Definition: And David said to him, Canst thou bring me down to this company? And he said, Swear unto me by God, that thou wilt neither kill me, nor deliver me into the hands of my master, and I will bring thee down to this company.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 30:15. It's a really important moment in David’s early life and sets up a core theme about his character. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, David is testing someone's loyalty and willingness to obey God. Let’s go through it step-by-step: “And David said to him…” : David is talking directly to someone – likely a servant or someone he trusts. “…Canst thou bring me down to this company?” : This is the core of the question. David is asking if this person can physically take him away from his group of people, which is a significant and important group. It implies a level of importance for David. “And he said…” : The person responds with a firm oath – a swearing-in. “…Swear unto me by God, that thou wilt neither kill me, nor deliver me into the hands of my master…” : This is the crucial part. This person promises to protect David at all costs. They swear an oath to never harm him, and crucially, they’ll not let him be taken away by anyone else – including his master. What's the big takeaway? This verse shows a few things about David: He valued loyalty above all else: The oath is incredibly serious; it demonstrates that he placed a huge importance on keeping his promises and protecting those he cares about. He was willing to be tested: David was facing a difficult situation – being put in a group with people who might want to harm him. He chose to stand firm against that threat, showing his strength and commitment. In essence, this verse highlights David's character as someone who is deeply loyal, steadfast, and willing to sacrifice for what he believes in. --- Do you have any other questions about this verse or would you like me to explain another part of 1 Samuel 30? For example, are you curious about: The context of the situation David was in? What kind of oath is being made?