’s policy about sharing the spoil with those who stayed behind (and the dispute that follows) develops the social and leadership implications of the meeting in v.21.
- Ruth 2:4 (thematic): Boaz greets his reapers and inquires after the young woman (Ruth); similar motif of a leader/owner meeting workers or dependents and asking about their welfare.
- Genesis 33:4 (thematic): Jacob and Esau’s reunion—running to meet, embracing and reconciliation—parallels the reunion/greeting motif when separated groups rejoin and leaders inquire after well‑being.
Alternative generated candidates
- David came to the two hundred men who were too exhausted to follow him and who remained by the baggage at the brook Besor; he returned them to their comrades. They went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him, and David greeted them and inquired about their welfare.
- David came to the two hundred men who had been so exhausted that they could not follow him, who were left behind at the brook Besor; and they went out to meet David and those who were with him. When David came near to the people, he greeted them.
1 S.30.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויען: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רע: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ובליעל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מהאנשים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הלכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עם: PREP
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- יען: CONJ
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לא: PART_NEG
- הלכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- לא: PART_NEG
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- מהשלל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הצלנו: VERB,qal,perf,1,pl
- כי: CONJ
- אם: CONJ
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- אשתו: NOUN,f,sg,cs+3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- בניו: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- וינהגו: VERB,qal,impf,3,mp
- וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 30:24 (structural): Immediate narrative response: David rules that those who stayed with the baggage shall share equally with those who fought, directly opposing the claim of the 'men of Belial' in v.22.
- Judges 19:22 (verbal): Uses the phrase 'sons of Belial' (בני בליעל) to describe wicked men whose selfish, violent behavior mirrors the moral characterization of the men who refused to share in 1 Sam 30:22.
- Numbers 31:27-30 (thematic): After a military victory (against Midian) the leaders and Moses sort out the spoils and how they are to be apportioned—a parallel case of disputing and regulating distribution of booty after battle.
- Deuteronomy 20:10-14 (thematic): Legal background on taking and handling the plunder of conquered towns; relates to principles and controversies over who may claim the spoils after warfare, providing a law-context for disputes like that in 1 Sam 30:22.
Alternative generated candidates
- But every worthless and base fellow among the men who had gone with David answered, 'Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we recovered—except to each man his wife and his children, that they may depart.'
- But all the wicked men and worthless fellows among the people said, 'Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any share of the spoil that we have recovered, except each man may take his wife and his children and go.'
1 S.30.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- תעשו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- כן: ADV
- אחי: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- את: PRT,acc
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- וישמר: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- אתנו: PRON,1,pl
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הגדוד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הבא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- בידנו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,1,_,pl
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 30:24 (structural): Immediate continuation of v.23 that states David’s rule for dividing the spoil—equal shares for those who fought and those who stayed—repeating and applying the command in v.23.
- 1 Chronicles 12:38-40 (allusion): Chronicles recounts the same episode (David’s time at Ziklag and the conduct of his men) and preserves the communal/administrative outcome, paralleling David’s policy regarding those who did not go out with the fighting force.
- Numbers 31:27-30 (thematic): In the division of the Midian spoils Moses issues regulations about how plunder is apportioned between combatants and the community—a related legal/ethical concern about the distribution of war booty and rights of different groups.
- Deuteronomy 20:10-14 (thematic): Deuteronomy provides rules for warfare and treatment of conquered towns and their spoils; thematically relevant as it frames Israel’s expectations for conduct and distribution in war, underlying David’s decision about fair division.
Alternative generated candidates
- And David said, 'You shall not do so, my brothers, with what the LORD has given us; for he has kept us and delivered the troop that came against us into our hand.
- And David said, 'You shall not do so, my brothers, with what the LORD has given us; for he has preserved us and delivered into our hand the raiding party that came upon us.'
1 S.30.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומי: PRON,interr
- ישמע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- לדבר: INF,qal
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- כחלק: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הירד: PTCP,qal,act,m,sg,def
- במלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וכחלק: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הישב: PTCP,qal,act,ms,sg,def
- על: PREP
- הכלים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- יחדו: ADV
- יחלקו: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
Parallels
- 1 Sam.30.23 (structural): Immediate context: David pronounces the rule that whoever stayed with the supplies shall share equally with those who fought, which leads directly into v.24's formulation.
- 1 Sam.30.25 (quotation): The subsequent verse records the enactment of the rule in v.24, specifying the equal division of spoil and distribution to all groups.
- Numbers 31:27-30 (thematic): After the battle with Midian, instructions are given for dividing spoils among soldiers and the community—a parallel concern with fair distribution of booty.
- Matt.20:1-16 (thematic): The parable of the workers in the vineyard parallels the theme of equal reward for differing roles or lengths of service—late and early workers receiving the same pay.
- Acts 4:32-35 (thematic): The early Jerusalem community's practice of sharing possessions so that no one lacked reflects the principle of equitable distribution and collective sharing found in 1 Sam 30:24.
Alternative generated candidates
- Who will listen to you in this matter? As his share is who went down into the battle, so shall be the share of him who stayed by the supplies; they shall share alike.'
- Whoever stays with the baggage shall share alike with him who goes down to the battle. They shall share alike.
1 S.30.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מהיום: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- ומעלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- וישמה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg,3,f.suff
- לחק: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולמשפט: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לישראל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 12:14 (verbal): Passover is commanded as a recurring 'statute' and 'ordinance' for Israel (a lasting regulation), parallel to 1 Sam 30:25's establishment of a rule 'from that day forward'.
- Joshua 4:6-7,21-24 (structural): The setting up of memorial stones after crossing the Jordan is instituted so future generations ask and remember 'to this day'—a communal, lasting ordinance similar in purpose and wording to 1 Sam 30:25.
- Genesis 9:12-16 (thematic): God appoints the rainbow as a perpetual sign of the covenant 'for generations,' paralleling the idea of fixing a continuing ordinance or memorial after a decisive event.
- Numbers 15:38-40 (thematic): The command to wear tassels as a perpetual reminder—'that you may remember all the commandments'—represents the same impulse to establish an enduring statute/practice for Israel.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it was so from that day forward, that he made it a statute and ordinance in Israel to this day.
- And it was so from that day forward: he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel to this day.
1 S.30.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- צקלג: NOUN,prop,sg,f
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מהשלל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- לזקני: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- לרעהו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,poss3ms
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- הנה: PART
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- ברכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- משלל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איבי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss=1s
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 30:24 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same episode: David’s ordinance to divide the spoil equally between those who fought and those who stayed—provides direct context for his sending of gifts from the spoil.
- Genesis 14:20 (thematic): Abram gives a portion of the captured goods to Melchizedek (the priest of God Most High) after victory—both passages treat war-spoil as acknowledged to belong to God and as fittingly shared or dedicated.
- Deuteronomy 20:14 (thematic): Law permitting the taking and appropriation of spoil from defeated cities by Israelite fighters—provides legal/theological background for claiming and distributing enemy booty.
- 1 Chronicles 18:11–12 (verbal): Report of David taking the spoil from defeated foes and bringing/distributing it to his center of rule (Jerusalem); parallels David’s practice of collecting and allocating booty to his supporters and leaders.
Alternative generated candidates
- David came to Ziklag, and he sent of the spoil to the elders of Judah, to his friends, saying, 'Behold, a blessing to you from the spoil of the enemies of the LORD.'
- Then David came to Ziklag; and he sent from the spoil to the elders of Judah, to his friends, saying, 'Behold a blessing to you from the spoil of the enemies of the LORD.'
1 S.30.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לאשר: CONJ
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- ולאשר: CONJ+PREP+PRON,rel
- ברמות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- נגב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולאשר: CONJ+PREP+PRON,rel
- ביתר: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 30:26 (structural): Immediate parallel/preceding verse; introduces David’s sending of portions to towns and persons—same action and administrative context as v.27.
- 1 Samuel 30:28–31 (structural): Continuation of the same list of places receiving portions; repeats the formula and completes the catalogue of recipients.
- Numbers 31:27–30 (thematic): Rules for dividing spoils among fighters and non‑fighters (and allocating a sacred portion) resonate with David’s distribution policy — concerns over fair sharing of booty.
- Judges 1:22–23 (verbal): Mentions Bethel in another narrative context; parallels usage of the place‑name and its significance as a communal/administrative center.
Alternative generated candidates
- To those in Bethel, to those in Ramoth of the Negev, and to those in Jattir;
- To those at Bethel, to those at Ramoth of the Negeb, to those at Bether;
1 S.30.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולאשר: CONJ+PREP+PRON,rel
- בערער: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולאשר: CONJ+PREP+PRON,rel
- בשפמות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ולאשר: CONJ+PREP+PRON,rel
- באשתמע: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 30:26 (verbal): Same episode — the immediate verse that introduces David’s sending of portions of the spoil to the elders and towns; closely parallels the list of places and recipients.
- 1 Samuel 30:24 (thematic): David’s ordinance that those who stayed with the baggage share equally with those who fought; provides the governing principle behind the distribution mentioned in v.28.
- Numbers 31:27-30 (thematic): After the Midianite campaign Israel divides the spoil and prescribes portions for the warriors and the congregation — a parallel case of allocating booty after a raid/battle.
- Deuteronomy 20:14 (thematic): Law concerning the taking and disposition of spoil from a captured city during conquest; offers legal/ethical background for how spoil might be treated and distributed.
Alternative generated candidates
- to those in Aroer, to those in Siphmoth, and to those in Eshtemoa;
- to those at Arar, to those at Shiphmoth, to those at Eshtemoa;
1 S.30.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולאשר: CONJ+PREP+PRON,rel
- ברכל: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ולאשר: CONJ+PREP+PRON,rel
- בערי: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,const
- הירחמאלי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ולאשר: CONJ+PREP+PRON,rel
- בערי: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,const
- הקיני: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Sam.30.24 (verbal): Immediate intra‑chapter parallel: David institutes equal shares for those who fought and those who stayed with the supplies — same distribution principle as in v.29.
- Num.31:25-30 (structural): After the Midianite victory Moses commands division of the spoil between the fighting men and the congregation (and a tribute), a direct structural parallel in the allocation of booty.
- Exod.12:35-36 (thematic): The Israelites plunder the Egyptians and take valuables for the community — a related theme of taking and distributing goods from an enemy after deliverance.
- Deut.20:10-14 (thematic): Regulations for war booty and treatment of conquered towns (who and what may be taken) — provides legal/ethical background to distinctions in how spoils are handled and apportioned.
Alternative generated candidates
- to those in Racal, to those in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, and to those in the cities of the Kenites;
- to those at Rekem, to those at the cities of the Jerahmeelites, to those at the cities of the Kenites;
1 S.30.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולאשר: CONJ+PREP+PRON,rel
- בחרמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ולאשר: CONJ+PREP+PRON,rel
- בבור: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עשן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולאשר: CONJ+PREP+PRON,rel
- בעתך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg+PRON,2,ms
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 30:25 (structural): Immediate context: the preceding verse gives David's command to distribute portions of the spoil to the elders and to the land’s towns; 30:30 continues that list of recipients (including Asher).
- Joshua 19:24-31 (structural): Catalog of towns allotted to the tribe of Asher in the land‑allocation tradition; parallels the mention of Asher and its settlements in lists of places/recipients.
- Judges 5:17 (thematic): In the Song of Deborah Asher is described geographically (dwelling by the sea/in its breaches); thematically related to references to Asher’s towns and inhabitants.
- Deuteronomy 33:24-25 (thematic): Moses’ blessing of Asher (prosperity and security) thematically connects with passages that enumerate Asher’s territory and communities and their receiving of gifts or benefits.
Alternative generated candidates
- to those in Hormah, to those in Bor-ashan, and to those in Athach;
- to those at Hormah, to those at Bor-ashan, to those at Atak;
1 S.30.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולאשר: CONJ+PREP+PRON,rel
- בחברון: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ולכל: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המקמות: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- התהלך: VERB,hitpael,perf,3,m,sg
- שם: ADV
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ואנשיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 30:24 (verbal): Immediate verbal/structural parallel in the same episode — the decree about shares of the spoil and provision for those who stayed behind, leading into the mention of those in Hebron and other places.
- 1 Samuel 30:18-20 (structural): Contextual parallel within the same narrative: these verses recount David’s recovery of the spoil and the distribution to his men, which frames the reference to Hebron and the places David had been.
- 2 Samuel 5:5 (structural): Summarizes David’s residence in Hebron (“he reigned in Hebron seven years and six months”), connecting to Hebron as David’s base referenced in 1 Sam 30:31.
- 1 Chronicles 12:38-40 (structural): Chronicle’s account of warriors who joined David at Hebron and those who stayed with him in strongholds/towns — parallels the language about people ‘in Hebron’ and the various places associated with David.
- Numbers 31:27-30 (thematic): Regulatory precedent for dividing spoils between those who fought and those who remained with the baggage/camp — thematically parallels David’s allotment of shares to men who had stayed behind.
Alternative generated candidates
- to those in Hebron and to all the places where David himself and his men had wandered.
- to those at Hebron, and to all the places where David himself and his men had been.
And it came to pass, when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had made a raid on the Negev and on Ziklag and struck Ziklag and burned it with fire.
They carried off the women who were there, both small and great; they did not kill anyone, but they led them away and departed.
When David and his men came to the city, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive.
Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept until they had no more power to weep. And David’s two wives had been taken—Ahinoam the Jezreelitess and Abigail, Nabal’s widow, the Carmelite.
David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the whole assembly was bitter of soul, every man for his sons and for his daughters; but David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. And David said to Abiathar the priest, son of Ahimelech, 'Bring me the ephod.' So Abiathar brought the ephod to David.
David inquired of the LORD, saying, 'Shall I pursue after this raiding party? Shall I overtake them?' He said to him, 'Pursue; for you shall surely overtake them and shall rescue all.' So David went, he and six hundred men with him; and they came to the brook Besor, but two hundred men stayed there who were too exhausted to cross over with David.
David pursued with four hundred men, and two hundred remained who were too weary to follow and stayed beyond the brook Besor.
They found an Egyptian in the field, and they brought him to David; and they gave him bread, and he ate, and they gave him water to drink.
They gave him a piece of fig cake and two clusters of raisins; he ate and was refreshed, for he had not eaten bread nor drunk water for three days and three nights.
David said to him, 'To whom do you belong? Whence are you?' He said, 'I am a young Egyptian, servant to an Amalekite; and my master left me because I became sick three days ago.'
We raided the Negeb of the Cherethites and of the Calebites, and we burned Ziklag.
David said to him, 'Will you lead me down to this raiding party?' And he said, 'Swear to me by God that you will not kill me nor deliver me into my master’s hand, and I will lead you down to this raiding party.' So he led them down, and behold, they were spread out over all the land, eating and drinking and making merry because of the great spoil that they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from the land of Judah.
David struck them from the twilight until the evening of the next day; not a man of them escaped except four hundred young men who rode on camels and fled.
David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and David rescued his two wives.
He recovered all; there was nothing missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that they had taken—David brought back all.
David took all the flocks and herds, driving them before the drovers, and the people said, 'This is David’s spoil.'
David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow him and who remained at the brook Besor; they went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him, and David greeted them in peace. But the wicked and worthless men among those who went with David said, 'Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except every man to his wife and to his children, and let them depart.'
David said, 'You shall not do thus, my brothers, with what the LORD has given us; for he has preserved us and delivered into our hand the raiders who came against us.' And who will listen to you in this matter? Shall it be according to the portion of one who went down into the battle and of one who stayed by the baggage? Let it be as the share of the one who went down into the battle and as the share of the one who stayed by the baggage—let them share alike.' So it was from that day forward that he made it a statute and ordinance for Israel to this day: Whoever goes to war and who stays by the baggage shall share alike.
David came to Ziklag and sent of the spoil to the elders of Judah, to his friends, saying, 'Behold, a blessing to you from the spoil of the enemies of the LORD.'
To those at Bethel, to those at Ramoth of the Negeb, to those at Jattir,
to those at Aroer, to those at Shiphmoth, to those at Eshtemoa,
to those at Racal, to those at the cities of the Jerahmeelites, to those at the cities of the Kenites,
to those at Hormah, to those at Bor-ashan, to those at Athach,
to those at Hebron and to all the places where David and his men had wandered.