And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.

2 SAMUEL 1:3KJV
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2 Samuel 1:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 1:3 mean?

2 Samuel 1:3 describes David questioning a man who has just arrived, asking where he has come from, and the man replying that he has escaped from the camp of Israel. The verse shows a moment of inquiry and sets up the conversation that follows about recent events affecting Israel.

David is speaking to a messenger who has come to him after a battle. The situation is tense, as David has not yet heard the outcome of the conflict between Israel and the Philistines. The man's answer signals that something significant has happened in Israel's camp, prompting David to seek more information.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 1:3

  • "Camp" (מַחֲנֶה, machaneh): This word refers to a military encampment or the organized group of Israel's army. Its use here emphasizes that the man is coming from the heart of Israel's forces, not just any location.
  • "Escaped" (מָלַט, malat): This word means to flee or escape from danger. The man's use of this term suggests urgency and possibly that he survived a disaster or defeat, hinting at the gravity of the news he brings.

Why 2 Samuel 1:3 matters

  • The verse highlights David's position outside the main events, showing he is not yet aware of Saul's fate or the outcome of the battle, which builds suspense for the reader.
  • The man's statement that he escaped from Israel's camp foreshadows the tragic news about Israel's defeat and Saul's death, which will shape the next stage of David's life.
  • This exchange sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, where the truth about the battle and its consequences for Israel and David will be revealed.

Where else these words appear

“escaped” Hebrew H4422 · used in 85 verses

  • Genesis 19:17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.
  • Esther 4:13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.
  • Isaiah 46:2 They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity.