1 Samuel 30:15 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 30:15 mean?

1 Samuel 30:15 shows David asking a young man if he can lead him to the raiding group they are pursuing, and the young man agreeing—but only after David swears by God not to kill him or hand him back to his master. This verse highlights a negotiation where the young man seeks protection in exchange for his help.

David is speaking to an abandoned Egyptian servant who had belonged to an Amalekite, the group that raided Ziklag. The young man is in a vulnerable position, so he bargains for his life and safety before agreeing to guide David and his men to the enemy camp. This moment sets up David’s pursuit and eventual rescue of the captives.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 30:15

• "Swear" (שָׁבַע, shava): The young man asks David to make a solemn oath by God, showing how seriously he takes the promise and how much he fears for his safety.
• "Deliver" (סָגַר, sagar): The word carries the sense of handing someone over into another’s power, which emphasizes the servant’s fear of being returned to his harsh master.
• "Company" (גְּדוּד, gedud): This word refers to a band or troop, specifically the raiding party. It clarifies that David is seeking the location of the group that attacked his people.

Why 1 Samuel 30:15 matters

• This verse highlights the desperation and vulnerability of the Egyptian servant, showing how people caught between powerful groups often have to negotiate for their survival.
• The request for an oath "by God" underlines the seriousness of promises in ancient Israelite culture and the trust placed in such oaths.
• The verse sets up the turning point in the story, where David gains the information he needs to pursue the Amalekites, leading to the rescue of his people and possessions.