1 Samuel 30:31 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

And to them which were in Hebron, and to all the places where David himself and his men were wont to haunt. To them which were in Hebron - This was a place strongly attached to David, and David to it, and the place where he was proclaimed king, and where he reigned more than seven years previously to the death of Ishbosheth, Saul's son, who was, for that time, his competitor in the kingdom.

David's having sent presents to all these places, not only shows his sense of gratitude, but that the booty which he took from the Amalekites must have been exceedingly great. And we learn from this also that David sojourned in many places which are not mentioned in the preceding history; for these are all said to be places where David and his men were wont to haunt.

We are not to suppose that the transactions mentioned here and in the preceding chapter took place after Saul's interview with the woman of En-dor, they were considerably antecedent to this, but how long we do not know. What is recorded in the following chapter must have taken place the next day after Saul left En-dor.

Commentary on the Bible, by Adam Clarke [1831].

1 Samuel 30:31

31 And to them which were in Hebron, and to all the places where David himself and his men were wont to haunt.