The Amalekites had invaded the south— These Amalekites appear to have been clans of straggling freebooters, who rambled from place to place, and were common enemies of mankind; like the Arabian Hordes, living upon rapine and plunder wherever they came. It may seem strange, David having killed all he could meet with, chap. 1 Samuel 27:9 that they should not have served his people in the same manner. But though they sought revenge, says Bishop Patrick, yet they desired booty much more. Being a poor and covetous people, they spared not the women and children out of compassion, but because they wanted slaves either for their own use, or to sell to others. But, be this as it may, one cannot help observing the gracious interposition of Providence in this event; for, doubtless, it is most extraordinary, that the captives should have been thus spared, to be recovered afterwards perfectly safe and unhurt out of the hands of a people to abandoned and execrable as the Amalekites.
REFLECTIONS.—Little thought David and his men, while they were marching in the camp of the Philistines, what ravages were committing at home by their enemies.
1. The Amalekites, in their absence, probably having intelligence of it, fall upon the defenceless city, plunder and burn it, reserving all the women and children alive; not out of pity, it is to be feared, but covetousness; and in truth withheld secretly by God. Note; God can make the sins of men subserve his designs of mercy.
2. Great was the distress and consternation of David and his men at this unexpected calamity. Three days they had spent in marching home, and when they hoped to rest their weary limbs, lo! their houses are burnt, and their families gone, uncertain whether captives or murdered, and David's wives among the rest. Note; (1.) We know not, when we go from home, what scenes of mourning may meet us on our return. (2.) The more we promise ourselves comfort in the creature, the bitterer will be our disappointment.
3. While tears would flow, they wept, and wearied themselves with sorrow; and when these fountains were dry, in distress and despair the men turned their complaints on David, and threatened to stone him, as the author of their calamity by leading them from their home. Thus was his faith severely exercised, and sorrow added to sorrow. Note; (1.) Suffering is apt to make us impatient; and, though we dare not fly in the face of God, we are ready to lay hands on those who have been, though innocently, instruments of bringing us into the trouble. (2.) Great saints become so by great sufferings. Grace, like the palm-tree, crescit sub pondere, grows under trials.
4. David, under all his afflictions, encouraged himself in God. Though he shared deeper than any man in the general loss, and in this unreasonable anger of theirs bore a grief peculiarly his own, he yet thought upon God, his power, love, and faithfulness, and still hoped in his mercy. This was his support in the time of his trouble; nor was he disappointed of his hope; for no man ever trusted God, and was ashamed. Note; (1.) Our circumstances can never be so bad, nor our case so deplorable, but there is ground for faith in the promises of God. (2.) To encourage our souls in him, is the surest way to escape from our troubles.