1 Samuel 30:2
And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מִקָּטֹ֣ן
or small
H6996
מִקָּטֹ֣ן
or small
Strong's:
H6996
Word #:
6 of 14
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
וְעַד
H5704
וְעַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
7 of 14
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
גָּד֔וֹל
either great
H1419
גָּד֔וֹל
either great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
8 of 14
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הֵמִ֖יתוּ
that were therein they slew
H4191
הֵמִ֖יתוּ
that were therein they slew
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
10 of 14
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
אִ֑ישׁ
not any
H376
אִ֑ישׁ
not any
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
11 of 14
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)
וַיִּֽנְהֲג֔וּ
but carried them away
H5090
וַיִּֽנְהֲג֔וּ
but carried them away
Strong's:
H5090
Word #:
12 of 14
to drive forth (a person, an animal or chariot), also (from the panting induced by effort), to sigh
Historical Context
The slave trade was significant in the ancient Near East. Living captives, especially women and children, could be sold in Egyptian or Arabian markets. The Amalekites' commercial motivations inadvertently preserved the families for rescue.
Questions for Reflection
- When has apparent disaster contained hidden provisions for recovery?
- How do even enemies' self-interested choices sometimes serve God's protective purposes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Amalekites' unusual restraint in taking captives rather than killing presents a theological puzzle. The Hebrew 'lo hemitu' (they did not kill) indicates deliberate decision. This mercy may reflect slave-trade economics (living captives were valuable) or divine providence preserving lives for rescue. The phrase 'carried them away' (Hebrew: 'wayyinhagu') suggests forced march with captives, including women and children. What appeared as disaster contained the seeds of restoration.