The crisis has finally come for David and Saul and Jonathan
and Israel and the Philistines. But David was sent away -- out of the arena
altogether -- by God's providence.
REACHED ZIKLAG ON THE THIRD DAY: From Aphek to Ziklag,
25 miles per day.
NOW THE AMALEKITES HAD RAIDED THE NEGEV AND ZIKLAG:
Their spies had prob seen David and his men leaving Ziklag unprotected. This was
done to avenge David's previous attacks (1Sa 27:8).
DAVID INQUIRED OF THE LORD: Urim and thummim. Ct Saul's
seeking after witches and sorcery (1Sa 28).
1Sa 30:9
Tracking such a large company (with great herds) would have
been quite simple.
TO THE BESOR RAVINE: Another 12 miles sw of Ziklag (cp
v 1), all on the same day!
1Sa 30:11
Vv 11-13: Ct David's kindness with the Amalekite's
ruthlessness (v 13).
1Sa 30:15
The Egyptian slave knew where the Amalekites were headed; so
now he could show them a shortcut?
1Sa 30:17
DUSK: Or "dawn" (sw Job 7:4; Psa 110:147) (NEB). So
David and his men rested a few hours before attacking.
EVENING: Afternoon, beginning of the declining of the
sun.
1Sa 30:23
WHAT THE LORD HAS GIVEN US: David only sees the true,
divine perspective.
1Sa 30:24
(A) Every man received his own goods. (B) A special "bonus"
for the victorious 400? Or not? (C) A large part of excess spoils sent to the
previously loyal villages of Judah (vv 26-31).
THE MAN WHO STAYED WITH THE SUPPLIES: A diplomatic
concession: they HAD been tired.
ALL WILL SHARE ALIKE: The point of Christ's parable in
Mat 20:1-16.