1 Samuel 30:1

“And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag, on the third day, etc.] Either from their departure from thence, when they went out with Achish, or rather from the time of their leaving Achish, and the camp of the Philistines; so long they were upon their march homewards, (see <100101>2 Samuel 1:1,2); and no wonder, if it was the distance of eighty eight miles, (see Gill on “<092911>1 Samuel 29:11”); that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag; the southern parts of the land of the Philistines, and of Judah, as appears from (<093014>1 Samuel 30:14); taking the opportunity of the Philistines being gone into the land of Israel, and particularly of David’s absence…”

“THE AMALEKITES SPOIL ZIKLAG. (Sa1 30:1-5) Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag--While the strength of the Philistine forces was poured out of their country into the plain of Esdraelon, the Amalekite marauders seized the opportunity of the defenseless state of Philistia to invade the southern territory. Of course, David's town suffered from the ravages of these nomad plunderers, in revenge for his recent raid upon their territory.”

“On the third day - This indicates that Aphek was three days’ march from Ziklag, say about 50 miles, which agrees very well with the probable situation of Aphek (1 Samuel 4:1 note). From Ziklag to Shunem would not be less than 80 or 90 miles. The Amalekites, in retaliation of David’s raids 1 Samuel 27:8-9, invaded “the south” of Judah Joshua 15:21; but owing to the absence of all the men with David there was no resistance, and consequently the women and children were carried off as prey, and uninjured. return to 'Top of Page'”

“The south - Namely, the southern part of Judah, and the adjacent parts. 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 30:4”

“30:1 Ziklag: See study note on 27:6. • Perhaps the Amalekites were retaliating for David’s raids against them (27:8).”

“were come: Sa1 29:11; Sa2 1:2 on the third: This was the third day after he had left the Philistine army at Aphek, from which place, Calmet supposes, Ziklag was distant more than thirty leagues. the Amalekites: Sa1 15:7, Sa1 27:8-10; Gen 24:62; Jos 11:6 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 30:2”

“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…”