1 Samuel 30:15

Arabic SVD 1865 Version (Smith and Van Dyke)

فقال له داود هل تنزل بي الى هؤلاء الغزاة. فقال احلف لي بالله انك لا تقتلني ولا تسلمني ليد سيدي فانزل بك الى هؤلاء الغزاة.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, David is talking to an Egyptian slave. He asks the slave to guide him to a group of raiders. The slave agrees but makes David promise not to hurt him or give him back to his master.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing hide and seek, and you find a friend who knows where the seekers are hiding. You ask them to show you, but they're scared you'll tell on them or make them go back to the seekers. So, you promise not to do those things, and then they help you.

Historical Background

This verse is from the Book of 1 Samuel, written around the 6th century BCE. It is part of the historical narratives in the Old Testament, detailing events in the life of King David. The context is the ancient Near East, where slavery and tribal conflicts were common.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can teach us about the importance of trust and loyalty. For example, if a coworker knows about a problem but is afraid to speak up, you might earn their trust by promising not to betray them or put them in a worse position.

Topics

• trust
• loyalty
• promise
• conflict resolution
• ancient history
• slavery

Related Verses

• Exodus 21:16
• Joshua 2:14
• 2 Samuel 15:37
• 1 Corinthians 7:20
• 1 Timothy 6:1

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Egyptian slave ask David to swear?

The slave was concerned about his safety and future, so he wanted a promise that David wouldn't harm him or return him to his master.

What can we learn about David's leadership style from this verse?

David shows a willingness to negotiate and make promises to gain crucial information, which can be seen as a sign of both strategic thinking and integrity.

How does this story fit into the larger narrative of 1 Samuel?

This story is part of the larger narrative showing David's rise and the challenges he faced as a leader, including dealing with enemies and gaining allies.

What does this verse tell us about the society in which David lived?

It reflects a society where slavery was common and where trust between different parties could be fragile, requiring explicit promises and guarantees.