Translations
Modern
…because two hundred men were too exhausted to cross the brook. But David and four hundred men continued in pursuit.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And David pursued, he and four hundred men; for two hundred men stayed behind who were so weary that they could not cross the Brook of Besor.
Latin
Persecutus est autem David ipse, et quadringenti viri: substiterant enim ducenti, qui lassi transire non poterant torrentem Besor.
Original
Hebrew
English
…because two hundred men were too exhausted to cross the brook. But David and four hundred men continued in pursuit.
Notes
too exhausted: David's men were very tired after traveling for three days (1 Samuel 30:1). They were now chasing the Amalekites without having rested. David did not scold them or force them to keep going without mercy. See 1 Samuel 30:23–25.
Theme notes and profiles
Events
People
David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ
Places
Besor: Brook where David's men pursued the Amalekites
Glossary
Abigail Amalek, Amalekites Besor, Brook of Caravan David Hormah Samuel, Books of First and Second Shunem
Topics
Abiathar: High Priest--Called Ahimelech: Consults the Ephod for David Abigail: Nabal's Wife: Taken Captive and Rescued by David Amalekites: Defeated by David Besor: A Brook Near Gaza The Amalekites: Pursued and Slain by David