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Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 30 - Verse 10

30:10
But David pursued, he and four hundred men: for two hundred abode behind, which were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of 1 Samuel, we see David's determination and compassion in action. Despite facing overwhelming odds, David continues to pursue his enemies with only four hundred men by his side. However, out of these four hundred men, two hundred are too exhausted to continue and are left behind at the brook Besor. This detail highlights David's leadership and strategic thinking, as he recognizes that pushing his men beyond their limits would be unwise. Instead, he shows care and concern for their well-being by allowing them to rest and recover. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding in leadership, as well as the necessity of knowing when to pause and regroup in the face of challenges.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of 1 Samuel, we see David embarking on a pursuit with four hundred men. The text mentions that two hundred of them were too faint to continue and had to stay behind at the brook Besor. This raises questions about the significance of numbers in the Bible, particularly the numbers four hundred and two hundred. In theological interpretation, the number four often symbolizes completeness or fullness, while the number two can represent division or union. Some scholars suggest that David's pursuit with four hundred men indicates a full effort on his part, while the presence of the two hundred faint individuals could symbolize a division within his group. Additionally, the mention of the brook Besor could hold symbolic significance, as water is often linked to renewal and cleansing in biblical imagery. Through word studies, we can delve deeper into the Hebrew origins of the names and places mentioned in this verse, providing further insight into the spiritual lessons that can be drawn from David's pursuit and the challenges faced by his followers.

American Standard Version

But David pursued, he and four hundred men; for two hundred stayed behind, who were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor.
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