1 Samuel 30:15
And David said to him, Canst thou bring me down to this company? And he said, Swear unto me by God, that thou wilt neither kill me, nor deliver me into the hands of my master, and I will bring thee down to this company.
Original Language Analysis
וְאוֹרִֽדְךָ֖
and I will bring thee down
H3381
וְאוֹרִֽדְךָ֖
and I will bring thee down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
4 of 21
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
הִשָּֽׁבְעָה֩
Swear
H7650
הִשָּֽׁבְעָה֩
Swear
Strong's:
H7650
Word #:
9 of 21
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
בֵֽאלֹהִ֜ים
unto me by God
H430
בֵֽאלֹהִ֜ים
unto me by God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
11 of 21
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וְאִם
me nor
H518
וְאִם
me nor
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
12 of 21
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
תְּמִיתֵ֗נִי
that thou wilt neither kill
H4191
תְּמִיתֵ֗נִי
that thou wilt neither kill
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
13 of 21
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
וְאִם
me nor
H518
וְאִם
me nor
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
14 of 21
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
בְּיַד
me into the hands
H3027
בְּיַד
me into the hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
16 of 21
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וְאוֹרִֽדְךָ֖
and I will bring thee down
H3381
וְאוֹרִֽדְךָ֖
and I will bring thee down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
18 of 21
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
Historical Context
Oaths invoking deity were the strongest guarantees available in ancient society. The Egyptian's knowledge that Israelites honored oaths to their God reflects cultural awareness of Israel's religious distinctives.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you build trust with vulnerable people who have reason to fear exploitation?
- What role do binding commitments play in relationships with those who have been betrayed?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
David's request for guidance and the Egyptian's condition for compliance reveal mutual vulnerability. The slave, having been abandoned to die, fears being returned to his master or killed. His demand for an oath 'by God' shows he understood the binding nature of Israelite religious commitment. David's willingness to swear demonstrates his integrity; he will not exploit this vulnerable person even when urgency demands quick action. Trust must be established even in crisis.