And David came to the two hundred men, which were so faint that they could not follow David, whom they had made also to abide at the brook Besor: and they went forth to meet David, and to meet the people that were with him: and when David came near to the people, he saluted them.

1 SAMUEL 30:21KJV
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1 Samuel 30:21 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 30:21 mean?

1 Samuel 30:21 describes David returning to the two hundred men who had stayed behind at the brook Besor because they were too exhausted to continue. When David and those with him came back, these men came out to meet him, and David greeted them kindly.

In this verse, David is coming back from pursuing the Amalekites, having left part of his group behind due to their weakness. The two hundred men had not abandoned the mission, but had been assigned to stay with the supplies at the brook Besor. As David approaches, these men come out to meet him and the rest of the group, and David acknowledges them with a greeting, showing respect and inclusion.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 30:21

  • The word for "faint" is עָיֵף (ʿāyēph), which means weary or exhausted. This highlights that the two hundred men were not unwilling, but physically unable to continue.
  • The word for "saluted" is שָׁאַל (sha'al) combined with שָׁלוֹם (shalom), meaning to ask about peace or well-being. David’s greeting is more than a simple hello; it is a warm inquiry about their welfare, showing care and respect.

Why 1 Samuel 30:21 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the two hundred men were not deserters, but were left behind due to exhaustion, which helps prevent misunderstanding about their loyalty or courage.
  • David’s respectful greeting to those who stayed behind sets up the following verses, where he insists on their right to share in the spoils, emphasizing fairness and unity among his followers.
  • The verse highlights David’s leadership style—he values and includes everyone in his group, not just the strongest or most able, which is a key theme in this chapter.