Matthew Henry on 1 Samuel 30:1-6
Here we have, I. The descent which the Amalekites made upon Ziklag in David's absence, and the desolations they made there. They surprised the city when it was left unguarded, plundered it, burnt it, and carried all the women and children captives, Sa1 30:1, Sa1 30:2. They intended, by this to revenge the like havoc that David had lately made of them and their country, Sa1 27:8. He that had made so many enemies ought not to have left his own concerns so naked and defenceless. Those that make bold with others must expect that others will make as bold with them and provide accordingly. Now observe in this, 1. The cruelty of Saul's pity (as it proved) in sparing the Amalekites; if he had utterl…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 30:3
David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire--The language implies that the smoke of the conflagration was still visible, and the sacking very recent.
Adam Clarke on 1 Samuel 30:4
Wept, until they had no more power to weep - This marks great distress; they wept, as says the Vulgate, till their tears failed them.
John Gill on 1 Samuel 30:4
Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice,.... In doleful shrieks, and loud lamentations:
and wept, until they had no more power to weep; till nature was quite exhausted, and no moisture left; so the Vulgate Latin version, "till tears failed in them"; they could shed no more.
Keil & Delitzsch on 1 Samuel 30:1-10
During David's absence the Amalekites had invaded the south country, smitten Ziklag and burnt it down, and carried off the women and children whom they found there; whereat not only were David and his men plunged into great grief on their return upon the third day but David especially was involved in very great trouble, inasmuch as the people wanted to stone him. But he strengthened himself in the Lord his God (Sa1 30:1-6).
Sa1 30:1-5
Sa1 30:1-4 form one period, which is expanded by the introduction of several circumstantial clauses. The apodosis to "It came to pass, when," etc. (Sa1 30:1), does not follow till Sa1 30:4, "Then David and the people," etc. But this is formally attached to Sa1…
