1 Samuel 30:6
And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
Original Language Analysis
וַתֵּ֨צֶר
distressed
H3334
וַתֵּ֨צֶר
distressed
Strong's:
H3334
Word #:
1 of 21
to press (intransitive), i.e., be narrow; figuratively, be in distress
מְאֹ֗ד
was greatly
H3966
מְאֹ֗ד
was greatly
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
3 of 21
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הָעָ֔ם
for the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
for the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
6 of 21
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לְסָקְל֔וֹ
of stoning
H5619
לְסָקְל֔וֹ
of stoning
Strong's:
H5619
Word #:
7 of 21
properly, to be weighty; but used only in the sense of lapidation or its contrary (as if a delapidation)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מָ֙רָה֙
was grieved
H4843
מָ֙רָה֙
was grieved
Strong's:
H4843
Word #:
9 of 21
to be (causatively, make) bitter (literally or figuratively)
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
him because the soul
H5315
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
him because the soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
10 of 21
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 21
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֔ם
for the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
for the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
12 of 21
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אִ֖ישׁ
every man
H376
אִ֖ישׁ
every man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
13 of 21
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
14 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בָּנָ֣ו
for his sons
H1121
בָּנָ֣ו
for his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
15 of 21
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
16 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בְּנֹתָ֑יו
and for his daughters
H1323
בְּנֹתָ֑יו
and for his daughters
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
17 of 21
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
וַיִּתְחַזֵּ֣ק
encouraged
H2388
וַיִּתְחַזֵּ֣ק
encouraged
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
18 of 21
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
Cross References
Psalms 56:11In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.Psalms 62:5My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.Psalms 18:6In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.Psalms 25:17The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.Hebrews 13:6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.Psalms 116:10I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:Romans 4:18Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.Psalms 27:14Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.Exodus 17:4And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.Psalms 42:11Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
Historical Context
Stoning was the prescribed Israelite punishment for serious offenses. The men's consideration of stoning David indicates they held him responsible as leader. His response demonstrates the spiritual discipline that distinguished his leadership.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you turn when those closest to you turn against you?
- What does it mean to encourage yourself in the LORD when all human support fails?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The crisis intensifies as David's men contemplate stoning him, blaming his leadership for their disaster. The Hebrew 'kiy-mar nephesh kol-ha'am' (because the soul of all the people was bitter) explains the danger through the vocabulary of bitterness. David is 'greatly distressed' (Hebrew: 'tsarar... me'od'), using language suggesting constriction and anguish. Yet in this darkest moment comes the pivotal response: 'David encouraged himself in the LORD his God' (Hebrew: 'wayyithchazzeq David baYHWH elohav'). This self-strengthening in God becomes the turning point.